תוכן עניינים
Why the Pre-Handover Inspection Is Critical
The moment you sign the handover protocol and receive the keys, the burden of proof for any newly discovered defects shifts — the contractor may argue that defects arose after delivery. A thorough documented inspection on the day of handover protects your legal rights and creates a formal record that can be used in future legal proceedings.
What to Check Room by Room
General — All Rooms
- Walls: cracks, uneven plastering, paint bubbles or discoloration
- Floors: chips, uneven tiles, grout gaps, hollow-sounding tiles (tap each one)
- Ceilings: water stains, cracks, uneven finish
- Windows and doors: proper fit, smooth operation, sealing strips present
- Electrical outlets and light switches: functioning, properly aligned
Kitchen
- Water pressure and drainage from all taps and sink
- Cabinet hinges, doors, and drawer slides: smooth operation, no gaps
- Tiling: alignment, grout integrity, no hollow tiles
Bathrooms
- Run all taps simultaneously — check water pressure and drainage speed
- Flush toilet — check seal and water fill
- Shower: check all tiles, sealing around base, drainage slope
- Hot water heater connections
Balcony and Exterior
- Waterproofing at walls and floor junctions
- Drainage direction — water must flow toward drain, not back toward the apartment
- Railing height and stability
How to Document Defects
- Photograph everything: Take dated photos of every defect, including wide shots establishing location and close-ups showing detail.
- Video walkthrough: Record a continuous room-by-room video with verbal narration of each defect.
- Written protocol: Write every defect on the official handover protocol form. If the contractor’s representative refuses to acknowledge a defect, note the refusal in writing and sign on your own copy.
- Do not skip the signature: Do not sign the protocol as “received in satisfactory condition” — always note every defect before signing.
What Happens After the Inspection
After documenting defects, you must send a formal written demand to the contractor by registered mail, listing all defects and demanding repair within a reasonable time (typically 30 days for non-urgent items, 3–7 days for urgent matters such as water leaks).
How Lev-Taieb Can Help
A proper pre-handover inspection and correct documentation are the foundation of any construction defect claim. The attorneys at Lev-Taieb can guide you through the process and represent you if the contractor refuses to repair. Contact us at 072-2428822.
