Flat Inspection Before Possession: Snagging Checklist

The day a builder offers possession is the day you have the most power to get defects fixed for free. Once you sign the handover and pay the final dues, that leverage drops. A careful flat inspection, sometimes called snagging, catches problems while the builder is still responsible. This guide gives you a practical, room-by-room checklist and the documents to verify before you take the keys.

Quick summary

• Inspect the flat thoroughly before signing possession, and list every defect in writing.
• Check the occupancy certificate and the final approvals before paying the last instalment.
• Test everything that can be switched on: taps, drains, power points, doors, windows.
• Under RERA, the builder must fix structural and workmanship defects reported within the defect liability period, usually five years, at no cost.

Before you visit: documents to confirm

A beautiful flat with missing paperwork is a trap. Before you accept possession, confirm the builder has:

• Occupancy certificate. This proves the building is legally fit to occupy. Do not move in without it.
• Completion certificate. Confirms the project is built as sanctioned.
• Final approvals. Fire safety, lift and water and sewer connections.
• Possession letter and final dues statement. Check that charges match your agreement and there are no surprise additions.

For more on these, see our guide to the occupancy and completion certificate.

Room-by-room inspection checklist

Walls, ceiling and floors

• Look for cracks, damp patches, uneven plaster and paint blemishes.
• Check floor tiles for hollow sounds by tapping. Hollow tiles lift later.
• Confirm floors are level and skirting is neat.

Doors and windows

• Open and close every door and window. They should move smoothly and lock properly.
• Check for gaps, warping and proper sealing against rain.
• Test locks, handles and window mesh.

Plumbing and bathrooms

• Run every tap and shower. Check pressure and that hot and cold lines are correct.
• Fill and drain basins and floor traps to check drainage speed and leaks.
• Flush toilets, check for leaks around the base, and look under sinks for drips.
• Confirm bathroom floors slope towards the drain, not towards the door.

Electrical

• Test every switch, socket and light point with a small appliance or tester.
• Check the main distribution board, MCBs and that the earthing works.
• Confirm the sanctioned load and that AC points and geyser points are provided as promised.

Kitchen

• Check the platform, sink, drainage and provisions for chimney, hob and water purifier.
• Confirm water and gas points match the layout you were sold.

Balcony and external

• Check railing height and firmness for safety.
• Look for water pooling and proper drainage on the balcony floor.
• Inspect external walls near windows for seepage risk.

Match the flat to what you paid for

Measure the carpet area against the agreement. RERA requires sale on carpet area, so confirm you are getting the space you paid for. Check the specifications too. Brand and quality of fittings, flooring, doors and sanitaryware should match the agreement and the sample or show flat. If the builder has substituted cheaper fittings, note it. For the area basics, see our guide on carpet area versus super built-up area.

How to record and resolve defects

1. Make a written snag list. Note every defect, room by room, with photos and dates.
2. Share it formally. Email the list to the builder and keep proof of sending. A verbal complaint is easy to deny later.
3. Get a timeline. Ask for written commitment on when each item will be fixed.
4. Re-inspect after repairs. Verify each item is actually fixed before you close the handover.
5. Hold leverage where you can. If large defects remain, raise them before paying final dues, within what your agreement allows.

The defect liability period

RERA protects you after possession too. If any structural defect or poor workmanship shows up within the defect liability period, generally five years from handover, the builder must repair it within 30 days of your notice, free of charge. Keep your possession documents and your snag records safe, because you may need them to enforce this. This is why a documented inspection matters even for defects you might notice only months later.

Frequently asked questions

What is snagging in a flat?

Snagging is a detailed inspection of a new flat before possession to find defects in construction, fittings and finishes, so the builder fixes them before you take handover.

What should I check before taking possession of a flat?

Confirm the occupancy certificate and final approvals, then test walls, floors, doors, windows, plumbing, drainage and electricals, measure the carpet area, and match fittings to your agreement. Record every defect in writing.

Can I refuse possession if there are defects?

You can decline to close the handover until serious defects are fixed, within what your agreement allows, and you should raise major issues before paying final dues. Minor items can be listed as a snag list for the builder to resolve.

Who fixes defects found after possession?

Under RERA, the builder must repair structural and workmanship defects reported within the defect liability period, usually five years, at no cost, normally within 30 days of your notice.

If you want a second pair of eyes at your possession inspection, tell us the project and we can help you prepare the right checklist and documents. You can also browse new launches to compare what other projects are offering.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Defect liability terms and RERA rules can vary by state and by your builder agreement. Verify the specifics for your project.