Taking possession of your new home from the builder is exciting—but it’s also when you need to be most careful. Issues caught now can be fixed under warranty. Issues discovered months later? Those are on you.
Here’s a practical checklist organized by priority, based on what we’ve seen across hundreds of Bangalore home handovers.
1. High Risk (Legal, Compliance, Major Construction)
These can affect your ability to occupy, insure, or sell the property. Verify them first.
Occupancy Certificate (OC)
Confirm the builder has obtained the OC and that you’re legally allowed to take possession. No OC means no legal occupancy—and potential issues with utilities, loans, and registration.
Fire NOC and safety approvals
Ensure all fire safety clearances are in place. Required for legal occupancy and insurance.
Khata split or registration
Verify the Khata is either split in your name or get written timelines from the builder if still in progress. This affects property tax and future transactions.
CIEG approval
Check that electrical systems and elevators have Chief Inspector of Electricity approval. Required for legal power connection and safety compliance.
Sale agreement vs. delivered specs
Review the original sale agreement’s schedule of finishes against what’s actually delivered. Mismatches here should be documented and addressed before handover.
Structural inspection
Look for visible cracks, dampness, or water leakage in walls and ceilings, especially areas exposed to weather. Structural issues are harder and more expensive to fix later.
Plumbing tests
Test all bathroom and kitchen plumbing for leaks and proper water flow. Turn on taps, flush toilets, run showers. Look under sinks and behind toilets for moisture.
Windows and external doors
Confirm all windows and external doors are properly installed, secure, and waterproof. Test locking mechanisms and check for gaps that could let in water during rains.
Electrical safety
Check all wiring, MCBs (miniature circuit breakers), sockets, and switches for secure installation and proper operation. Test every switch and outlet. Look for loose connections or exposed wiring.
Main door and locks
Validate the quality, fit, and security of your main entry door and all door locks. These are your home’s first line of security.
2. Medium Risk (Fit & Finish, Appliances, Fixtures)
These affect livability and aesthetics but are typically easier to remedy.
Tile flooring inspection
Examine tiles for evenness, cracks, chipping, hollow spots (tap them), and verify brand/color/texture matches your agreement. Hollow tiles will crack eventually.
Paint finish quality
Inspect walls for uniform finish, streaks, peeling, or uneven patches. Note areas needing touch-up.
Bathroom fixtures
Test all bathroom fixtures—wash basins, toilets, showers—for proper installation and leaks. Run water and check under fixtures for moisture.
Kitchen surfaces
Assess kitchen tiles and countertops for proper alignment, sturdy finishing, and material match to agreement specifications.
Drainage check
Test water drainage at all exit points—balconies, utility areas, bathrooms. Poor drainage leads to water accumulation and seepage.
External wall finish
Check external walls and sunshades visible or accessible from your unit for consistent, quality finish.
Window operation
Open and close all windows multiple times. Ensure smooth operation, proper locking, and functional mosquito screens if supplied.
Door functionality
Test all internal doors for proper fit, paint finish, and hardware operation. Doors should open/close smoothly without sticking.
Balcony safety
Inspect balcony railings for proper height (safety standard) and sturdy installation. Give them a firm shake to test stability.
3. Lower Risk (Amenities, Common Areas, Shared Systems)
These affect overall living quality and typically involve all residents.
Common amenities review
Review handover status of clubhouse, pool, gym, parking areas, children’s play zones, corridors, common area lighting, access control, and security systems.
Lift operation
Inspect lift operation, interior panel finish, and verify current safety certificates are displayed.
Water supply systems
Check water supply schedules, drinking water purifier status, and overhead tank cleanliness and access protocols.
Garbage disposal
Ensure proper garbage disposal systems exist and you have clear access to waste segregation areas.
Parking allocation
Confirm your car and bike parking spots match what’s specified in your agreement.
Warranties and guarantees
Collect all warranties and guarantees for any appliances or fittings provided by the builder.
Connect with other homeowners
Discuss with other homeowners—both residing and not yet moved in—to learn about any common issues they’ve encountered. This can help you proactively address similar problems in your unit.
What to Do with This Checklist
Print it, take it with you on possession day, and systematically work through each item. Photograph or video any issues you find. Create a written snag list and get builder acknowledgment in writing for all items requiring correction.
Most importantly: don’t sign final acceptance until major issues are addressed. Once you sign, your leverage for corrections decreases significantly.
Your new home represents a major investment. Take the time to verify it’s ready before you move in.