What Should Happen Before You Make the Final Handover Payment?
The joint walkthrough, snag list, tests and documents that should be complete before the retention is released — and what to do if they are not.
The final payment — usually a 5% retention — is the last moment when finishing a job properly is in everyone's interest. Release it only after a structured handover, and treat the documents as part of the home.
The joint walkthrough
Walk every room with the builder's engineer, in daylight, with water and power on. Record snags with a photo and a location. Typical items: paint touch-ups, tile lippage, door alignment, window seals, silicone at basins, loose switches, sticking drawers, uneven grout. Agree a date for closure and a second walkthrough.
Tests to witness
- Every tap, flush and shower run; drains clear; no drips at joints
- Water poured on bathroom and balcony floors reaches the drain
- Overhead tank filled; float valve, overflow and outlets working
- Every switch and socket tested; RCCB trip test; earth resistance report
- Doors and windows open, close and lock; mesh and seals fitted
- Terrace outlets clear; rainwater pipes connected
- Gas, geyser and any automation commissioned
Documents to receive
| Document | Why you need it |
|---|---|
| As-built drawings (architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing) | For any future work — you will not remember where the pipes are |
| Concrete cube test reports and steel test certificates | Proof of grade for the life of the building |
| Waterproofing ponding-test records | Baseline for any leak claim |
| Product warranties (sanitaryware, geysers, uPVC, paint) | Manufacturer claims are separate from the builder's |
| Builder's defect liability and workmanship warranty | The document that defines who fixes what, for how long |
| Completion certificate / occupancy documents as applicable | Required for connections, loans and resale |
If snags are not closed
Hold the retention. It exists precisely for this. Agree a closure date in writing and a reasonable estimate of the cost of the open items; a professional builder will not object because the retention was always meant to be released against a clean list.