Apartment Handover: How to Prepare and What to Check—Examples

Apartment handover: practical steps and mindset ✅

Handover is a decisive moment when buying or receiving an apartment. A careful inspection helps avoid unexpected repair costs and stress. This guide shows how to prepare, inspect reliably, document findings, and negotiate fixes — illustrated with practical examples.

Before you arrive: prepare 📋

• Collect all available documents: contract, technical papers, floor plans, and any finish or defect lists.
• Bring tools: flashlight, spirit level (or a phone app), screwdriver, measuring tape, and a smartphone with good camera. A small notepad is useful.
• Schedule the visit when both natural and artificial light are available — defects are easier to spot.
• Allow enough time: a proper inspection takes more than a quick walkthrough.

First checks to make 🔍

1. Entrance and common areas

   • Check locks, hinges, seals and the condition of the entrance door.
   • Note floor and wall condition in the corridor and any signs of moisture.

2. Windows and balconies

   • Inspect seals, hardware operation and moisture inside frames.
   • Check that sashes open smoothly and latch correctly.

3. Walls, ceilings and floors

   • Use a level or visual checks for major unevenness, large cracks or damp spots.
   • Record issues in clear phrases: “crack above the living room window”, “bulge on kitchen wall”.

4. Plumbing and wet areas 🚿

   • Turn on taps and showers to check pressure and leaks.
   • Inspect under sinks and around fixtures for dampness and poor sealing.

5. Electrical systems ⚡

   • Test sockets and switches; check lighting in all rooms.
   • Ensure the distribution board is accessible and labelled if possible.

6. Heating and ventilation

   • Verify radiators are installed and valves function where accessible.
   • Check that kitchen and bathroom ventilation is present and unobstructed.

How to document defects — examples and best practices 📝

• Take dated photos and videos focused on each defect with location context.
• Use short, factual statements: “tile grout missing in bathroom corner”, “loose balcony railing”.
• Capture demonstrations: open/close windows, turn on taps, measure floor slope.

Example acceptance report structure (concise) ✍️

• Header: address, date, attendees.
• Room-by-room condition summary.
• Defect list with photos/videos and proposed remedy (repair, replacement, adjustment).
• Agreed method and approximate timeline for corrections and signatures of both parties.

Negotiation tips and realistic requests 🛠️

• Be specific: ask for listed defects to be fixed before handover or agree on a written plan with deadlines.
• If repairs are planned after handover, document who will verify the job and accept the completion.
• Consider a compensation or price adjustment if repairs are likely to cause lengthy inconvenience.

When to call a specialist 👷

• For structural issues, major water ingress, questionable waterproofing or electrical concerns, hire an expert for a technical assessment.
• A professional report strengthens your position if disputes arise.

Common mistakes to avoid ⚠️

• Don’t sign a “no defects” acceptance if problems remain.
• Record everything with photos and written notes — memory alone is unreliable.
• Keep copies of all documents and media for warranty claims or future negotiations.

Simple checklist to follow ✅

1. Prepare documents and tools.
2. Inspect systematically by room.
3. Document defects with photos and descriptions.
4. Agree on remediation steps and record them.
5. Involve an expert when necessary.

If you’d like help preparing for a handover or want a BuyHome specialist to join the inspection, contact us. We can also help you find apartments and review documents: https://buyhome.ge/en/search