Property Inspection Checklist
| Area | What to Check | Red Flag |
|---|---|---|
| Structural | Walls, columns, beams for cracks; floor for settlement; roof/slab for visible damage | Diagonal cracks in columns/beams; sunken floor areas; visible rebar |
| Waterproofing | Terrace, bathrooms, kitchen walls for seepage; water stains on ceilings | Damp patches, efflorescence (white salt deposits), peeling paint |
| Plumbing | Water pressure in all taps; drainage speed; toilet flush; check for leaks under sinks | Low pressure, slow drainage, foul smell, leaking joints |
| Electrical | All switches and sockets functional; sufficient points per room; earthing tested | Exposed wires, non-functional points, outdated wiring, no earthing |
| Doors/Windows | Open and close smoothly; no gaps; locks functional; frames not warped | Warped frames, sticking doors, gaps letting in rain, broken hardware |
| Flooring/Tiles | Tap tiles for hollow sound; check for cracks, chips, unevenness | Hollow tiles (will crack), wide grout gaps, uneven floor |
| Kitchen | Platform level and without cracks; sink drainage; chimney/exhaust functionality | Cracked granite, poor drainage, cabinet quality |
Snagging — New Flat Inspection at Possession
When taking possession of a new flat from a builder, conduct a snagging inspection — a systematic check of all finishing, fixtures, and fittings before signing the possession letter. Under RERA, builders have a 5-year structural defect liability — but getting defects documented and rectified before possession is far easier than afterwards.
Don't sign possession without snagging: Once you sign the possession letter, the burden of proving pre-existing defects shifts to you. Walk through every room with a checklist. Note all defects in writing to the builder. Insist on a timeline for rectification before signing or sign with a defect list appended to the possession letter.
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Home inspection is a physical evaluation of a property's condition before purchase or possession — checking structural integrity, plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, finishes, and fittings. Professional inspectors charge ₹3,000–₹15,000. For resale, do it before signing the agreement. For new flats, do a snagging inspection before signing the possession letter.
Home inspection is underutilised in India but highly recommended — especially for resale properties. Issues found can be used to negotiate a price reduction or demand repairs before completion. For new flats, snagging before possession ensures builder defects are documented and rectified under RERA's 5-year structural defect liability. The cost (₹3,000–₹15,000) is minimal vs a ₹50 lakh+ purchase.
Professional property inspectors check: structural integrity (walls, columns, floor, roof), waterproofing and seepage (bathroom, kitchen, terrace), plumbing (pressure, drainage, leaks), electrical (switches, wiring, earthing), doors and windows (operation, gaps, locks), flooring (hollow tiles, cracks, level), and kitchen and bathroom fittings. They provide a written report with photos.
Snagging is the inspection of a new flat at the time of possession to identify defects in finishing, fittings, and construction quality before accepting possession. Common snags: hollow floor tiles, hairline cracks, improper grouting, sticking doors, non-functional electrical points, and poor paint finish. Document all snags in writing to the builder and get a rectification commitment before signing the possession letter.
Major red flags: (1) Diagonal cracks in structural columns or beams — signs of structural stress, (2) Widespread seepage stains on walls or ceiling — waterproofing failure, (3) Sunken or uneven floor areas — foundation settlement, (4) Exposed or damaged electrical wiring, (5) Slow drainage throughout — blocked pipes, (6) Heavy paint over walls hiding cracks or moisture, (7) Musty smell — hidden water damage or mold.