POST-TURNOVER MAINTENANCE: Provisions, Inclusions, Limitations, Obligations, and Exclusions Every Homeowner Should Know
- Gabriel Mikael
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
Taking possession of your new home or property is a major milestone—but the responsibilities don’t end at turnover. Once the keys are handed over, the focus shifts to post-turnover maintenance to keep your investment in top shape and compliant with warranty terms.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the key provisions, standard inclusions, limitations, homeowner obligations, and common exclusions of post-turnover maintenance.
🧾 What Is Post-Turnover Maintenance?
Post-turnover maintenance refers to the regular upkeep, minor repairs, and preventive measures a homeowner is responsible for after the property is officially handed over by the contractor or developer. This ensures safety, comfort, longevity of materials, and compliance with warranty requirements.
✅ What’s Typically Included in Post-Turnover Maintenance?
Most developers and contractors provide a Home Maintenance Guide which outlines care instructions. Here are standard inclusions:
Basic Utility Checks– Monitoring water pressure, checking for leaks, testing electrical outlets, and inspecting circuit breakers.
Cleaning & Surface Care– Floor tiles, countertops, windows, paint finishes, and bathroom fixtures.
HVAC & Appliance Maintenance– Air filter replacement, proper use of water heaters, and appliance instructions if included.
Drainage & Plumbing Upkeep– Avoiding clogging, cleaning floor drains, and using approved cleaners.
Exterior Maintenance– Gutter cleaning, paint retouching, landscaping upkeep, and waterproofing checks.
Routine Inspections– Visual inspections of ceilings, walls, floors, roof, and pipes.
📌 Key Provisions in Post-Turnover Maintenance
A developer or contractor may include maintenance-related provisions such as:
Warranty Conditions– Some warranties are voided if proper maintenance is not done regularly.
User Guides & Manuals– These should be handed over along with the property for reference.
Scheduled Maintenance Checklists– Some developers offer a 3-month or 6-month inspection to ensure early defects are addressed.
Service Hotline or Helpdesk Access– For troubleshooting issues within the warranty period.
⚠️ Limitations of Post-Turnover Maintenance
Even with guidelines, post-turnover maintenance has limitations:
Limited Developer Responsibility– Once turnover is complete, most responsibilities shift to the homeowner.
Warranty Expires Over Time– Structural warranties may last 10 years, but most aesthetic/functional warranties expire within 1 year.
No Obligation to Replace Upgraded Fixtures– If an owner replaces fixtures, future issues may no longer be covered.
📌 Obligations of the Homeowner
After turnover, homeowners are expected to:
Perform Regular Upkeep – Clean and maintain the property to prevent premature wear.
Use Fixtures Properly – Misuse or overloading circuits and plumbing can void warranties.
Report Issues Promptly – Notify the developer or contractor immediately if defects appear.
Allow Warranty Inspections – Give access to authorized personnel for checking repairs or issues.
Avoid Unauthorized Modifications – Structural or layout changes without approval may forfeit certain coverage.
🚫 Common Exclusions in Post-Turnover Maintenance
Be aware that most warranties do not cover the following:
Wear and Tear– Scratches, stains, faded paint, and usage-related defects.
Owner-Caused Damage– Breakage due to negligence, improper cleaning, or forced installations.
Acts of Nature– Damage from floods, earthquakes, typhoons, or other natural disasters.
Third-Party Work– Issues caused by unauthorized contractors or DIY renovations.
Consumables– Light bulbs, batteries, filters, and similar items are usually not covered.
🏠 Protect Your Property, Preserve Its Value
Post-turnover maintenance isn’t just about cleaning—it’s about preserving the value of your investment, preventing costly repairs, and ensuring your warranty remains valid. With the right knowledge and discipline, your home will remain safe, beautiful, and functional for years to come.
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