House Turnover Checklist Philippines

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By Jeremiah Villagomez · PRC & DHSUD Accredited Real Estate Salesperson · Updated October 4, 2026 · 4 min read

Quick answer: At turnover, test every faucet, drain, toilet, outlet, switch, door, and window. Inspect walls, ceilings, and floors for cracks, stains, and hollow tiles. Check the roof line, gutters, and exterior drainage. Compare everything with your turnover specifications. List every defect on the developer's punch list with photos, and sign acceptance only when the defects are fixed, or with the punch list attached and repair dates committed in writing.

What to bring

Your Contract to Sell and the turnover specification sheet
A phone charger or small plug-in tester (to test outlets)
A flashlight, a marble or small ball (to check floor slope), and a tape measure
Masking tape and a marker to label defects on site
A pail, to test drains and check for leaks under sinks
A companion. Four eyes catch more.

Plumbing

Run every faucet and shower for a few minutes: check pressure, the hot/cold lines if installed, and drips
Fill sinks and the floor drain area, then check how fast water drains and whether it backs up
Flush each toilet several times and check the refill, leaks at the base, and wobble
Look under sinks and behind toilets for wet spots
Locate the water meter and main valve; check the septic tank access and the cleanout

Electrical

Test every outlet and switch, and every light fixture
Check that the panel board breakers are labeled and match the rooms
Look for an aircon outlet and its dedicated circuit if included in the specs
Check the grounding and the location of the electric meter base

Doors, windows, and openings

Every door swings smoothly, latches, and locks, and you get all the keys
Windows slide or swing fully, lock properly, and have intact glass and screens if included
Check for gaps where rain can enter (sealant around frames)

Walls, ceilings, and floors

Cracks: hairline plaster cracks are common, but diagonal cracks from window corners or wide cracks should be inspected
Water stains on ceilings (roof or plumbing leaks) and peeling paint
Tap tiles for hollow sounds, check grout gaps and uneven edges, and roll a marble to check slope
Paint coverage and touch-ups; view walls with a flashlight held at an angle

Outside

Roof line, flashing, gutters, and downspouts; where rainwater discharges
Exterior wall cracks and the slope of the ground away from the house
The gate, fence, and the boundary with neighbors
Location of the meters, septic tank, and drainage connection to the street canal

The punch list: your strongest tool

Write every defect on the developer's punch list form: room, item, description.
Photograph each one with a date stamp, and keep a copy of the signed list.
Agree on a written repair date and a re-inspection.
Sign acceptance after the repairs, or sign "accepted subject to the attached punch list" so the list becomes part of the record.

Warranties and your rights

Developers usually give a warranty period for non-structural defects, so check your contract for its length and coverage. For serious structural failures, Article 1723 of the Civil Code makes the engineer or architect who designed the building, and the contractor who built it, liable if it collapses within 15 years because of defects in construction, design, the ground, or materials. Report defects in writing and keep copies. If the developer doesn't act, you can escalate to DHSUD.

After acceptance

Apply for water and electric connections, using the developer's turnover documents
Ask the HOA about move-in rules, the renovation bond, and when dues start
File your acceptance form, punch list, and photos permanently for warranty claims

Frequently asked questions

Can I refuse to accept the house at turnover?

You can decline to sign acceptance until major defects are fixed, or sign with the punch list attached and repair dates in writing. Verbal promises are hard to enforce later.

Is there a warranty on a newly turned-over house?

Developers typically provide a warranty for non-structural defects for a set period stated in your contract. Structural defects are covered by Article 1723 of the Civil Code for 15 years.

Should I hire a professional home inspector?

It helps, especially for higher-priced homes or if you're inspecting remotely. A licensed engineer can spot structural, electrical, and plumbing issues you may miss.

What happens after I accept the unit?

You receive the keys and turnover documents, start utility connections, and begin paying HOA dues. Keep your acceptance papers and punch list for warranty claims.

Official sources and further reading

Reviewed for accuracy on October 4, 2026. Rates, fees, thresholds, and agency procedures change. Confirm transaction-specific details with the issuing agency, your lender, or a lawyer before you pay or sign.

Jeremiah Villagomez, PRC-accredited real estate salesperson in San Pablo City, Laguna

About the author: Jeremiah Villagomez is a PRC-accredited and DHSUD-accredited Real Estate Salesperson based in San Pablo City, Laguna. He helps first-time buyers, OFWs, and relocating families buy house and lot homes with Pag-IBIG, bank, or cash financing. More about Jeremiah · Call 0976 302 6551

Have a specific situation? Call or text 0976 302 6551 and I will run the numbers for your exact unit, budget, and financing route for free.