Property Inspection Checklist Before Possession: A Must-Have Guide for Home buyers.

Taking possession of your new property is an exciting milestone. However, before you accept the keys, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough property inspection checklist. This step ensures that the property meets the agreed specifications, is free from defects, and is ready for occupancy.

This article will guide you through why a pre-possession property inspection matters and provide a detailed sample checklist to help you avoid costly mistakes.

Why Property Inspection Checklist Before Possession Is Important

Conducting a property inspection before possession is essential for several reasons:

• Identifies construction defects like cracks, dampness, or poor finishing.
• Verifies compliance with builder-buyer agreements.
• Ensures functionality of utilities like plumbing, electricity, and fixtures.
• Protects your investment by highlighting issues that need fixing before move-in.
• Legally safeguards your rights by documenting issues before acceptance.

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Download Sample Property Inspection Checklist 👇

Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you inspect every aspect of your new home before taking possession:

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Property Inspection Checklist

General Exterior

Inspection Item	Good	Bad	Needs Fixing
Cracks or seepage on exterior walls	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Drainage slope away from the building	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Roof finishing and waterproofing	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Paint finish on exterior walls	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]

Main Entrance & Doors

Inspection Item	Good	Bad	Needs Fixing
Main door opens and closes smoothly	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Proper locking system installed	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
No warping or damage to doorframe or panels	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
All internal doors properly aligned and working	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]

Windows and Ventilation

Inspection Item	Good	Bad	Needs Fixing
All windows open/close without friction	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Proper latching and locking systems	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
No broken glass or gaps in sealing	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Adequate ventilation and natural light	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]

Flooring

Inspection Item	Good	Bad	Needs Fixing
Tiles or marble properly laid, levelled	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
No cracks, stains or chipped corners	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Skirting properly aligned	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]

Walls and Paint

Inspection Item	Good	Bad	Needs Fixing
Uniform wall paint with no patches	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
No seepage, cracks or uneven plaster	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Wall corners clean and aligned	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]

Ceiling

Inspection Item	Good	Bad	Needs Fixing
Even surface with no damp spots or cracks	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Proper paintwork, no sagging plaster	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]

Electrical Fittings

Inspection Item	Good	Bad	Needs Fixing
Working switches and sockets	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
All lights and ceiling fans installed and functioning	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
MCB/fuse box labeled correctly	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Proper earthing in all outlets	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]

Plumbing and Water Supply

Inspection Item	Good	Bad	Needs Fixing
Working taps in kitchen, bathroom, utility	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
No leakage in pipes or joints	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Flush systems functioning	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Adequate water pressure	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]

Bathroom & Sanitary Fittings

Inspection Item	Good	Bad	Needs Fixing
Shower, geyser, faucet, and WC installed	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Proper drainage slope on bathroom floor	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Anti-skid tiles installed	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Ventilation or exhaust fan available	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Solar Water Point installation (If Promised)	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]

Kitchen Inspection

Inspection Item	Good	Bad	Needs Fixing
Countertop level and free from cracks	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Sink drainage working properly	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Electrical points near appliances	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Cabinets fixed properly with hinges	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Drinking and Usable Water Taps installation	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]

Balcony or Terrace

Inspection Item	Good	Bad	Needs Fixing
Railing height as per safety norms	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Waterproofing with proper drainage	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
No loose tiles or structural damage	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]

Safety and Security

Inspection Item	Good	Bad	Needs Fixing
CCTV cameras (if promised) installed	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Fire alarms and extinguishers in place (if applicable)	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Intercom or video door phone functional	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]
Emergency exit and stairwell accessible	[  ]	[  ]	[  ]

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Tips for a Successful Property Inspection

• Take your builder agreement and floor plan with you.
• Carry tools like a measuring tape, flashlight, and phone camera.
• Use this checklist to document every issue.
• Ask the builder for a completion certificate, occupancy certificate, and no dues certificate.