Check list:

● Construction quality: Check for the ceilings, flooring, and other hardware. See if there are any
leaks or damp corners.
● Interiors: If you are visiting a furnished property, see whether the interiors, including kitchen
cabinets, almirah and sanitaryware, is of good quality.
● Building approvals: In case of a housing society, check for all the approvals including fire safety,
security and even construction approval certificates are available.
● Elevators: Check how quick the elevators are and how secure they are from the inside. They
should have an emergency phone, an emergency alarm and if in a premium society should have
a liftman, too. All these services should be available 24x7.
● Security measures: Keep a keen eye on the security measures taken in the society. This includes
security cameras, security guard and intercom facility. Ensure that these are operational and
maintenance is up to the mark. Check with the neighbors if there have been any break-ins in the
society.
● Power backup: Make sure that a power back-up facility is available in case of an emergency.
● Plumbing and wiring: Check that all plumbing and wiring is well connected and in working
condition. To give a thorough check, switch on all the electricity buttons and turn on taps to
check the supply.
● Phone signals: This is very important. There can be locations where your operator's signals are
not available. So, make sure you are getting proper signals for both calling and internet services.
● Sunlight: Enter every possible nook and corner and see how much daylight do they get to soak
in. By spending some time here, you will also be able to figure out if the walls are too thin and
all sorts of voices enter the premises.
● Weather check: All properties look good when the weather is fair. Do not forget to pay a visit
when it might be raining. This would give you a clear idea about how effectively the
neighborhood is equipped to handle water accumulated during the rainy season.
● Take an expert: If you take a property inspector along with you, they will help you have a clearer
understanding on the viability of the property. An expert is more likely to catch points that
might not be obvious to a lay man's eye.
● Do not forget to take photos: This is a must. Pictures will help you compare properties with one
another when you are back home and are about to take a final decision.

Five home problems that you can detect easily:

● Danger zones
The first and foremost thing that you need to look for while taking a look at the property are areas
that could cause sudden accidents. For instance, wires lying open and in a congested space can be a
cause for sudden heating of wires and thus, is becoming a cause of a short circuit or fire. Or, check
for the way the property is designed to understand how easy an emergency exit would be. Also, a
wrong usage of flooring in the bathrooms or kitchen, which when wet can be a cause of an accident.
So while you take a look, keep an eye on these small  things and also, do not forget to see how well
the property is equipped to handle an accident. Look for fire alarms, door knobs and locks, and even
fire extinguishers.
● Security measures
A major concern for many, look for the security measures that have been taken by the property
owner and how much will you have to spend to ensure apt security. See how strong the doors and
windows are, are the locks and latches technologically advanced and well-installed and also see if
the property is well equipped with latest technology security measures including video phone door
locks, and CCTV cameras.
● Uneven walls or flooring
A property also has some signs of ageing. If you are planning on buying a property which was
constructed years ago there are certain things you should look for. See if the walls are standing
straight or do you see a visible bent in them. A bent would mean that it would only grow worse with
time and eventually be a cause of an accident. Also, if the construction is faulty you would see
uneven flooring. Look for these small errors and you would be saved from investing in a poorly-
constructed property.
Slow drainage
While you make a visit to the property make sure you check all the taps in the kitchen and
bathrooms to see how fast the drainage and water supply system is. A slow drainage or water
supply means clogged systems due to faulty installations or improper maintenance.
● Cracking caulk
Look at the corners of the walls, joints between the window and the wall, where sinks or bathtubs
are installed and see if the caulking is cracked or coming out. This is a sign of gap formation between
the joints and that it will keep on expanding. This also is a sign of faulty construction and lack of
maintenance after that.
● Multiple types of pipes
Keep an eye on the types of pipes used across various points of drainage. If you find a mix of cast
iron and PVC pipes, share this information with your home inspector and let them look into the
reason why. Also, let them check if the right type in used for each drainage and are also of a good
quality.
● Low ventilation
When moving around, keep a check on how well the property is ventilated. Check for the windows,
vents and even appliances that allow ventilation. Look for these vents in areas that are prone to
humidity including kitchen and bathrooms.