New property and handover inspections
At handover, owners must notify developers of defects within the contractual deadline. Inspectors comprehensively examine the unit and consolidate issues into a defect list.
Man Kee Engineering Company
New property and handover inspections
First-hand, pre-sale, existing and older properties, and renovation inspections
Man Kee Engineering CompanyWe inspect new and existing properties for Hong Kong owners. Our inspectors are trained by government-registered engineers and building surveyors, who prepare our reports. We are appointed by major developers and have inspected over a thousand units.
Using a range of tools, we identify defects carefully and compile illustrated lists for developers or contractors. We serve every client with commitment, care, professionalism and focus.
Inspection fees:HK$3/sq ft for units over 800 sq ft, minimum HK$1,500, including re-inspection
Inspection types
Inspection types: new, existing and renovated properties
Objectives vary, so inspectors adjust their priorities to the property type:
First-hand and pre-sale property inspections
Handover inspections apply to completed first-hand and pre-sale units. Arrange one after receiving the keys and before furnishing or renovating, to distinguish original workmanship issues from subsequent damage.
Existing property inspections
These assess actual condition, including seepage, hollow areas, plumbing and electrical systems, helping buyers budget for repairs and renovation.
Older property inspections
Older buildings often have ceiling and wall seepage, concrete spalling, ageing pipes and leaking window frames. Inspectors use infrared scans and moisture meters; further investigation may includeLeak source detection。
Post-renovation inspection
After renovation and before final payment, an independent inspector checks masonry, paint, joinery, doors, windows, plumbing and electrical workmanship, listing defects for the contractor.
Re-inspection
After rectification, the inspector returns to verify each item. Re-inspection is included in our fee.
Service scope
Inspection scope: the whole property
Spaces comprehensively inspected
Living and dining rooms, master and guest bedrooms, helpers' rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, storerooms, balconies and external walls.
Finishes and fittings comprehensively inspected
Ceilings, cornices, walls, floors, skirtings, doors, windows, sills, mirrors, cabinets, glass, toilets, baths, basins, sanitary fittings, towel rails, shower curtain rails, toilet-roll holders, worktops, water supply, drainage and railings.
Appliances and installations comprehensively inspected
Doorbells, intercoms, switches, lights, air conditioners, heaters, cooker hoods, extractor fans, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, hobs, microwaves, ovens, gas water heaters, television sockets and telephone outlets.
On-site explanation and photographs
Inspectors explain defects throughout the property and photograph each item.
Professional report
An illustrated professional defect list is supplied after inspection.
Inspection tools
More than 30 professional inspection tools
Technicians select tools according to the property's conditions:
Measuring tools
- Tape measure
- Spirit level
- Square
- Crack gauge
- Ultrasonic distance meter
Testing instruments
- Thermo-hygrometer
- Infrared thermometer
- Rebar detector
- Hollow-area inspection probe
- Three-pin socket tester
Inspection aids
- White-light torch
- Inspection mirror
- Magnifying glass
- Binoculars
- Laser pointer
- Aluminium ladder
Recording tools
- Camera
- Notebook, ballpoint pen and marker
- Inspection labels
- Calculator
Water-testing and auxiliary supplies
- Bucket
- Marbles
- Towels, tissue and newspaper
Hand tools
- Flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers
- Scissors
- Utility knife
Testing methods
Five inspection methods
Methods include, but are not limited to, the following, selected as appropriate:
Professional visual inspection
Inspectors examine finishes, joints, edges and installations for visible cracks, colour differences, scratches, chipped corners and misalignment.
High-resolution infrared scanning
Infrared equipment measures temperature distributions on walls, ceilings and floors to identify possible dampness without damaging finishes. The principle is the same asInfrared leak detection.
Professional hammer sounding (hollow tile testing)
A hammer or hollow-area probe is used to tap walls and floors and assess bonding by sound. Hollow areas may later detach or crack and are marked in the report.
High-sensitivity moisture testing
Moisture meters corroborate suspicious thermal imaging findings, particularly around windows, bathrooms and kitchen walls.
Professional water testing
Running water tests check taps, toilets, basins, baths and floor drains for proper flow and leakage.
Inspection priorities
Common defect locations at new property handovers
These locations frequently reveal defects. Each property differs; findings depend on the on-site inspection:
Walls and ceilings
Cracked plaster, uneven or blistering paint, uneven walls and misaligned cornice joints.
Floors and skirtings
Uneven, scratched or hollow floors, excessive timber floor gaps and loose skirtings.
Doors and windows
Poor operation, loose locks or hinges, scratched glass, inadequate seals or seepage around windows.
Bathrooms and kitchens
Hollow or chipped tiles, slow drainage, unstable sanitary fittings or cabinet doors, and leaking joints.
Appliances and electrical installations
Faulty switches or sockets, inoperative lights or supplied appliances, and faulty doorbells or intercoms.
Balconies and external walls
Loose railings, blocked drains and damaged external finishes.
Inspection process
Inspection process: from booking to re-inspection
- Book an inspector Call us 92703423 or use theContact formto provide the address, area and handover date, and confirm timing and fees.
- Comprehensive on-site inspection The inspector brings equipment and checks the property through visual inspection, infrared scans, hammer sounding, moisture measurements and water tests.
- Explanation and photographic records The inspector explains the defects throughout the property and photographs each item.
- Property inspection reports An illustrated professional defect report is prepared by a building surveyor.
- Submit defects for rectification The owner gives the list to the developer or contractor and retains a copy.
- Re-inspection After repairs, the inspector checks each listed item on site.
Property inspection reports
Inspection reports, defect lists and snagging lists
Report contents
An illustrated defect list identifies issues and locations for the developer or contractor to rectify. Our reports are prepared by building surveyors.
Defect lists and snagging lists
These are different names for the same document listing the defects found during an inspection.
Sample inspection reports
OurSample inspection reportspage contains previous report PDFs so clients can review the format and detail before booking.
Inspection fees
HK$3/sq ft, minimum HK$1,500, including re-inspection
HK$3 per square foot per visit for units over 800 sq ft, minimum HK$1,500, including re-inspection.
Fee examples
- 800 sq ft: 800 × HK$3 = HK$2,400
- 1,000 sq ft: 1,000 × HK$3 = HK$3,000
- 1,200 sq ft: 1,200 × HK$3 = HK$3,600
For units below 800 sq ft, please call for a quotation.
Included in the fee
- A comprehensive on-site property inspection
- Selection from over 30 tools according to the property
- An explanation of defects throughout the property and photographic records
- An illustrated professional report (defect list)
- Re-inspection after rectification
Please call now 92703423 / 68186286 Book an inspector
Request an inspection quotation online ｜ Fees and re-inspection FAQs
Preparing for an inspection
Preparing for a handover inspection
- Provide booking information: address, floor area, property type and handover date.
- Ensure water and electricity are connected: to allow water and electrical testing.
- Bring keys and documents: including the developer's fittings and equipment list for verification.
- Inspect before furnishing or renovation: to distinguish original workmanship defects from subsequent damage.
- Check contractual deadlines: deadlines for developer rectification requests depend on the sale and purchase agreement.
- Attend the inspection: the inspector's on-site explanation helps you understand defects and follow up.
For further handover questions, seeNew property handover FAQs。
Inspection company
Why choose Man Kee for your inspection?
Inspectors trained by registered engineers and building surveyors
All inspectors receive professional training. For our team and qualifications, seeOur organisation and professional inspection team。
Reports prepared by building surveyors
Illustrated defect lists help contractors identify and address each issue.
An inspection team appointed by major developers
We have inspected more than a thousand units. For company background, seeAbout Man Kee Engineering。
Re-inspection included
Re-inspection after rectification is included in the inspection fee.
Customer reviews
Owners comparing inspection companies and recommendations can reviewCustomer feedback after inspection。
Frequently asked questions
Inspection service FAQs
Our fee is HK$3 per square foot per visit for units over 800 sq ft, minimum HK$1,500, including re-inspection. Quotes depend on the floor area and property type. Call 92703423 or 68186286 for details.
We comprehensively inspect rooms, finishes, sanitary fittings, plumbing, appliances and electrical installations; select from over 30 tools; explain and photograph defects; provide an illustrated report; and re-inspect after repairs.
As soon as possible, before furnishing or renovation, to distinguish original defects from later damage. Developer rectification deadlines depend on your agreement.
Depending on conditions, methods include professional visual examination, high-resolution infrared scans, hammer sounding, high-sensitivity moisture measurements and water tests.
It is an illustrated defect or snagging list identifying each issue and its location. Prepared by a building surveyor, it can be sent directly to the developer or contractor.
After repairs, the inspector checks each item against the defect list. Our fee includes re-inspection.
Yes. We provide acceptance inspections for new and existing properties, including older buildings and completed renovations.
Signs are recorded in the defect list. If the source requires further investigation, thermal imaging, moisture meters and other tests can be arranged, with a leakage report as required.
Handover approaching? Book a professional inspector now
92703423
Book a new or existing property inspection
Man Kee provides new property, handover, first-hand, pre-sale, existing and older property inspections, renovation checks and re-inspections in Hong Kong. Please call 92703423 / 68186286, or visit theContact uspage to book. Our office is at Room A4, 17/F, Block A, Chungking Mansions, 40 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.
Related pages
- Leak detection, infrared inspections and leakage reports
- Property inspection and building acceptance services
- Sample reports and inspection photographs
- Customer feedback after inspection
- Property inspection and water leakage FAQs
- About Man Kee Engineering
- Our organisation and professional inspection team
- Return to the home page