Hi Folks

Our construction project nearing completion, I was wondering if anyone can recommend an expert for accompanying us at the handover. The reason being: there are surely obvious things that even we will notice, but there might be constructional issues that only an expert would spot.

Also if you have any tips for such a handover...

I would be interested to know the details too. I was told to get someone from HEV if you live in AG or a similar organization in your Canton.

I doubt that.

Do it yourself, perhaps armed with a list gleaned from the web.

There's a time limit of a few months to a year where you'll be able to get things fixed at no cost to you and you'll never spot them all at once.

One thing which will take more than a cursory visit is a check to see whether the heating works correctly.
Check it now. Don't wait for winter.

Yes, first tip:
"Our construction project", what is it? a singe family house, apartment you bought, a road construction (ok, that's a joke ,.....
There is a huge difference between the first and the second

You have 2 years for all defects to be rectified by the builder and 5 years for any hidden defects.

I use AFRY on our construction projects. They are very good. afry.com to find a number close to you. They also speak English.

Alternatively, you can also take out insurance, especially if you're worried about the builder still being around in 5 years time.

Ours was around for one year before dissolving his company and then carrying on as before!

I would call HEV in your area or what LuganoPirate suggested.

I've taken new built twice. On the first day you will only have a few hours and anyway you can only look at superficial things. It is only when you start living in it that you will notice more issues. I would not really pay for an expert to come in and have a look. Usually these issues are fixed within the first few months.

A few months before the 2 years initial warranty is up - that's when I would get the expert, and even then, do it together with your neighbours. You will get to know what issues exist with the neighbours and chances are the same issues will exist in your place too.

About getting the insurance - this is something you should ask from the developer before you pay the downpayment! Ask for a copy of the construction and maintenance bond or guarantee (here it is called a Kaution). You should not be made to pay for it directly, it is part of the construction package and most likely a requirement that they have it before they get financed or get permission to start building. Everyone should get a copy of that guarantee before paying a reservation fee and 15-20% and hoping that the construction will actually finish in 1-2 years... If they provide a guarantee from UBS for example, then you know that UBS has done the due diligence for you.

What the 'expert' will, or may not be able to spot:

Faulty, hidden construction techniques (not enough rebar, wrong mix in concrete, no damp-proof membrane etc).

Leaks under shower trays and baths or in hidden piping.*

Heating problems (and leaks).*

Ventilation problems due to faulty design that ultimately cause mould over time.*

Other things for the list for you to check (this list is not exhaustive):

Pitting in glazing due to inadequate protection when using angle grinders nearby.*

No cracks in glazing (especially small ones in corners).*

All windows open and close correctly.

All electric shutters work.

All light switches and electric sockets work.*

All switched electric sockets work (those for free-standing lamps, for example).

Door bell works*

All RJ45/RJ11 sockets work (test with a 20 CHF ali-express tester)

All built-in kitchen appliances function correctly.

Every water tap gives hot and cold water.

Sun blinds operate correctly.

No floor or wall tiles are cracked and no grouting is missing.

* I found all these in a new build (after the hand-over).

Check that the shower works and that the water stays in the bathroom...

we have a bathroom on the same floor as the "Garage" in a family house. Obviously we stored many boxes in the Garage. The day after the move after everyone showered, there was lots of water in the Garage and many boxes wet...

so let the shower run for a couple of minutes and see if there is any water showing up on any floor nearby.

Noise insulation from the neighbours or from appliances in your own home.... that's what got us.

How do you decide and agree what is actually a tolerable noise level, and in any case, is there a fix for this problem?

We got someone to come and measure the noise. Some things we could fix (bathtub noise from upstairs) and some things we couldn't (shower/toilet noise). The corridor stairs were also overly loud, which we fixed with carpeting.

Quite a few different people built our house and the architect didn't do his job in taking noise insulation seriously. I'm sure noise problems happen much less today as noise has become a relevant factor in designing a building and not just something to put up with.

We still have the house and many of the noise issues remain. The upstairs washing machine spin cycle is so loud that everyone has agreed it shouldn't be used at night.

__________________
Faith isn't about everything turning out okay. Faith is about being okay no matter how things turn out.

Test everything - plugs, keys, appliances, blinds etc etc. Check if they work as expected.

Check if all the agreed fittings, changes are present.

Check visually - if the floor has any marks, holes etc, if the gap between floor and wall is larger than standard.

You will have a few weeks time to report all damages. Plan a few visits, check room by room, take your time.

And if it is a condominium, speak to neighbours to share findings.

Keys and duplicates... how many.
Each one of the entire set of keys per lock, open and closing the lock from both sides of the door.

Another important thing to check is the black water drainage. If possible check this after the toilets are installed and before the interiors are complete. In one case with us the pipe to the sewer was cracked and had not been noticed. After a day or two you will notice something is amiss from the smell!! Also check all the traps in the showers / bath etc are functioning.