Don't Pay The Final 5-10% Yet
Once you make the final payment, your leverage is gone. Perform a thorough defects check 1-2 weeks before the promised handover date.
The Checklist
- ✓Carpentry: Doors align, drawers slide smooth, no sharp edges
- ✓Tiling: Tap tiles with coin (hollow sound = air pocket = potential crack)
- ✓Plumbing: Turn on all taps, check under sinks for drips
- ✓Electrical: Test every socket with a phone charger
- ✓Paint: Check for patchiness under bright light
- ✓Glass: Check for scratches on mirrors and shower screens
Rectification Timeline
💡Be Reasonable
Minor touch-ups (paint, silicone) take days. Major rectifications (replacing a scratched glass panel or hollow tiles) can take weeks. Agree on a timeline for fixes before moving your furniture in.