A handover checklist for interior projects
A handover checklist for an interior project confirms that every snag is closed, the site is clean, keys, manuals and warranties are handed over, the client has signed a handover or completion certificate, and the final bill is raised. Use it on the last day with the client. A clean handover is also the moment most likely to win you a referral or a review.
On this page
The handover checklist
| # | Item | Done | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Snag list closed and re-checked by client | ☐ | |
| 2 | Deep cleaning done, debris and leftover material removed | ☐ | |
| 3 | All lights, points, appliances and fittings tested with client | ☐ | |
| 4 | Keys for locks, wardrobes and drawers handed over and counted | ☐ | |
| 5 | Appliance manuals and brand warranty cards handed over | ☐ | |
| 6 | Your firm's warranty card and maintenance guide handed over | ☐ | |
| 7 | As-built drawings and finish schedule shared | ☐ | |
| 8 | Spare tiles, laminate and paint shade codes left with client | ☐ | |
| 9 | Handover or completion certificate signed | ☐ | |
| 10 | Final bill raised against the agreed stage | ☐ |
Sample checklist. Add society clearances or deposits where relevant.
When to use it
Use it on handover day, after the snag list is closed. Book a slot of at least two hours with the client so the walk is not rushed. For offices, run it with the client's admin or facility team and hand over a separate copy to them.
Handover certificate and completion certificate format
- Project name, site address and agreement reference.
- Statement that the work under the agreement and approved change orders is complete, apart from any listed pending items.
- Date of handover, which also starts the defect liability period if your agreement has one.
- List of documents handed over.
- Signatures of the client and your firm, with date.
- A completion certificate is often the same document. Some firms issue it after pending items are closed.
Client handover pack template
Put everything the client needs in one folder or PDF. It looks professional and saves you calls later.
- Welcome note and project contact for after-sales.
- Warranty card: what your firm covers, for how long, how to report an issue, and what is excluded.
- Brand warranties for hardware, appliances and fittings.
- Maintenance guide: how to clean laminate, acrylic, PU and stone, how to care for hinges and channels, what to avoid near wet areas.
- As-built drawings, finish schedule and paint shade codes.
- Vendor contacts for appliances and service.
Interior project closure report
After handover, write a one-page internal closure report. It turns each project into lessons for the next one.
| Heading | What to record |
|---|---|
| Timeline | Planned versus actual handover date, and the main reasons for any delay |
| Money | Contract value, change orders, collected, outstanding |
| Cost | Material, labour and vendor cost versus estimate |
| Quality | Number of snags, and the trades with most snags |
| Client | Feedback, review requested, photos for portfolio with permission |
Common mistakes
- Handing over before the snag list is closed, then chasing the final payment for months.
- No signed certificate, so the defect period has no start date.
- Forgetting spare material and shade codes, which makes small repairs harder later.
Making it in Google Sheets or Docs
- Keep the checklist in a sheet with checkboxes.
- Write the certificate, warranty card and maintenance guide once in a Google Doc with fill-in fields.
- Export the pack as one PDF named with the project and date, and share it on WhatsApp and email.
Handover in the D&B Operating System
In the D&B Operating System, handover is the final stage of the project workflow: snags closed, final invoice raised and payment received. The owner sees reports on project health and profit per project. It is built by BRANDSWOT Consultancy, a branding and growth consultancy, and is in early access.
Questions people ask
What should a handover checklist for an interior project include?
Include a closed snag list, deep cleaning, testing of every light, point and fitting, keys, manuals and warranties, your warranty card and maintenance guide, as-built drawings, spare material, a signed handover certificate, and the final bill. Walk through it with the client on the day.
What is a handover certificate format?
It is a short document that names the project and agreement, states that the work is complete except any listed pending items, gives the handover date, lists documents handed over and carries both signatures. It also marks the start of any defect liability period. Give the client a signed copy.
What is a completion certificate format for interior work?
It confirms that all work under the agreement and approved change orders is complete. It has the project details, completion date, a statement of completion and signatures. Many firms combine it with the handover certificate, others issue it once pending items are cleared. Keep a signed copy in the project file.
What should a warranty card format for interiors say?
State what your firm covers, such as workmanship on woodwork and fittings, the period from the handover date, how to report an issue, how fast you respond, and what is excluded, such as misuse, water damage from building leaks or normal wear. Keep brand warranties separate.
What goes in a maintenance guide template for interiors?
Explain how to clean each finish, such as laminate, acrylic, PU, veneer and stone, how to care for hinges and drawer channels, what to avoid near water, and when to call for service. Add shade codes and vendor contacts so small repairs match. Write it once and reuse it for every project.
What is an interior project closure report?
It is an internal one-page review after handover. It compares planned and actual dates, contract value and collections, estimated and actual cost, snag counts by trade, and client feedback. Reading these across projects shows where your firm loses time and margin. Write it within a week of handover, while details are fresh.