Home builder homeowner tool

New Home Warranty & Handover Checklist

Use this checklist near completion or before possession. It helps you separate visible deficiencies from warranty documents, manuals, inspection records, keys, service contacts, and seasonal items that may need follow-up.

Last updated Jul 11, 2026.

Completion prep

Prepare a practical new-home handover list

Handover focus

Possession stage

Documentation level

Follow-up flags

Missing documentsWarranty, inspection, manual, or service records are incomplete.Visible deficienciesFinish, trim, paint, cabinet, door, window, or surface issues need tracking.System concernHVAC, electrical, plumbing, alarm, water, or safety item is unclear.Exterior seasonalConcrete, paint, grading, landscaping, or drainage work is deferred.

Recommended next step

Prepare the walkthrough list

You can use this stage to organize documents, visible items, and orientation questions before possession.

Priority

Planning

Flags

Prep before quotes

Use a single dated list for deficiencies, missing documents, and owner questions.
Photograph each item and include room, location, and the expected correction.
Ask for equipment orientation, shutoff locations, and maintenance expectations before the walkthrough ends.
Bring drawings, contract scope, finish selections, phone camera, charger, flashlight, and a written note format.
Collect existing photos, rough goals, property constraints, and must-have dates before asking for pricing.
Mark the work area and note any access limits, parking limits, pets, tenants, or work-hour restrictions.

Questions for the home builder

What warranty documents, manuals, permits, inspection records, and service contacts should be handed over?
What is the process for submitting deficiencies after possession?
Which items are owner maintenance versus builder follow-up?
Which deficiencies must be complete before possession and which can be scheduled after?

Compare these assumptions

Pre-possession deficiency list
Post-possession warranty contact path
Seasonal completion schedule
Deficiency completion before possession versus documented post-possession follow-up

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What belongs in a new-home handover?

A handover is more than keys. Homeowners should leave with warranty contacts, equipment manuals, inspection records, deficiency notes, maintenance expectations, and clarity on what will be completed after possession.

The output is quote prep, not a permit ruling, engineering decision, health assessment, or final scope. Confirm technical and legal requirements with the relevant authority and qualified professionals before work starts.

Four details to settle before quotes

These are the assumptions most likely to make two quotes look similar while covering different work.

Deficiency list

Separate visible finish defects from incomplete work, seasonal exterior items, and owner preference changes.

Documents

Collect warranty contacts, permit or inspection records, manuals, paint colours, and fixture information.

Seasonal follow-up

Landscaping, exterior touch-ups, grading, and weather-dependent work may need dated follow-up notes.

Homeowner orientation

Ask for shutoffs, filters, panels, equipment, drains, alarms, irrigation, and maintenance responsibilities.

Home Builder tool FAQ

Is a new-home handover the same as a warranty claim?

No. A handover checklist organizes documents, visible deficiencies, and follow-up questions. Warranty rights and claim timing depend on your contract and applicable BC warranty rules.

What should I photograph during possession?

Photograph visible deficiencies, equipment labels, shutoffs, attic or crawl access points, exterior grading, concrete, decks, paint issues, and any item the builder agrees to correct later.

Should I ask for manuals and model numbers?

Yes. Equipment manuals, model numbers, filters, maintenance intervals, warranty contacts, and paint or finish details make future service easier.