Accepting construction work: a checklist for clients
Updated: 2026-08-16 · Ehitusabi24
In short
Acceptance means systematically reviewing the work in daylight, recording defects in writing with a deadline, and receiving documents: warranty, user manuals, a list of change orders, and the final invoice. Don't confirm acceptance until the list of defects has been agreed.
Before the inspection
- Agree on a time in daylight — artificial light hides surface flaws.
- Bring the original quote and the list of change orders.
- Make sure the rooms are cleaned and the surfaces are visible.
General inspection
- Does the completed scope of work match the quote and confirmed changes?
- Surfaces: evenness, colour, transitions, silicone joints.
- Doors and windows: open and close properly, seals intact.
- Floors: no creaking, skirting boards fit snugly, transition strips in place.
- Water: connections don't leak, drainage works, slopes are correct.
- Electrics: outlets and switches work, panel has labels.
- Ventilation: extraction works.
- Waste has been removed and final cleaning done.
How to record defects
Write each defect as a separate line: what, where, a photo, and the agreed deadline for fixing it. A vague “finish was sloppy” isn't an actionable task. If the defects are minor, the work can be accepted together with the defect list; if something important doesn't work, the work isn't ready for acceptance yet.
Which documents must remain with you
- Written handover together with the list of defects and deadlines.
- Warranty terms: duration and what it covers.
- Manuals and warranty documents for installed equipment.
- List of change orders with confirmations.
- Final invoice matching the agreed sum.
- Photos of covered work (pipes and wires before being closed in).
After acceptance
Keep the documents together in one place. On Ehitusabi24, the agreement, change orders, handover, and warranty-related information stay in the portal, so a later warranty claim doesn't have to rely on memory.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I withhold the final invoice payment if there are defects?
- It's reasonable to agree that part of the payment is made after the defects are fixed. This condition must be stated before the work starts, not arise at the end.
- How long does the warranty last?
- The warranty length is a matter of agreement and must be stated in the quote. Also ask what the warranty covers and how a claim is handled.
Need a service provider?
Describe the work and receive offers from relevant providers.
Submit a work request