An Interior Designer’s Guide for Homeowners: Complete Builder Handover Checklist Before Possession

As interior designers, we inspect newly handed-over homes almost every week. And we’ve noticed one thing:

Most homeowners take possession without checking the important details, and end up paying for issues that were actually the builder’s responsibility.

A proper Builder Handover Checklist ensures you don’t face hidden leakages, uneven flooring, wiring mistakes, weak plumbing lines, or structural problems later during interiors.

Here is the complete checklist every homeowner must go through before signing the possession papers — explained from an interior designer’s point of view.

Why This Handover Checklist Matters for Interiors

As interior designers, our work becomes smoother and faster when:

Flooring is actually level — so your wardrobe doesn’t end up looking like it’s “tilting with attitude.”

Plumbing behaves — no surprise leaks that turn the site into a mini water park.

Electrical points are labelled — so we don’t play the “which switch does what?” guessing game.

No dampness or cracks — because fixing those later is basically heartbreak plus extra bills.

Window sealing is proper — rainwater should stay outside, not apply for residency inside.

Bathroom slopes are right — water must flow towards the drain, not explore the rest of your home.

This saves homeowners time, cost, and later repair headaches.

1. Check the Main Door, Locks & Hardware

Your main door is your first security layer — and often the most ignored.

✔ What to inspect:

• Door alignment (should close without forcing)

• No gaps under or beside the door

• Proper functioning of main lock + secondary lock

• Door stopper installed

• Hinges should not squeak

• Check for cracks or warping

If the main door isn’t aligned, we face trouble fixing door frames and placing false ceilings near the entrance. Get the builder to fix it immediately.

2. Plumbing, Water Flow & Drainage Check

Plumbing problems are the #1 reason for post-interior damage.

✔ Inspect:

• Water pressure in all taps

• No leakage from under basins or sink traps

• Proper slope in bathrooms (water should flow toward the drain)

• No dampness on walls

• Flush tank working

• Geyser points available

• Balcony drainage clearance

A reverse slope bathroom or balcony can cause continuous seepage into bedrooms — we see this in many projects. Fix before possession.

3. Wall Quality, Plastering & Paint

These will directly impact your interior finishes.

✔ Look for:

• No cracks near beams or pillars

• No hollow sounds when tapping walls

• Even surface without bumps

• Painting done uniformly

• No seepage marks or damp patches

Even small cracks can widen once we start drilling for modulars or false ceilings. Never accept the home if you see dampness.

4. Flooring, Tiles & Grouting

Flooring issues can completely disrupt interior installation.

✔ Check:

• Tiles should be even — no bump or hollow sound

• Grouting properly filled (no gaps)

• No cracked tiles

• Bathroom tiles should not be slippery

• Marble/china tiles should be polished without scratches

If flooring is uneven, your sliding wardrobes, modular kitchen, and doors will not align properly. Insist on builder correction.

5. Doors, Windows & UPVC Frames

Poor window installation leads to leakage during rains.

✔ Check:

• All windows slide smoothly

• No gaps in UPVC frames

• Proper mosquito mesh

• Window lock functioning

• Silicon sealing done properly

Many high-rise apartments in Hyderabad face rainwater seepage due to bad window sealing. Fix this before your furniture is installed.

6. Kitchen Area Inspection

Even if you're planning a modular kitchen later, the base structure should be right.

✔ Check:

• Granite is level

• No gaps between granite & wall

• Sink tap working + no leakage

• Proper drainage slope

• Electrical points for chimney, hob, RO, fridge

A sloped or uneven granite will affect hob installation, chimney alignment, and kitchen shutters later.

7. Bathroom Quality & Fittings

A bathroom check should be extremely thorough.

✔ Inspect:

• WC alignment

• Tap joints not leaking

• Shower flow pressure

• Drainage slope

• Exhaust point availability

• Towel rods installed

• Hot/cold mixer functioning

Bathroom leakages can destroy false ceilings below and cause mould. Never ignore even a minor seepage.

8. Balcony & Utility Areas

These areas are often rushed by builders.

✔ Check:

• Proper drainage

• No pending plastering

• Railings firmly fixed

• Water outlet for washing machine

• Slope toward the drain

Balcony water logging can cause dampness in adjacent living/dining walls.

Taking possession of a new home is exciting, but rushing through the handover can cause long-term problems.

A thorough inspection ensures you get what you paid for and prepares your home perfectly for interior work.

FAQs – Builder Handover Checklist (Before Taking Possession)

1. Why is a builder handover checklist important before taking possession?

A handover checklist helps you catch issues like leakages, uneven flooring, faulty electrical points, or dampness before you sign off. Once you take possession, getting the builder to fix these becomes harder — and repair costs often fall on you. A proper checklist saves time, money, and major headaches during interiors.

2. Can I take possession even if small defects are present?

Yes, minor cosmetic issues can be noted in a snag list, and you can request the builder to fix them after possession. But do not accept possession if you find dampness, uneven flooring, plumbing leaks, or faulty wiring, these can affect your interiors and cost you heavily later.

3. What tools do I need for a proper home inspection?

You don’t need anything fancy. Carry:

• A phone flashlight

• A charging plug (to test points)

• A coin (to tap tiles for hollow sounds)

• A small ball or marble (to check the flooring slope)

• Tissue or cloth (for leakage tests). Optional but useful: moisture meter.

  
  

4. How long does a complete handover inspection take?

A thorough inspection usually takes 60–90 minutes for a 2BHK and 90–120 minutes for a 3BHK. If you’re checking with an interior designer, they may spend more time assessing electrical layout, plumbing, and structural alignment required for interiors.

5. Should I bring my interior designer for the handover inspection?

Absolutely! it’s one of the best decisions you can make. Interior designers know exactly what affects future interiors: levelling, plumbing, slopes, hidden dampness, incorrect electrical points, etc. One walkthrough with a designer can save weeks of delay and thousands in repair costs.