When should I start interior design for a new flat?

As soon as you have the final floor plan, ideally a month or two before possession.

How long after possession can I move in?

For a typical 2 BHK with full interiors, around six to ten weeks if design is ready at possession.

Should we do interiors before moving in?

If you can, yes. Dust and noise from carpentry make living there difficult, and the work goes faster in an empty flat.

What should be checked at possession?

Seepage, cracks, floor levels, windows, doors, every switch and tap, and bathroom drainage. Report defects in writing.

Do we need society permission for interiors?

Almost always. Most societies ask for an application, contractor details and sometimes a deposit.

What is the first thing to do after getting keys?

Inspect and document defects, then get society permissions in place before any work starts.

Can we move in before interiors are finished?

It is possible if work is phased, but dust and noise make it hard. Most families wait for at least the kitchen and bedrooms.

New Flat Interior Checklist Before Possession

In short

Start design as soon as you have the final floor plan, before possession.
Inspect and report defects in writing at possession, then get society permission.
Plan every electrical point before carpentry; budget 6 to 10 weeks for a 2 BHK.

Talk to a designer

Before possession

Get the final floor plan with dimensions from the builder
Start design and AI renders, so drawings are ready on possession day
Decide your budget range and must haves for each room
Ask the builder for the electrical, plumbing and AC drawings

At possession

Inspect walls, floors, windows and doors for damage and seepage
Check every switch, socket and tap
Test bathroom floors with water for slope and drainage
Photograph everything and report defects to the builder in writing

Society and building rules

Most societies have rules for interior work: working hours, noise, material movement, lift use and debris disposal. Some require a deposit and a written work permit. Get these in writing before work starts.

Plan electrical points early

Mark sockets for the TV wall, bedside, study desk, kitchen appliances, water purifier and AC before carpentry begins. Moving a point after units are built is costly.

Order of work

Civil changes and waterproofing
Electrical and plumbing
False ceiling
Carpentry and modular units
Painting
Lights, fittings and appliances
Deep clean and styling

Documents and permissions

Possession letter and the builder's fit out guidelines
Society interior work application and NOC
Contractor and worker details for the security desk
Refundable deposit receipt, if the society asks for one
Electrical load sanction if you are adding heavy appliances

Electrical points checklist

Area	Points to plan
TV wall	TV, set top box, router, soundbar, spare
Bedside	Two sockets each side plus a USB point
Kitchen	Hob, chimney, microwave, mixer, purifier, fridge, dishwasher
Study	Laptop, monitor, lamp, printer
Bathrooms	Geyser, exhaust, mirror light, shaver point
Balcony	Washing machine, outdoor light

Snag list before final payment

Shutters aligned, closing softly, no gaps
Drawers run smoothly at full load
Edges banded, no exposed board
Every light and switch working as marked
No paint on fittings, glass or floors
Bathroom floor slopes to the drain
Deep clean done, including inside units

Budget tips that do not cut quality

Spend on what you touch every day: kitchen hardware, drawer channels, wardrobe interiors and mattresses. Save on things that are easy to upgrade later: decor, rugs, some light fittings and accent furniture. Avoid saving on waterproofing and electrical work, which are expensive to redo.

A week by week timeline for a 2 BHK

When	What happens
4 to 8 weeks before possession	Design, AI renders, material selection, quotation
Possession week	Inspection, defects list, society paperwork
Weeks 1 to 2	Civil changes, waterproofing, electrical and plumbing
Weeks 2 to 4	False ceiling, carpentry begins
Weeks 4 to 7	Modular installation, painting
Weeks 7 to 9	Lights, fittings, loose furniture, snag list
Week 9 to 10	Deep clean, styling, move in

Builder handover items to check closely

Window and sliding door alignment and locks
Bathroom waterproofing: run water and check the flat below if possible
Electrical load and earthing
Main door quality and lock
Kitchen platform level and sink drainage
Balcony slopes and outlet
Intercom, video door phone and gas connection

Things people forget until too late

Curtain tracks and blinds measured before the ceiling
Space and plumbing for a washing machine and dryer
A spot for the inverter and its battery
Mosquito mesh on windows
Hooks and rails in bathrooms
Wi Fi router position with power and a central location
A charging point near the entrance

Want us to design it for you?

If you would rather have a designer handle it, we offer turnkey interiors, 2 bhk interior design, 3 bhk interior design, with AI renders of your own rooms before any work starts. We work across Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai, including interior designers in Thane, interior designers in Navi Mumbai, interior designers in Kanjurmarg, and take projects in other major cities.

Free tool: Tile Calculator

Written by

The Arch Interior Design Studio team

An interior design studio in Mumbai that plans homes room by room and shows clients realistic renders before anything is built.

More about us

New flat interior checklist: what to do before and after possession