Villa Handover Checklist: How to Do a Snag Inspection
Handover day is your best chance to get defects fixed at the developer’s cost. Once you move in and furnish, problems are harder to prove and slower to repair. Use this checklist to inspect your villa properly before you accept the keys.
Before you go
- Carry your agreement for sale and the specification sheet. Check finishes against what was promised. See the Adarsh Sanctuary specifications for an example.
- Bring a torch, a spirit level, a tape measure, masking tape, a phone charger to test sockets, and a bucket.
- Go in daylight, and allow at least three hours for a villa.
- Consider hiring a professional snagging inspector. Many do thermal and moisture checks.
Walls and ceilings
- Cracks, uneven plaster and patchy paint
- Damp patches or stains, especially under windows, bathrooms and the roof
- Straight corners and even wall surfaces
Floors and tiles
- Hollow tiles: tap each one. A hollow sound means poor bonding.
- Chipped or mismatched tiles, uneven grout lines
- Level floors: pour a little water in bathrooms and balconies and check it drains
Doors and windows
- Every door and window opens, closes and locks smoothly
- Gaps around frames, damaged hardware, loose hinges
- Glass free of scratches and cracks
Plumbing
- Run every tap and shower for a few minutes, hot and cold
- Check water pressure on each floor
- Flush every toilet and look for leaks below
- Look under sinks for dripping joints
Electricals
- Test every switch and socket
- Check the distribution board labels match the rooms
- Test the earthing and the MCBs trip correctly
- Confirm the power backup load matches what was promised
Roof, terrace and exterior
- Waterproofing on the terrace, and whether rainwater drains away
- External paint, cladding and drainage around the villa
- Compound wall, gate and boundary markings match your plot
Garden and outdoor areas
- Soil levels slope away from the house
- Outdoor taps and lighting work
- Parking area is finished and sized as promised
How to report snags
- Photograph every issue and mark it with masking tape.
- Write a numbered list and submit it to the developer in writing, by email.
- Ask for a written timeline for fixes, and re-inspect before final sign-off.
Under RERA, developers are responsible for structural defects and defects in workmanship, quality or services reported within five years of handing over possession. Keep records of everything you report.
Documents to collect at handover
- Possession letter
- Completion or occupancy certificate copies
- Warranty cards and manuals for fittings and appliances
- Electricity and water connection details
- Keys and access cards, with a count
- Maintenance and owners’ association details. See maintenance charges explained.
Frequently asked questions
Should I refuse possession if there are snags?
Minor snags are normal and are usually fixed after possession. Serious issues, such as leaks or structural cracks, should be fixed before you accept. Put everything in writing either way.
When is the sale deed registered?
Usually around possession. Read our villa booking process guide for the full sequence.
Considering Adarsh Sanctuary? Ask about possession timelines and specifications.
