Handover is the last point at which you hold real leverage. Once the final payment is released, rectification depends entirely on goodwill and whatever the contract says about defects. Do it properly and slowly.

## Inspect before you release the final payment

Walk the whole property with the contractor, in daylight, with the power on and the water running. Take a torch. Take a spirit level. Take your time — a proper snag inspection on a full house renovation is a couple of hours, not fifteen minutes.

## What to check, room by room

- Doors and windows. Open and close every one fully. Check they latch, do not bind, and are square in the frame.
- Every switch and socket. Test them. Check the RCD trips when tested.
- Every tap, shower and drain. Run them together to check pressure, and check nothing pools away from the floor trap.
- Tiles. Tap across the floor listening for hollow sounds. Check grout lines are consistent and the fall runs to the trap.
- Paint. Look along walls at a shallow angle in natural light, not straight on. Roller marks and patchy coverage only show that way.
- Carpentry. Open every door and drawer. Check alignment, soft-close function and that edge banding is intact everywhere, including inside.
- Ceilings. Look for sagging between supports and for gaps at cornices.
- Silicone and sealant. Around every sink, basin, bath and countertop junction.

## Write it down and photograph it

One list, numbered, with a photograph of each item and a location. Both parties sign it. Agree a date by which the list will be cleared.

## Hold a retention

Retain an agreed portion of the contract sum until the defects liability period expires. That is what brings a contractor back for the leak that appears in month three, rather than a phone call that stops being answered.

## What to keep for later

Warranty documents for waterproofing, roofing and appliances. The electrical test certificate. Photographs you took of concealed services before they were covered. Paint brands and colour codes. That folder is worth real money the first time something needs opening up.

## Talk to CRITANS — Free Preliminary Consultation

CRITANS Building Services is a CIDB-registered general contractor (0120231107-SL127438) based in Ampang, Selangor, serving Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley. We handle residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, industrial and educational projects end to end.

Send us your floor plan, photos or a rough idea and we will come back with a realistic scope and budget. Consultation is completely free.

WhatsApp us now: +6016-610 4189

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