Pre-possession checklist
The best time to solve interior decisions is before the keys arrive
Possession day is not the start of planning. It is the moment when your approved floor plan, society rules and design decisions meet the real site. A little preparation before handover can protect the schedule and prevent avoidable rework.
Before possession: 15 decisions to make
- Confirm the carpet area and wall dimensions. Do not rely on a brochure plan for furniture fabrication.
- Measure lift, staircase and doorway access. Large panels and stone pieces need a delivery route.
- Mark electrical points. Include appliance loads, bedside charging, router points and future needs.
- Decide AC and exhaust positions. Coordinate drain routes and service access before carpentry closes the wall.
- List what the builder already provides. Separate included lights, fans, fixtures, shelves and hardware from your scope.
- Choose the kitchen workflow. Map refrigerator, sink, hob, tall units and appliance storage before final shutters.
- Plan wardrobe contents. The internal layout should follow clothing, luggage and accessory habits.
- Reserve a work-from-home zone. Confirm desk width, glare control, power and cable management.
- Set a finish direction. Approve a small material palette instead of selecting every room independently.
- Check wet-area protection. Ask for waterproofing, plumbing access and edge-sealing details where relevant.
- Read society rules. Record work hours, worker registration, lift protection and debris handling.
- Choose the decision-maker. One person should consolidate approvals to reduce contradictory instructions.
- Define the contract scope. List inclusions, exclusions, taxes, delivery, installation and civil work.
- Agree on payment milestones. Tie payments to documented approvals or completed stages.
- Define handover. Include testing, snagging, cleaning, keys, drawings and warranty documents.
What should happen during the first site visit?
The first visit should verify dimensions, wall conditions, service points, levels, access and any mismatch between the drawing and the apartment. Photograph each room, record open issues and freeze the measurement set before production drawings are approved.
How to turn the checklist into a smoother schedule
Group decisions by dependency. Electrical and plumbing positions come before ceilings and cabinetry; cabinetry dimensions come before fabrication; finish approvals come before final ordering. This sequence keeps late changes from moving through every downstream trade.
Three red flags before signing
- The scope uses words such as “as discussed” without an attached drawing or specification.
- The schedule has a handover date but no definition of site readiness, approvals or exclusions.
- Warranty language does not state what is covered, for how long and how service requests are handled.
FAQs
When should I contact an interior designer for a new flat?
Start when you have the floor plan and a likely possession window. Early planning gives time to measure, compare scope, understand society rules and coordinate long-lead materials.
What should I give the designer before the first meeting?
Share the floor plan, family requirements, room priorities, possession date, preferred budget range and any builder or society documents available.
Why is a written scope important?
It creates a shared reference for what is included, how changes are handled, when payments are due and what handover and warranty mean.