Pre-handover inspection in Makkah: emergency
In short: In Makkah (Makkah), pre-handover inspection (emergency) begins with the asset survey and first inspection and the periodic instrument leak checks; nothing is opened until the position is clear. 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.
Pre-handover inspection in Makkah: the local context
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.. The centre of Makkah sits about 301 m above sea level (SRTM open elevation data).
Wondering whether a pre-handover inspection is worth arranging in Makkah when a property changes hands in an emergency? The short answer is yes, and the reason starts with the city itself. The centre of Makkah sits about 301 m above sea level (SRTM open elevation data), so the local conditions that affect a building, from heat and dust to the way rainwater moves through the streets, differ from those in lower coastal areas. Knowing the condition of the property before keys change hands gives you a clear starting point, whether you are the seller, the new owner, or a tenant taking over under urgent circumstances.
A typical inspection follows a set order. The inspector walks through the building room by room, checking walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, and fixtures for damp, cracks, or signs of earlier leaks. Electrical outlets, switches, water taps, drainage, and any air-conditioning units are tested. The roof and external walls are checked for damage that could allow water in. Each finding is noted with a short description and, where useful, a photograph, so both parties can see exactly what was recorded. Where a problem needs fixing, the report helps you estimate the scope. Maintenance visits generally cost SAR 160–420 per visit, while restoration is priced at SAR 55–160 per m², so an early report lets you decide between a quick repair and a larger job before any agreement is signed.
Preparation makes the visit faster and the report more useful. Gather the title papers, any previous inspection reports, and records of recent repairs or utility readings. Clear access to every room, including the roof, storage areas, and the utility room, and make sure the water and power are switched on. Point out any problems you already know about, such as a slow drain or a sticking window, so the inspector can check them carefully. Agree in advance who will attend, and keep a copy of the final report for your records.
If water is flowing, close the main valve first, then call or message with photos.
Signs that call for pre-handover inspection
These are the signs most often linked to pre-handover inspection:
- Taking over a new unit
- Buying a used property
Where the problem usually comes from
- A common cause: hidden workmanship defects.
- A silent leak.
How we choose the tool 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 |
| Periodic instrument leak checks | Silent losses in the networks | Limits: periodic, per contract |
| Asset survey and first inspection | The condition of networks, insulation, roofs and AC | Limits: the basis of the plan, not a substitute for it |
How the work is done, step by step
- Network checks: Water and drainage are tested.
- Insulation and roofs: Roofs, wet areas and tanks are inspected.
- Report: Findings in writing before you sign.
Quick comparison: facts and costs in Makkah
| Item | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| District profile | The centre of Makkah sits about 301 m above sea level (SRTM open elevation data) | SRTM (NASA) open data |
| 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 |
| Inspection visit | SAR 150 per visit | Owner price list (Makkah) |
Common questions about pre-handover inspection in 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.
What is the first step of pre-handover inspection (emergency)?
We start with network checks (water and drainage are tested), then insulation and roofs (roofs, wet areas and tanks are inspected).
How much 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 get at the end?
A findings report before handover, in a technical report that carries a verification code.
Common mistakes we see
- Signing before the inspection
What you receive
You receive: a findings report before handover, in a technical report with a verification code.
If you live in Makkah and are new to the area
- 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.
- Keep photos of the problem and of any earlier repairs — they help the technician compare before and after.
- Prices are in Saudi riyals (SAR); the final price is confirmed after the inspection, before any work starts.
- 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).
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