7 things every homeowner must know before collecting your new house keys

Informative article from PropertyGuru.com.my  Enjoy learning.
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7 Things Every Homeowner Must Know Before Collecting Your New House Keys
After a long wait, your new house is finally ready. This is a memorable and momentous occasion, having watched the house being built over time from scratch. The developer is set to deliver the keys to you today. But do you know what to do next?
Here is the quick guide on the process of receiving the keys to your new house from the developer.
1. Delivery of Vacant Possession
Delivery of Vacant Possession is when the property is ready to be handed to you. This will usually happen between 24 months to 36 months from when you made the initial down payment for the property, and signed the Sales and Purchase Agreement.
By this time, construction work has ended and the building is complete and ready to be lived in. The only works remaining are usually some landscaping to the rest of the estate.
When the property is about 70% completed, you will receive a letter from the developer to set a date when you can take Delivery of Vacant Possession. When the property is finally completed, you will need to turn up at their sales office to formally collect the property.
On the same day you collect the property, you will also receive a copy of the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC).
2. Certificate of Completion and Compliance
Formerly known as the Certificate of Fitness (CF), the CCC is a document released by the local authority council that declares a particular property is completed and safe to be occupied. Also known as Borang F, Perakuan Siap dan Pematuhan, this document is endorsed by a Registered member of the Malaysian Board of Architects.
Legally speaking, the CCC is a requirement stated in the Sales and Purchase Agreement. So, when you take possession of the property, make sure that your house has already been granted a CCC.
3. Sign a form when you receive the key
When you meet the Developer to take delivery of vacant possession, you will need to sign several documents to mark your acceptance of keys to your new property. Once you sign the documents and write down the date, the Defect Liability Period for your property begins.
Part of this set of documents will include a simple list of the lighting fixtures, appliances, electrical sockets and other built-ins.
4. Defect Liability Period
The Defect Liability Period can also be thought of as the “warranty” period. Homeowners will be given 18 to 24 months to check and report any defects, poor workmanship or irregularities from Sales and Purchase Agreement.
However, it’s best to do a thorough check as soon as possible. The practical reason being that the house is empty and it’s easier to fix anything before you move in.
The developer will usually provide a Defect Complaint Form that lists the common areas in the house. Use it to mark out any problems you find, such as loose electrical sockets, misaligned flooring, etc. Even if you think it’s a tiny little problem, mark it out for the developer to take a look. If you ignore it, you will have to bear the cost to fix it later on.
5. Get the contact for the management office
The shared common areas and well-being of the condominium estate or gated community will be managed by a new entity commonly known as management office. Usually, the management will be selected by the developer, before the residential committee is set up. Get in touch with them for assistance on the monthly maintenance fees, sinking fund collection as well as the rules and regulation of the property.
Generally speaking, when you sign the property handover form for a condominium, it will also include an invoice for the first 3 months of property maintenance.
6. Apply for utilities
Some developers plan ahead and ask you to apply for various utilities even while the property is being built. Others may only ask you to do it after.
In any case, it’s best to get these done as soon as possible. Typical utilities applications include:
Electricity supply: TNB New Account Application
Water supply: SYABAS Water Supply Application (Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya & Selangor)
Gas supply (if piped in): Gas Malaysia Natural Gas Supply Application
Internet: TM UNIFI New Account Application
7. Space planning
Now that you have sorted out the major items with the Developer and the Management, it is time to get the interior sorted out.
It’s best if you can decide all the renovation or improvements that you wish to do before you move in. It’ll be much easier for the contractors and interior designers to do their work when the house is still empty.
However, you need to remember to leave a deposit cheque with the management office before you carry out any deliveries or renovation work.
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