Possessing a dream home is the sweetest moment in everyone’s life. Protect your visions and assets by having copies of essential documents and reviewing all the legal requirements. The following are the necessary activities that any person should undertake whenever he/she acquires a new apartment in Kerala.

Table of Contents

Initial Documentation Review

When you have secured your flat all the legal documents concerning the legal and the property must be checked and confirmed. Here’s what you need to review:

Possession Letter

Approves the transfer of the property from the builder or the seller.
Confirm the take-over date and ensure that the client meets all conditions provided.

Sale Deed

The legal document that defines ownership of a property.
It must be registered at the sub-registrar’s office and should possess an original one.

Occupancy Certificate (OC)

This is a document for the occupancy of the flat and conformity with various standards provided by the local municipal authority.

Allotment Letter

Explains the dimension of the flat including space, floor and nature of payment.
To ensure there is no difference between the allotment with the actual flat.

Encumbrance Certificate

Ensures that the property in question does not have any legal or financial encumbrances.

Builder-Buyer Agreement

Read the construction specifications, deadlines and conformance penalties in case of delay and substandard work.

NOC from Authorities

Check that No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for electricity, water, fire safety, and environmental are available.

Property Tax Receipts

Find out that all property taxes have been paid at the time of possession.

Building Plans and Layout Approval

Get a copy of the approved building plan to evaluate whether it has followed all the laws of that specific area or not.

Must read: Things to Check Before Buying Under-Construction Property in Kerala

Physical Inspection of the Property

Physical inspection of the property is an inevitable first step before you start moving into a new flat and conduct a physical check. Please check:

Structural Integrity

These signs include; It has cracks, leaks or uneven surfaces.

Electrical Systems

Check all the switch functions, outlets and all the lighting options available.

Plumbing

It is necessary to check taps, faucets and other drainages making sure that they are in their perfect condition.

Paint and Finish

Make sure that the walls and ceilings are done according to the agreed plan.

Amenities and Appliances

Look at elevators, intercom and all fixtures provided for the building.

Utilities and Amenities Check

Utilities and amenities inside and outside the apartment need to be checked properly before you move in. Here are the important things;

Lift/Elevator Functionality

Check that the elevators are working well and are safe for their intended use.
Ensure backup power for lifts during power failure.

Common Amenities

Check on access to property uses such as gymnasiums, swimming pools, clubs and parks.
Make sure that these spaces are clean, tidy and ready for use when needed.

Parking Space

Make sure that there is a parking space assigned, and that it is accessible.
Look at the lighting and the security all around the parking place.

Waste Disposal System

Know the waste collection and disposal regime.
Check if provisions concerning recycling are in place.

Safety Measures Evaluation

Safety comes first. It’s better to ensure that your dream home has all the top notch safety facilities to keep yourself protected.

Security Systems

Make sure the building has functional CCTV cameras, intercom systems or video doorbells functional.
Check the security measures or access control when entering and exiting the premises.

Fire Safety

Make sure that fire extinguishers are placed in common areas and that fire alarms work properly.
Ensure the existence of an evacuation plan in case of an emergency in the building.
Ensure that fire exits and fire staircases are accessible.
Make sure the fire sprinkler system is in place and functional; this is important for high-rise buildings.

Customization and Personalization

If you are moving into a furnished apartment you have to guarantee that all the previously declared things in the documents are there.

Furniture Arrangement

Determine where furniture like sofas, beds, and dining tables will be placed in the area for best utility. Modular furniture is more convenient at any point.

Design Preferences

From your style preferences, make sure you integrate the minimality, contemporary, or traditional styles.

Use a consistent theme of colours for the walls, furniture and decor items used in the room. Include wallpapers on certain walls or apply a textured finish.

Renovation Ideas

Use a modular kitchen with pull-out drawers, pantry pantry-stored kitchen and smart kitchen appliances.
Replace or improve the appearance of countertops with quartz or granite.
Update old light fittings to newer designs such as those with automatic controls or rain showers.
Use LED mirrors, heated towel racks, or shower cubicles.

Setting Up Utilities and Services

Internet and Telephone

Verify the internet service providers currently being offered in the building.
Make appropriate cable connections for wiring the requisite electricity either for the landlines or broadband if available.

Electricity

All electrical fittings like switches, sockets, and fans, should be correctly fixed and in good working condition.
Check the signs for a proper power supply and meters.
Make sure that the battery backup power systems such as inverters or generator systems are functional.

Water Supply

Make sure that there is a 24/7 water supply and a check on the water pressure on the taps and showers.
Check for leakage, blockage or low pressure in the pipes of all bathrooms and kitchens.
Verify hot water systems.

Gas Connection

Check the gas connection from the amenities or ensure that an LPG cylinder is available.
Check safety valves and proper ventilation for the gas system.

Explore Local Amenities

Find nearby grocery stores, supermarkets and specialty stores for daily needs.

Check for farmer’s markets or better still shops that sell organic foods as they are the best.
It is recommended to become familiar with hospitals, clinics, and medical stores when requiring assistance.
Save emergency contact information if possible in an easily retrievable format.

Documenting the Condition of the Flat

Take Photos/Videos

Preserve the image for future use either in case of a dispute or further communication.

Create a Maintenance Log

Monitor all complications that you come across post-possession.

Addressing Issues with the Builder

Report Defects Promptly

You should do a checkout tour of your flat as soon as you move in.
Look for cracks in the wall, a slope in the floor, any water intrusion or problems with fixtures.

Follow Up on Repairs

Make sure that the builder agrees to a particular time frame for attending to the problems that have been noted.
Communicate with building management for information on the progress of continuing repairs.
To monitor the quality and also the rate of repairs done at the flat should frequent the place.
Ensure that all the repairs were made according to the standards that were agreed on earlier.

Final Thoughts & Moving In Preparation

Taking possession of a flat is a great thing, but it is also necessary to be responsible.

Carrying out proper inspection, handling of defects and confirmation of utility services are essential in comfortable living.

Interactions with the neighbours give us a comfortable living experience.
Make sure to take the time to enjoy your new home and create some new memories.
It’s important to also invite family and friends to the new home, therefore have a housewarming.

Why Choose Ghazal Builders for Your Dream Home?

More than a living space, your flat is the place filled with your life. To avoid stress while possessing a home, you should plan well ahead so that your moving process goes as smoothly as possible. Take this chance and turn your flat into what we always dream about and wish to have. Ghazal Builders has emerged as one of the leading builders in Kozhikode. We are committed to building great homes for you and your families through quality and dedication.

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