Most Pune flat buyers do a quick walk-through of the sample flat during the purchase, then take possession of their own flat with minimal inspection — signing the possession letter while the builder’s executive stands next to them, key in hand.
Don’t. That moment is your last point of maximum leverage. After you sign, you move in, you unpack, and the builder’s motivation to fix anything drops to near zero.
This is the snagging inspection guide: what to check, how to document it, and how to enforce your rights under RERA’s defect liability provisions.
What is Snagging?
Snagging is a British construction term that has entered Indian real estate vocabulary for the process of inspecting a newly completed flat for defects, incomplete work, and quality shortfalls before accepting possession.
A proper snag list:
- Documents every defect in writing with photos
- Is submitted to the builder before signing the possession letter
- Becomes the basis for the builder’s obligation to rectify under RERA’s defect liability clause
A snag list is distinct from the possession checklist (which covers society amenities, meter connections, NOC documents) — snagging focuses specifically on the flat’s physical condition.
Your RERA Rights on Defects
Section 14(3) of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act 2016: The developer is liable to repair any structural defects, workmanship defects, quality shortfalls, or any defect in services (plumbing, electrical, waterproofing) that appears within 5 years from the date of possession — at no cost to the buyer.
This is a statutory warranty. It does not require you to have flagged the defect before possession (you can raise it within 5 years). However, a documented snag list from possession day:
- Establishes the defect existed at handover (prevents builder from claiming “owner-caused damage”)
- Triggers the builder’s immediate repair obligation in writing
- Becomes evidence in MahaRERA complaint if the builder delays repairs
When to Conduct the Inspection
Pre-possession visit: Request a “pre-possession inspection” 7–15 days before your formal possession date. Some builders allow this; if yours doesn’t, insist or request the inspection at possession day before signing.
At possession: Inspect the flat before signing the possession letter. If the builder’s executive pressures you to sign and inspect later, say: “I’ll sign the possession letter after completing the inspection and noting snags.” This is reasonable and within your rights.
The Golden Rule: Never sign the possession letter unconditionally before inspecting. You can sign with a note: “Subject to resolution of snag list submitted on [date].”
Bring the Right Tools
- Smartphone with a camera that date-stamps photos (or note the date in filenames)
- Torch/flashlight — check inside wardrobes, under counters, corners of ceilings
- Marble or a small ball — to test floor level (roll it; if it moves consistently in one direction, the floor is not level)
- A coin or screwdriver handle — tap tiles, walls to check for hollow tiles (a hollow sound = debonded tile)
- Measuring tape — check carpet area against agreement specs
- Level tool (app on your phone works) — check doors, windows, bathroom fittings for plumb and level
- Notebook and pen for writing snag notes on site (voice memos are also useful)
Room-by-Room Snagging Checklist
Structure and Common
- Cracks in exterior walls, columns, beams (horizontal cracks in structural members are serious; hairline vertical cracks in plaster are minor)
- Water seepage or staining on external walls
- Lobby, corridor, staircase: tiling complete, lights working, handrails secure
- Lift operational and as per specifications
Main Door
- Frame flush with wall (no gaps)
- Door opens and closes smoothly without sticking
- Lock, handle, and peephole functional
- Door seal (weather strip) present if specified
- Fire-rated door: check the rating certificate is affixed
Living and Dining
- Tiles: no hollow tiles (tap test), no chipped edges, no grout cracks, pattern alignment correct
- Ceiling: no cracks, no paint drips, no evidence of water staining
- Electrical points: correct number of points as per plan, all operational (carry a plug tester or use phone charger)
- Light switches: correct height (typically 1.2–1.4m), all working
- AC conduit: present, properly sealed, no exposed wiring
- Windows: all panes intact, frames flush with wall, openings smooth, locks functional, mosquito mesh present if specified
- Paint: uniform finish, no patchy areas, no brush marks, no lap marks at wall-ceiling junction
- Skirting tiles: aligned, no gaps, no loose pieces
- Internet/LAN conduit: present and accessible
Kitchen
- Platform level (use level app)
- Platform tiles or granite: no cracks, chips, correct colour as specified
- Kitchen sink: plumbing connections watertight — turn on the water and check under the sink
- Drain slope: water drains without pooling
- Overhead cabinet (if included): doors aligned, hinges firm
- Electrical points: number and placement per plan; separate MCB for kitchen AC
- Exhaust fan provision/chimney outlet: properly sealed
- Gas pipeline: point present and capped with valve
- Tiles behind platform (dado): complete to specified height, no hollow tiles
Bathrooms (each separately)
- Floor: slope toward drain (pour a mug of water — it should flow to drain within 10 seconds)
- Drain cover: flush with floor, not proud
- Tiles: tap test for hollow tiles, check joints for gaps (entry point for seepage), check behind toilet and bath fixtures
- WC: flush mechanism working, no rocking, water supply functional, waste connection sealed
- Wash basin: level, drain functional, waste connection sealed, no movement in basin
- Shower/mixer: functioning, connections watertight
- Geyser point: electrical and water points present, adequate height clearance
- Towel rods, soap dishes, toilet paper holder: if included, secure — not just clipped in but grouted or screwed
- Exhaust fan: operational
- Waterproofing: this is hardest to test on day one. Check for existing staining on walls (indicates past seepage). Request builder confirmation of waterproofing layer specification (which product, which membrane). If any doubt, withhold a small amount and test by filling bathroom floor with 25mm water for 24 hours before taking possession — most builders will resist this; note the refusal.
Bedrooms
- All tiles: tap test, no cracking
- Electrical points: number per room as per plan
- Wardrobe/wardrobe provision: size as specified, shelves present, doors operational, no gaps at wall junction
- Windows: operational, glass intact, locks working
- AC conduit and drain provision: present
- Master bedroom attached bathroom: full snag (as above)
- Balcony (if applicable): waterproofing on floor, drain functional, no loose tiles, railing secure
Electrical System
- Main DB (distribution board): MCBs for each circuit, labelled
- Load test: switch on all heavy loads simultaneously (ACs, geysers) — check for tripping
- Earthing: critical safety check. Use a phase tester or digital multimeter. All earthed points should have continuity to earth
- DG (diesel generator) backup: which circuits are on backup? Verify as per specifications
Plumbing
- Pressure test: turn on all taps simultaneously; flow should be adequate
- Hot water line (if solar/central heating specified): test
- Overhead tank vs. direct supply: confirm which and that the pump/system is operational
- No visible pipe joints running through walls or visible in living areas (should be concealed)
- Drain connections: pour water in all floor traps and check no backflow into other drains
How to Document and Submit the Snag List
During inspection:
- Photograph every defect. Include context (wide shot showing which room/wall) + close-up
- Number each defect (Defect #1, #2…) as you go through the flat
- Note the location precisely: “Defect #7: Master bedroom, east wall, 3rd tile from corner, hollow”
After inspection:
- Compile into a written snag list document
- Submit via email to the builder’s possession team and your relationship manager the same day
- Subject line: “[Your Name] — Flat [Number] — Snag List — [Date]”
- Request written acknowledgement and a timeline for rectification
At possession:
- Sign the possession letter with an explicit written note: “Possession accepted subject to rectification of snag list dated [date], which has been submitted to [builder name] by email.”
- Take a photo of this signed note
If Builder Refuses to Rectify
30-day follow-up: If no response or work started within 30 days of possession, send a formal legal notice via registered post.
MahaRERA Complaint: File a complaint at maharera.mahaonline.gov.in under your project registration. RERA’s defect liability clause under Section 14(3) is your statutory basis. MahaRERA orders builders to rectify or pay compensation. Most builders comply once a formal RERA complaint is filed.
Consumer Forum: Alternatively, file at the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC). Consumer forums can award compensation + litigation costs.
Related Reading
- New Flat Possession Checklist Pune
- Construction Quality Check Guide Pune 2026
- How to Check a Builder’s Reputation Before Buying in Pune 2026
- 10 Apartment Buying Mistakes Pune Buyers Make
Planning to take possession soon? Our agents accompany buyers during possession inspections in Pune. WhatsApp us to arrange a pre-possession visit.
