House Extensions: Handover and Beyond – Wrapping Up Right

Introduction

The handover stage of a house extension isn’t just the final box to tick on your project timeline—it’s the critical moment where ownership of the build formally shifts from the builder to the homeowner. It’s where you confirm that everything agreed upon has been delivered, that compliance has been met, and that your dream extension is ready for real-life use.

But this phase is more than a simple signature or key exchange. Handover is your last chance to identify defects, clarify expectations, finalise legal documents, and set yourself up for a stress-free transition into the space. For homeowners, it offers peace of mind. For builders, it’s the ultimate reputation builder. And when powered by AIreno, this process becomes clearer, faster, and fully documented.

This guide takes you through a detailed overview of what to expect at handover, how to complete it with confidence, and how AIreno helps keep your renovation future-proofed well beyond the final walkthrough.

Final Inspections: The Practical Completion Walkthrough

A practical completion walkthrough is more than a casual check. It’s a structured inspection to verify that the work has been completed in accordance with the plans, specifications, and contractual obligations—and that only minor touch-ups remain.

What to assess during the walkthrough:

• Surfaces & Finishes: Paintwork, flooring, tiling, and plastering. Look for scratches, dents, missing grout, or paint smudges.
• Openings & Fixtures: Doors, windows, locks, cabinetry, and drawers should all function smoothly.
• Joinery: Ensure built-ins, wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, and shelves are properly installed and secure.
• Appliances & Installations: If appliances were part of the contract, confirm they are installed, connected, and working.
• Electrical & Plumbing: Test light switches, powerpoints, taps, toilets, and showerheads.
• Site Cleanliness: Rubbish, construction debris, leftover materials, and trade tools should be removed.

AIreno’s Defects List Tool:

• Enables digital defect logging with photos and notes
• Tracks whether items have been addressed and closed out
• Provides full transparency and accountability between homeowner and builder

This structured record ensures nothing slips through the cracks—literally or figuratively.

Compliance Certificates and Final Documentation

Handover must be backed by formal documentation that proves your build meets Australian codes and regulatory requirements. These certificates are vital for insurance, resale, and peace of mind.

You should receive:

• Electrical safety certificate
• Plumbing and drainage compliance certificate
• Structural engineer sign-off (where applicable)
• Waterproofing certificate (critical in wet areas)
• Final Occupation Certificate or CDC approval
• Smoke alarm compliance
• Termite protection documentation

With AIreno:

• All certificates and compliance documents are uploaded to your secure project dashboard
• You’ll never misplace a document or lose access over time
• They’re available anytime—whether you’re applying for insurance, refinancing, or selling your home

Handover Pack Essentials

Besides legal certificates, a professional handover includes a curated pack of user-friendly documentation to help you manage your new space long after trades have left the site.

Expect your builder to provide:

• Product warranties: Appliances, fittings, cladding, insulation, roofing, windows
• Maintenance manuals: Care instructions for paint, timber, tiles, grout, and specialty materials
• Manufacturer documentation: Operating manuals for fans, lighting, heating, appliances, etc.
• Final drawings: Updated floorplans reflecting any changes made during the build
• Payment summary: Final invoice with record of variations and milestone payments

With AIreno:

• These files are all centralised and accessible anytime via your project portal
• You can download, share, and store them securely
• No need to create folders or hunt through your inbox

For Builders: Making Handover a Professional Milestone

For builders and trades, the handover is your last chance to leave a lasting impression. A well-executed handover demonstrates quality, accountability, and care—the kind that leads to five-star reviews, glowing recommendations, and future work.

How AIreno helps you finish strong:

• Use structured handover checklists for every job
• Log and deliver certificates, product information, and guides digitally
• Prompt clients to leave testimonials after completion
• Offer post-handover support and maintenance follow-ups automatically

Professionalism at this stage reinforces your brand, increases customer satisfaction, and strengthens long-term relationships.

Post-Handover Support & Warranty Periods

Most reputable builders offer a warranty or defects liability period—usually around 13 weeks (3 months). During this time, you can flag non-urgent items like doors needing adjustment, cracking in plaster due to settling, or squeaky floorboards.

AIreno helps homeowners:

• Log post-handover issues directly through your dashboard
• Track builder responses and repair dates
• Store all warranties and service contacts for long-term access

Ongoing maintenance features include:

• Automated maintenance reminders (e.g. HVAC servicing, resealing)
• Digital filing of receipts and service histories
• Builder contact info available with a click

This is the smart way to manage your investment for years to come.

Planning the Next Phase of Your Renovation

For many, a house extension is just the beginning. Whether it’s a staged renovation or future landscaping, garage conversion, or kitchen update, AIreno ensures you’re never starting from zero.

With your existing AIreno project, you can:

• Clone and modify your previous scope
• View the history of costs, timelines, and inclusions
• Reconnect with your original builder or invite new ones
• Continue your renovation journey seamlessly

And if you’re a builder, this opens the door to returning clients and future work with less friction.

Conclusion

The handover marks the end of construction—but also the beginning of ownership, longevity, and enjoyment. Done well, it ensures your home is safe, compliant, beautiful, and fully ready for real-life living.

With AIreno, you don’t just finish the job—you finish it professionally. Every decision, document, and detail is captured, centralised, and ready when you need it.

So take a deep breath. You’ve built something incredible. And with AIreno, it’s built to last.

AIreno: From concept to completion—and beyond.