For every stage
Pick the stage that matches your site right now. Every checklist shows the most expensive defects and what to photograph before it disappears.
Structure & building envelope
- Foundation slab before the pour: what to document nowConcrete on its way? What has to be signed off, checked and photographed beforehand — and which questions to put to the site management now.
- Foundation slab poured: what you can still check and document nowFoundation slab freshly poured? What can still be checked now, which records you should request — and what you better not judge yourself.
- Before the slab arrives: what you should check on the masonry nowThe walls are up, the slab is still missing. What to look out for now with openings, lintels, and dimensions while everything is still accessible.
- Floor slab poured: what you can still checkThe slab is poured. These expensive defects are the most common ones and this is what to document before the next storey goes up.
- Structural work finished: what to check before windows, facade and fit-outThe masonry is finished. What matters at the shell handover and which records you should request now.
- Floor slab before the pour: what you should document nowThe slab formwork is ready, the concrete is coming soon? What needs to be released, checked and photographed now, before everything disappears into the concrete.
- Roof structure is open: now all connections are visibleThe roof structure is up and still open. The most common timber defects and what you should photograph before insulation and cladding are installed.
- Membranes are on: checking the second water-bearing layerMembranes and underlays are on the roof. The most common defects and what you should document before the roof covering goes on.
- Roof covering finished: what can still be checkedThe roof covering is complete. What to look at now and which photos of the hidden layers you need to request.
- Flat roof raw deck: what to check before waterproofingThe flat-roof deck is still open. What to document on falls, outlets and the parapet before membrane or bitumen goes on.
- Flat roof waterproofing complete: What you should check nowThe flat roof waterproofing is finished. What you should watch out for regarding seams, falls, emergency overflows and standing water.
- Windows installed, joints open: The most important moment for photosThe windows are installed, the joints are still open. The most common defects at the window connection and what you should document right now.
- Facade insulation fitted: execution is still checkable nowInsulation is on, render still missing. The most common defects in an external insulation system and what you should photograph now.
- Facade rendered: what can still be judged on the finished build-upThe facade is rendered or clad. What you should look out for now and which photos from the open construction phase you need to request.
Services & building technology
- Pipes exposed: the last look at the pipe routeThe pipes are exposed. The most common defects in plumbing installations and what you should photograph before walls and floors are closed.
- Pipes insulated: your last chance before they are closed inPipes are insulated and about to be closed in. These defects cost the most later and this is what to document now.
- Prewall installation is open: every detail counts nowThe prewall element is open. The most common defects for WC, basin and shower and what you should document now.
- Wall installation & boxes: last check before the plaster comesChases, conduits and flush boxes are in place. The most common defects and what you should document before the walls are plastered.
- Floor wiring done: the screed covers everything permanentlyThe cables are in the floor and the screed is coming. The most common defects and what you have to photograph now.
- Electrical final fit-out, distribution board & smart home: function testing matters nowSockets, switches, network cables and the distribution board are fitted. This checklist shows what you should check and document now.
- Underfloor heating laid: last check before the screed is pouredThe heating loops are laid and the screed is coming. The most common expensive defects and what you need to photograph now.
- Ventilation ducts installed: check before insulation or drywallThe ventilation ducts are installed and still visible. The most common defects and what you should document before everything is covered up.
- Heat pump, manifolds & final fit-out: the heart of the system is visibleThe heating plant is in place, manifolds are finished and ventilation valves are fitted. What to check and document now.
Interior fit-out & surfaces
- Insulation down: last check before the screedInsulation and impact sound layers are down, the screed is next. The most common floor build-up defects and what you should document now.
- Check subfloor before flooring: moisture, cracks, levelnessThe subfloor is dry and the covering is next. These checks should be completed and documented before laying starts.
- Tiles, parquet & joints: the expensive finish is openTiles, parquet or other finishes are being laid. What you should check now before skirting and joints cover everything.
- Walls still open: Last check before plaster or second boardingDrywall boarded on one side only or masonry prep for base plaster. What you should document now before services and junctions disappear.
- Walls closed: check flatness and surface before the painterWet plaster or closed, jointed drywall. The flatness check before paint or wallpaper.
- Painting & final surfaces: visual inspection in daylightWalls are painted, papered or finished with decorative plaster. The most common disputes and what you should check now in daylight.
- Liquid waterproofing applied: last check before tilingThe blue, green or grey waterproofing layer is on the walls. The key check of corners and shower drains before tiles cover everything.
- Tiles laid and grouted: check falls, hollow spots and scratchesWalls and floors are tiled, silicone joints are in place. What to check now: hollow tiles, shower falls and scratches.
- Final fit-out of sanitary fixtures: check scratches and fitBasin, WC, taps and shower enclosure are fitted. The most error-prone phase for visual defects on ceramics and chrome.
- Interior doors & frames are set: check function and junctionsInterior doors and frames are set. Check immediately for drag marks, sticking locks and faulty junction gaps.
- The kitchen is installed: check water, worktop and fitsThe kitchen is fitted. The key check for water connections, scratches on the worktop and clean filler panels.
- Timber stair & railing are installed: treads, creaking and stabilityTimber stair and railing are installed. What to look out for now: scratches on the treads, creaking and railing stability.
Final phase & handover
- Building acceptance is today: what you must not forgetBuilding acceptance is today or tomorrow. The most expensive mistakes you must not overlook on the walk-through — short and clear.
- Pre-acceptance today: build your own defect list calmlyYou are walking the house yourself today or tomorrow. How to build your own defect list before the official acceptance appointment.
- Pre-acceptance in a few days: prepare systematically nowYour own walk-through is in the next few days. How to use the time for a clear defect list before the official appointment.
- Pre-acceptance later: use the time until then wellYour own walk-through is still further away. How to set up the structure now before the official appointment raises the pressure.
- Defect follow-up: check every recorded item againThe follow-up inspection is upcoming. How to check whether the defects recorded in the acceptance protocol have really been fixed.
- Defects partly fixed: separate done and open items cleanlySome recorded defects are said to be fixed. How to separate completed and open items cleanly and record the status.
- Follow-up done: secure remaining defects and deadlines nowThe follow-up inspection has taken place. How to record remaining defects, deadlines and today's condition in a dependable way.
Independent of trade
- The 360° walk: how to secure your site with no technical prior knowledgeNo expertise needed: with the four-corner principle, a moisture check, material labels and cleanliness photos you secure the current state of your building site.
- Structure & envelope: the 80/20 walk for the critical spotsSeveral trades in parallel or hard to place? This short red list shows what to secure on the shell and envelope today — plus links to the detail checklists.
- Building services: The 80/20 walk for the critical spotsSeveral trades in parallel or hard to place? This short red list shows what to secure in building services before covering — plus links to the detail checklists.
- Interior finishes: the 80/20 walk for the critical spotsSeveral trades in parallel or hard to place? This short red list shows what to secure in the interior before the next cover-up — plus links to the detail checklists.
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SuperDave checks jobsite photos, flags anything that stands out and delivers a complete defect report — sorted by severity and building codes.