Apartment Inspection/ Home inspection is a newly concept in the Indian market as it is started a couple of years ago. Apartment Inspection is the best thing which has come to the rescue of the Home Buyer, as The buyer gets to know the actual condition of the house whether it is interior, exterior, electricity, seepage, doors, windows, etc, he may ask the seller or the developer to get it repaired otherwise the deal might even cancel.
So the Apartment inspection positively benefits the home buyer as he can make the decision whether to purchase or cancel the booking on the basis of the Apartment inspection report.
Apartment Inspection Checklist- The Indian Context
There are various companies in India for Home Inspection, depending upon their location and functionality an individual buyer can approach, then the Home inspector will visit the apartment and do a quality check (QC) of the house and on the basis of that QC they will provide the buyer a report in which all the issues and concerns would be noted down and highlighted for the benefit of the buyer.
Below mentioned are the major points which Apartment inspection checklist includes:
Plumbing & Fixtures check:
Proper checking for Plumbing and fixtures must be carried as it is one of the important aspect of the home, the Inspector should check for Clogged/blocked outlet pipes, this Clogged or blocked pipes increase the internal pressure in the pipe which may cause slight crack or even burst it. Proper leaks must be checked in the concealed pipeline fittings and fixtures, also make a check of Taps , water inlet and outlet valves, sinks, taps, bathroom flushers, etc.
Checklist for Electrical systems:
The apartment inspection checklist should prompt a buyer to properly check the Electrical functioning as it is important for healthy homes. One must check for the main switch board, electrical earthling, fans, and switches, circuit breakers. Whatever installed must be in a good working condition and nothing should be outdated. Adequate number of electric point must be provided in each room. RCCB/MCB functionality should be checked properly.
Checklist for Walls & Ceilings:
Both the exterior and interior of the house must be checked properly and if any cracks detected in walls and ceilings it should be highlighted. Proper painting work must be done in the house if not than it must be bought to the notice of the developer. Even if a small crack is not repaired it may cause a major problem going forward.
Checklist for Doors:
Proper working of the Door is very important as it connects with the safety of the home. The buyer can check the presence of cracks, decay, door knob loosening in the frame or door making any unwanted sound while opening or closing, This kind of issues can damage the doors during regular use. Main and bathroom flush doors should be made with waterproof adhesive. A proper check of damaged, missing and uneven fittings should be highlighted.
Checklist for Tiling work:
Buyer can inspect the tiling work before moving in with a help of apartment inspection checklist. It is necessary to check if any hollow tiles present in flooring, if there than it can easily crack after regular use. One should check for any uneven fitting of tiles more then 1-2 mm may hurt someone. The buyer should check that the bathroom flooring slope is maintained towards the nahani trap.
Checking for Windows:
A window home inspection will indicate if there are any gaps between the window’s frames or sliding that may cause energy loss. Check for a misaligned window or frame, buyer should check for non-functional lock. Check for any damage in glass.
Checklist for Carpet Area:
The Buyer can check the room sizes in terms of the breadth and length of all the rooms, and can verify these sizes shown in a brochure or agreement. Small to small difference in carpet area can cost you in Lakhs of Rupees.
This all points need to inspect during Apartment Inspection and all issues need to be brought to the notice of the developer for the rectification.
