A trade job handover checklist should separate scope completed, open defects, test and certification documents that apply to the job, manuals and warranties, keys and access, customer instructions and follow-up. Which documents apply depends on the contract, trade, state and job, so this guide gives no all-state list. A signature should record receipt of the listed items only, and you should check your contract before treating handover as completion.[1][2]
Decide what finished means first
Business.gov.au says even a simple contract should state what conditions the contractor must meet for the hirer to consider the contract finished. For faulty or incomplete work it describes defect liability clauses, which set what is covered, the defect liability period and how the hirer tells the contractor about work needing fixing. The checklist records the handover; it does not create these terms.
Sources[1]
Parts of the checklist
The split below is our recommendation, not a mandated form. Name the certificates or test results your job requires by checking your contract and the rules for your trade and state, and mark anything else N/A.
| Part | Record |
|---|---|
| Scope | Each contract item and approved variation: complete, incomplete or changed by agreement |
| Open items | Defects or unfinished work, who fixes them and by when |
| Documents | Test results, certificates, compliance or warranty documents the job requires |
| Manuals and care | Manuals, product details and use or cleaning instructions |
| Keys and access | Keys, remotes and codes handed over |
| Customer instructions | What you showed or explained |
| Follow-up | Return visits, how to report a defect, final invoice steps |
Sources[1]
Handover checklist you can copy
Use the handover record to acknowledge what was delivered and what remains open. Check the contract wording before treating a signature as acceptance of completion or any change to rights.
JOB HANDOVER CHECKLIST Job: [ref] [address] Customer: [name] Date: [DD/MM/YYYY] Contract or quote reference: [ref] Approved variations: [refs] 1. Scope: [item] [complete / incomplete / changed by agreement ref] 2. Open items: [item, owner, target date] 3. Documents given (tick or N/A): test results [ ] certificates required for this job [ ] warranties [ ] manuals [ ] other [ ] 4. Keys, remotes, codes: [list] 5. Instructions explained to the customer: [list] 6. Photos of finished work: [number, where stored on the job record] 7. Follow-up: [what, who, when] Customer: I have received the items listed above. [name] [signature] [date] Contractor: [name] [signature] [date] Signing records receipt of the items listed above only.
Sources[1]
Keep it with the job
Keep the signed checklist and photos with the job. Business.gov.au says most business records are kept for 5 years and some for longer, and that digital copies are acceptable.
Sources[2]
Common questions
- What documents should be included in a construction handover?
- There is no single list. Include what your contract requires and any test results, certificates or warranties that apply to your trade, state and job, and mark the rest N/A. Keep a copy of what you handed over.[1][2]
- How to do a handover checklist?
- Walk the job with the customer against the contract and approved variations, record open items with an owner and date, hand over the documents and keys, and note what you explained. Both parties then sign to record receipt of the listed items.[1]
Official sources
Checked 16 October 2026. Rules can change; use these sources to check the requirements for your job.
Related guides
- What should a trade job sheet include?
- What should a building variation form include?
- Retention money in Queensland construction subcontracts
Job workflows for builders.
Put it to work on the next job
Leadhand's field app puts photos on the job and keeps completed site checklists and sign-off forms on the job record, ready for handover.
See Leadhand forms and job photos