Buying a new apartment is exciting but also stressful if you don’t know what to check before possession. Many first-time buyers believe a brand-new flat will be problem-free, but hidden construction defects called snags often remain unnoticed until it’s too late. These issues can lead to water damage, electrical hazards, structural concerns, or expensive repairs down the line.
This is where a professional home inspection becomes essential. An inspector uses tools and expertise to identify defects that aren’t visible during a casual walkthrough.
Below are the Top 15 Snag List Items First-Time Buyers Always Miss—and why you absolutely must check them before taking the keys to your new home.
Top 15 Snags First-Time Homebuyers Always Miss
1. Uneven and Hollow Flooring Tiles
Even new tiles may not be installed properly. Issues like hollow sound, popping tiles, or uneven tile levels (lippage) are common in new buildings.
Why inspection helps: Inspectors tap-test every tile and use tools to find hollow or loose tiles you can’t detect by sight.
2. Poor Bathroom Waterproofing
Improper waterproofing leads to dampness, stains on lower floors, and seepage inside bedrooms and wardrobes.
Why inspection helps: Moisture meters detect hidden seepage even when walls appear dry and freshly painted.
3. Faulty Electrical Points & Loose Wiring
Buyers rarely test all plug points, fans, lights, and MCBs. Loose wiring, reverse polarity, or missing earthing can be dangerous.
Why inspection helps: Inspectors carry electrical testers and verify every outlet for correct earthing and polarity.
4. Incorrect Door and Window Alignment
Misaligned doors cause difficulty in closing, gaps, and water leakage during the monsoon.
Why inspection helps: Inspectors check alignment, frame gaps, and hardware strength—issues that are easy to overlook.
5. Wall Cracks, Paint Bubbles & Dampness
Fresh paint hides cracks, poor putty work, and seepage that appears later.
Why inspection helps: Professionals use moisture detection tools and know how to identify hidden structural cracks.
6. Balcony and Bathroom Slope Issues
An incorrect slope causes water stagnation, foul smell, and mould growth.
Why inspection helps: Inspectors use slope meters and water-flow tests to ensure correct drainage.
7. Plumbing Leaks & Low Water Pressure
Leaking faucets, dripping taps, and weak pressure are common issues in new flats.
Why inspection helps: Inspectors test every tap, drainage point, and connection, ensuring no hidden leaks remain.
8. Loose Kitchen Countertop & Poor Finishing
A kitchen may look good, but loose granite, poor sealing, or gaps attract insects and cause long-term damage.
Why inspection helps: Inspectors check the stability of countertops, sealing quality, and alignment of cabinets.
9. Ventilation Issues & Poor Air Circulation
Poor ventilation leads to humidity, mould growth, and poor indoor air quality.
Why inspection helps: Inspectors evaluate cross-ventilation, air flow, and potential moisture-risk areas.
10. Missing Safety Features
Builders sometimes forget essential safety elements like proper railing height, grills, or secure stair railings.
Why inspection helps: Inspectors measure railing height, check stability, and ensure all safety standards are met.
11. Damaged or Low-Quality Switchboards
Some switchboards get stuck, spark, or are of poor quality.
Why inspection helps: A home inspector tests every switch and identifies faulty or substandard electrical fixtures.
12. AC Provision Issues
Incorrect AC piping, missing drainage outlets, or insufficient power points can cause water leakage and electrical problems later.
Why inspection helps: Inspectors verify AC pipe slope, drainage point placement, and correct socket positioning.
13. Ceiling Level Differences & Finishing Problems
Uneven ceilings, visible joints, and poor plastering affect aesthetics and resale value.
Why inspection helps: Professionals use laser-level tools to check ceiling uniformity and finishing defects.
14. Incomplete Fixtures & Missing Items
Missing screws, loose handles, uninstalled exhaust fans, or absent stoppers are common in new flats.
Why inspection helps: Inspectors follow a detailed checklist to ensure nothing is missing or loosely installed.
15. Water Tank & STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) Issues
Common areas also matter—poor water quality, STP smell, or pump problems affect daily living.
Why inspection helps: Inspection includes common areas to ensure building-level systems are functioning properly.
Why a Home Inspection is Essential for First-Time Buyers
- A professional home inspection covers:
- Electrical safety
- Plumbing and drainage
- Leak detection
- Structural and finishing defects
- Moisture and seepage checks
- Door-window alignment
- Flooring quality
- Ventilation and safety
Inspectors use tools like thermal cameras, moisture meters, clamp meters, laser levels, and polarity testers—tools an average buyer does not have or know how to use.
When Should You Book a Home Inspection?
- Before taking possession
- After receiving the handover letter
- Before shifting furniture
- During the defect liability period (usually 1 year)
- This ensures the builder fixes all issues—not you.
FAQs
1. What is a snag list in home inspection?
A snag list is a detailed report of defects, unfinished work, and poor construction quality identified by a professional before taking possession.
2. Do brand-new flats also need a home inspection?
Absolutely. Many new flats have hidden defects like leakage, loose wiring, or uneven flooring that only appear after months of use.
3. How long does a home inspection take?
Usually 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the apartment and the number of rooms.
4. Will builders fix the issues found in the inspection?
Yes. Most builders rectify defects listed in the snag report, especially during the possession or warranty period.
5. Can I do the snag checking myself?
You can check basic things, but without inspection tools and trained expertise, many hidden defects will be missed.
Final Thoughts
A brand-new apartment may look beautiful, but hidden snags can turn your dream home into a stressful experience. A professional home inspection ensures you identify and fix every issue before moving in. It gives you peace of mind, protects your investment, and ensures your home is safe, durable, and ready for comfortable living.
