Step 1: Test the Water Pressure Everywhere
Good water pressure is not a luxury. It is a necessity. Do not just turn on one tap. Go to
every bathroom and the kitchen. Turn on all the taps and showers at the same time. See
if the pressure drops.
Low water pressure makes showering and washing dishes a chore. Check this during
peak times, like the evening. This is when everyone is using water and the pressure is
lowest.
Example: You test a flat on a high floor and the shower is weak. This could mean a
problem with the building’s water pump.
Your tiny action: On your next visit, flush a toilet and then turn on the shower. See if the
shower pressure changes.
Step 2: Listen for the Real Noise
A flat can be very quiet at 3 PM. But what about at 8 AM or 7 PM? Listen carefully. Can
you hear your neighbors? Can you hear traffic from a nearby road? Is there a temple or
school nearby?
Visit on a weekend when neighbors are home. Stand in the bedroom and be silent for
two minutes. You will be surprised what you can hear.
Example: The flat is perfect, but the living room shares a wall with the building’s
elevator. You can hear it moving all day.
Your tiny action: Spend five minutes in the flat with all the windows closed. Just listen.
Step 3: Open and Close Everything
This seems too simple. But it tells you a lot about the quality of the flat. Open and close
every window and door. Do they open smoothly? Do they lock properly? Do the doors
scrape the floor?
Sticky doors or windows are a sign of poor installation. It can also mean the building
has settled in a bad way.
Example: A bedroom window is hard to open. This small issue will annoy you every
single day.
Your tiny action: Physically open and close every window, door, and cabinet during your
visit.
Step 4: Check All the Storage Space
Pictures and site visits show you empty, beautiful spaces. But where will you put your
life? Where will the vacuum cleaner go? What about your luggage and winter clothes?
Open every cupboard. Look under the kitchen sink. Is there enough space for your
things? A lack of storage forces you to buy extra furniture later.
Example: A beautiful flat has tiny kitchen cabinets. You will have to spend more money
on a separate kitchen trolley.
Your tiny action: Mentally walk through where you would store your five bulkiest items
(suitcase, broom, etc.).
Step 5: Check the Phone Signal and Ventilation
Take out your phone. Check the signal strength in every room, especially the bathrooms
and the innermost room. A poor signal is a big problem in our connected world.
Also, does the flat feel fresh? Or does it smell damp? Check for bathroom exhaust fans.
Good airflow keeps your home healthy and prevents mold.
Example: The master bedroom has no signal bars. You cannot take calls in your own
room.
Your tiny action: Call a friend and walk to every corner of the flat. See if the call drops or
breaks up.
Your 5-Point Flat Check Checklist:
● Test water pressure in all taps and showers at the same time.
● Visit at a noisy time (like rush hour) and listen carefully.
● Operate every single door, window, and cabinet.
● Open all cupboards and assess actual storage space.
● Check your phone’s signal strength in every room.
FAQs
Q: What if I find a problem, like low water pressure?
A: Tell the builder or seller immediately. Ask for a written promise to fix it before you
book the flat.
Q: Is it okay to talk to people already living in the building?
A: Yes! It is a great idea. They will give you honest feedback about the building and the
builder.
Q: Should I check the parking spot?
A: Absolutely. Go and see your allotted parking spot. Make sure it is easy to get in and
out of.
Conclusion
These five checks take very little time. But they can save you from years of small
irritations. Be the smart buyer who looks beyond the paint and tiles. Your future self will
thank you for it.
Call to Action: Before you visit your next potential flat, save this list on your phone. Use it
during your visit.
Quick variant: For NRIs, ask a trusted friend or relative to do these checks for you on a
video call. They can test the water and listen for noise in real-time.