Visiting a property for the first time is where brochures meet reality. A good site visit saves time, avoids surprises, and gives you the confidence to shortlist the right projects. Below is a practical, Bangalore-friendly checklist you can use on your next site visit - short, human, and action-focused.

Site-Visit Essentials at a Glance

• Bring ID, basic property docs, and a note-taking app or printed checklist.

• Visit once during the day and once during peak hours (evening commute) to judge traffic and noise.

• Take time-stamped photos and short videos of key areas (entry, parking, lift lobbies, sample flat).

• Verify approvals and RERA details later (or on the spot if available).

Before You Go - Quick Prep

• Print/save: project brochure, tentative floor plan, RERA registration number (if provided), and the builder’s name.

• Bring: PAN/Aadhaar, a smartphone (charged), pen, small torch, and measuring tape (optional).

• Check the map: planned route and alternate route for peak traffic - Google Maps travel time can differ widely during rush hour.

On-Site Checklist - What to Inspect

1. External & Access

   • Approach road quality and width (will delivery trucks / emergency vehicles pass easily?).

   • Distance to the main road / public transport / nearest metro or bus stop.

   • Entry gate, security setup, guard room, and boundary walls.

2. Parking & Vehicle flow

   • Visitor parking vs. resident parking capacity

   • Ease of entry/exit during peak times - try the drive-in if possible.

3. Construction & Build Quality (look, listen, feel)

   • Plaster finish, tile alignment, and grout quality in the show flat.

   • Check for visible cracks, damp patches, or uneven floors.

   • Test doors/windows - alignment, smooth operation, and quality of hardware.

4. Services & Utilities

   • Water source (borewell/municipal) and storage tanks - capacity & visible maintenance.

   • Power backup & DG room location (noise/smell during testing).

   • Sewage & drainage visible lines - check slope, smell, and open drains near the site.

5. Interiors & Sample Unit

   • Carpet vs. built-up area clarity - compare brochure numbers to physical dimensions.

   • Window positions for daylight and cross ventilation.

   • Kitchen layout, plumbing access, electrical points, and bathroom finishes.

6. Amenities & Common Areas

   • Gym, pool, clubhouse, lifts - functional and matching promised specs.

   • Size & upkeep of landscaped areas; children’s play area location (safety).

   • Garbage disposal points - are they well-located and covered?

7. Documents & Approvals (always ask)

   • Is this project RERA registered? Ask for the RERA number and note it down.

   • Sanctioned plan/building plan approvals (BDA/BBMP/local planning authority).

   • Status of occupancy certificate (OC) or expected possession date for under-construction projects.

8. Neighbourhood & Lifestyle

   • Nearby schools, hospitals, grocery stores, and high-frequency services (how many minutes away?).

   • Notice nearby construction or plots that will stay open for years (future dust/noise).

   • Check cell signal strength (important for work-from-home buyers).

Questions to Ask the Sales Team

• What is the exact possession date and penalty clause for delays?

• What’s included in the price (parking, clubhouse, GST, registration charges)?

• Are there any ongoing or past RERA complaints or orders against this promoter?

• Who handles the post-possession maintenance and transition to the residents’ association?

• Can I see the latest construction progress photos/site progress report (if UC)?

What to Photograph / Video (must-haves)

1. Main entrance & approach road (one wide shot).

2. Parking layout & visitor parking.

3. Lift lobbies and staircases.

4. Sample unit - whole room + window view + bathroom fixtures.

5. Water tanks, DG room, and sewage/drain lines.

6. Any visible defects or ambiguous spots (tag them with a short voice note in your phone).

Red Flags - Walk Away or Verify Carefully

• No RERA number or mismatched RERA details in the brochure vs. the portal.

• Unexplained deviations in plans, missing approvals, or high-pressure “book now” tactics without documentation.

• Poor water source or neighbouring heavy industry/sewage smell.

After the Visit - Quick Next Steps

• Compare notes: Put photos and answers side-by-side with the brochure.

• Ask for documents you didn’t get on site - RERA certificate, sanctioned plan, latest EC (encumbrance).

• Schedule a second visit (peak-hour commute test + site with builder’s engineer/architect).

• Get a legal quick-check (title + approvals) before paying any booking amount.