New-home handover

Chartered New Home Handover Inspection

A practical inspection before handover, looking beyond cosmetic snagging to the visible construction, external works and site issues that affect how the home performs.

Who it is for

Purchasers approaching handover of a newly built house or apartment.

When it is needed

Before final handover where access is available, so defects can be clearly recorded and raised.

What Whitestrand does

Inspects accessible areas of the home, visible workmanship, drainage, levels, external works, boundaries, service covers, driveway and garden falls.

What you receive

A clear written and photographic record of items requiring attention, with practical explanation of why they matter.

More than surface marks

The inspection considers visible construction defects, signs of incomplete work or rework, and whether the house and site show the expected evidence of coordinated completion. The purpose is to present issues clearly so the contractor can address the necessary work before or after handover as agreed.

Relevant limitations

The service is a visual, non-invasive inspection of accessible areas. It does not involve opening up work, destructive testing, testing concealed services or guaranteeing that every hidden defect is identified. Specialist testing or further investigation may be recommended where visible evidence warrants it.

Relevant experience

Advice informed by weekly handover delivery.

James Kelly's residential site-management work with Hallmark Developments included new-home delivery and handover at approximately one house per week. That role required practical control of defects, sequencing, finishes, external works and the coordination pressures behind handover.

Handover enquiry