What You Need to Know
For Hong Kong new home inspections, the most important steps are: upon receiving the handover notice from the developer, arrange an inspection as soon as possible, document all defects item by item, submit a written defect list, and conduct a follow-up inspection after repairs are completed. Inspections can generally be carried out by the homeowner or by a professional inspector. Actual deadlines and procedures are subject to the sale and purchase agreement, the sales brochure, and the developer's notice.
What to Prepare Before the Inspection
Documents
The handover notice and the developer's inspection / defect record form.
Sales and purchase agreement, sales brochure, unit floor plan, and specifications.
Details of equipment, finishing materials, and brands promised by the developer.
Your identity document; if attended by a representative, bring a letter of authorization and relevant documents.
Mobile phone or camera — preferably with date and time stamping enabled.
Tools
High-powered flashlight.
Measuring tape or laser distance meter.
Spirit level.
Socket tester or mobile phone charger.
A small amount of water, for testing drainage.
A ping-pong ball, for roughly testing floor gradient.
Paper, pen, tape or sticky labels, for marking problem areas.
For professional inspections, hollow-sounding hammers, moisture meters, and other testing instruments may be used. Generally, allow 1 to 2 hours for a standard unit; larger units or those with more issues may require additional time.
Essential Inspection Checklist
1. Verify Specifications and Dimensions
- Confirm the unit number, floor, orientation, and view are correct.
- Check that room layout, wall positions, and door/window locations match the floor plan.
- Measure ceiling height, room dimensions, and utility platform size.
- Verify the quantity and placement of kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, bathroom fittings, and fixtures.
- Confirm appliances, sanitary ware, lighting, and brand models as promised by the developer.
2. Walls, Ceilings, and Floors
- Check for cracks, peeling, uneven surfaces, stains, or water marks.
- Inspect paint for uniform colour, and look for missed spots, bubbling, or patching marks.
- Examine floor tiles, wall tiles, and timber flooring for chipped edges, cracks, scratches, or hollow spots.
- Check that skirting boards are straight and firmly secured.
- Inspect wall corners, floor joints, and ceiling joints for neat finishing. Use tape to mark any defects nearby and take both wide and close-up photos for easy reference later.
3. Doors, Windows, and Glass
- Test the main door, bedroom doors, kitchen door, and bathroom door for smooth opening and closing.
- Check that door locks, hinges, door stoppers, and fire door fittings are functioning properly.
- Ensure windows can be fully opened, closed, and locked.
- Inspect glass for cracks, scratches, fogging, or visible stains.
- Check window frames and sills for signs of water seepage.
- Verify that the waterproof rubber seals on balcony doors and sliding doors are intact.
Kitchen, Bathroom & Electrical Equipment
4. Kitchen and Bathroom
- Turn on all taps to test water pressure and hot/cold water supply.
- After draining, check the drainage speed — look for backflow or pooling water.
- Inspect under the washbasin, bathtub, shower area, and kitchen sink for any leaks.
- Confirm that floor drains and floor slopes are appropriate.
- Test the exhaust fan, gas hob outlet, range hood position, and related sockets.
- Check the waterproof sealant around the sink, bathtub, toilet, and washbasin joints.
- Turn on the shower and flush the toilet — note water pressure, unusual odours, and any leakage.
- If a water flood test is required, confirm the arrangements and responsibilities with the developer or management office in advance. Do not block drains yourself, as this may cause damage.
5. Electrical, Communications & Equipment
- Test every switch, light switch, and power socket.
- Inspect the electrical panel, residual current circuit breakers, and labelling.
- Test the intercom, doorbell, network, and TV sockets.
- Switch on the air conditioning, exhaust fan, water heater, and any other included appliances.
- Verify the electricity, water, and gas meter readings and serial numbers.
- Check smoke detectors, sprinkler heads, and fire safety equipment for any visible damage.
6. Other Areas
Inspect the working platform, balcony, and windowsill.
Check for signs of water seepage on exterior walls, window edges, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Verify that the false ceiling access panel can be opened.
Inspect the air conditioning unit platform, pipes, and drainage points.
Confirm there is no construction debris, broken glass, or sharp objects left inside the unit.
If a parking space or storage room is included, verify the location, dimensions, and fittings separately.
Inspection Day Procedure
First, confirm the unit details and inspection checklist form.
Follow the floor plan and sales brochure, and inspect each room one by one.
Start with appearance and dimensions, then test water, electricity, doors, windows, and fittings.
For each issue found, record the exact location, nature of the defect, and the corresponding photo reference number.
Request the developer's representative to acknowledge receipt by signing the defect list.
Retain copies of all submitted checklists, photos, emails, and repair records.
Arrange a follow-up inspection after the developer completes the rectification works — do not accept verbal confirmation by phone only. It is generally understood that defect rectification for new residential properties is commonly completed within approximately six months from the handover date, though this may vary by project. Always refer to your contract and the developer's written notice rather than relying on general practice.
Important Things to Know
Don't just look at the surface.
Common issues in new homes include hollow floor tiles, stiff or misaligned doors and windows, slow drainage, pipe leaks, paint defects, and non-functioning fixtures.
Don't carry out large-scale repairs yourself.
Before the developer completes the defect rectification, document and report all issues first. Making your own replacements, drilling walls, or renovating may make it harder to establish liability later.
Serious issues should be reported in writing immediately.
Issues such as severe water seepage, electrical faults, windows that cannot be locked, structural cracks, or malfunctioning safety equipment should not be recorded merely as minor cosmetic defects.
A professional inspector is not mandatory, but can save time.
If you are unfamiliar with building, electrical, and drainage inspections, or if the unit is large, hiring an independent inspector is advisable. Confirm the scope of the report, whether follow-up inspections are included, and the fees involved.
An inspection does not verify all legal or structural matters.
A standard inspection mainly checks for visible defects and basic functionality. For structural safety, unauthorized works, water seepage liability, or contractual disputes, you should engage a registered professional or seek legal advice separately.
Book an Appointment / Enquiry
亦豐樓宇檢驗
Eco Full Building Inspection
Phone : +852 707 11 999
Email : [email protected]
WhatsApp : +852 707 11 999
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