Pre-handover inspection in Makkah: when to call a technician
In short: Pre-handover inspection (when to call a technician) in Makkah starts with the asset survey and first inspection, then the periodic instrument leak checks, before anything is opened. The centre of Makkah sits about 301 m above sea level (SRTM open elevation data). Pricing starts from Inspection visit (SAR 150 per visit), and other items are quoted after the visit.
Why pre-handover inspection differs in Makkah
The centre of Makkah sits about 301 m above sea level (SRTM open elevation data). Team note on Makkah: Kashf teams serve this city and its nearby districts with the same documented inspection standard: device-based leak detection without demolition, a written report, and a clear scope before any work begins..
Makkah sits in a valley in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, and the centre of the city lies at about 301 m above sea level according to SRTM open elevation data. That height is modest, but the surrounding terrain is hilly and the city is dense, with older buildings beside high-rise towers and many properties that change hands frequently. For a pre-handover inspection, this mix means that a property may have been used by several tenants, occupied on a seasonal basis, or left empty for periods of time, and each of these patterns can hide wear that is easy to miss on a quick walk-through.
Each of these features affects the service in a practical way. Because the city is dense and building ages vary, a technician should check shared plumbing, rooftop water tanks and external seals as well as the interior, since problems in neighbouring units can reach your property. A maintenance visit in this area typically costs SAR 160–420 per visit, so it makes sense to plan one inspection that covers the whole handover rather than several small call-outs. If the inspection finds surfaces that need repair, restoration is priced at SAR 55–160 per m², so measuring affected walls, floors and ceilings before the technician arrives helps you understand the likely scope and compare quotes on the same basis.
Owners in Makkah often make the same few mistakes at handover. Many wait until the outgoing tenant has already moved out and the keys are due, leaving no time to fix anything found. Others accept a verbal assurance that the air conditioning, water heaters and drainage are working without asking for a visit or a written note. Some skip the outdoor areas, balconies and roof, where leaks and cracks tend to start. Calling a technician a few days before the handover date, and walking the property with them room by room, avoids these problems and gives both sides a clear record of the condition.
Some signs can be watched for a few days; others need a technician straight away — the signs list above helps you decide.
Signs worth paying attention to
The following signs are worth checking before they grow:
- Buying a used property
- Taking over a new unit
Where the problem usually comes from
- A silent leak.
- A common cause: hidden workmanship defects.
Tools we use in Makkah
| Tool or method | What it measures | Why it is chosen here |
|---|---|---|
| Periodic reports with a verification code | What was done, what is proposed and the spare parts | Limits: depends on recording every visit |
| Asset survey and first inspection | The condition of networks, insulation, roofs and AC | Limits: the basis of the plan, not a substitute for it |
| Periodic instrument leak checks | Silent losses in the networks | Limits: periodic, per contract |
The steps in order
- Network checks: Water and drainage are tested.
- Insulation and roofs: Roofs, wet areas and tanks are inspected.
- Report: Findings in writing before you sign.
Facts and costs — Makkah
| Item | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| District profile | Team note on Makkah: Kashf teams serve this city and its nearby districts with the same documented inspection standard: device-based leak detection without demolition, a written report, and a clear scope before any work begins. | Kashf team |
| District profile | The centre of Makkah sits about 301 m above sea level (SRTM open elevation data) | SRTM (NASA) open data |
| Inspection visit | SAR 150 per visit | Owner price list (Makkah) |
Questions from Makkah
What does finishing work typically include?
It covers plastering, painting, flooring, stone or marble walls, ceilings, gypsum, doors, windows, and final electrical and plumbing installations. You can request full or partial finishing, with the scope clearly defined in the price quote.
Is it possible to renovate the building without evacuating the residents?
In many cases it can be carried out in phases without a full evacuation if the damage is limited. However, for extensive structural renovation, a temporary evacuation may be recommended to ensure safety, and the contractor will explain this in their proposal.
Does waterproofing require removing existing tiles?
It depends on the site condition. Sometimes surface waterproofing can be applied over tiles, while deep leaks require tile removal to treat the layer underneath. A technician will determine the best option after inspection.
Where does pre-handover inspection (when to call a technician) start in Makkah?
We start with network checks (water and drainage are tested), then insulation and roofs (roofs, wet areas and tanks are inspected).
What does pre-handover inspection cost in Makkah?
From our published price list: Inspection visit SAR 150 per visit. Quantities are confirmed at the inspection.
What do I receive after the work?
A findings report before handover, in a technical report that carries a verification code.
Mistakes that cost more
- Signing before the inspection
What you get after the work
You receive: a findings report before handover, in a technical report with a verification code.
Practical notes for residents of Makkah
- Have access ready to the water meter, the tank hatches, the roof and the main valve; in apartment buildings the roof keys are often with the building guard (haris).
- Prices are in Saudi riyals (SAR); the final price is confirmed after the inspection, before any work starts.
- Keep photos of the problem and of any earlier repairs — they help the technician compare before and after.
- If you rent, tell your landlord or building management before the visit and agree in writing who pays; the written report can be shared with them.
Sources and method
- SRTM (NASA) open data
- Kashf team
- Customer questions (reviewed)
- Owner price list for Makkah
- Local pages are published only after a quality gate: real local facts, text similarity of no more than 15% with any other English page, and a claims check.
- النسخة العربية