Planning
The Pre-Renovation Checklist: 12 Things to Confirm Before Work Starts
Published 2 April 2026 · 5 min read
Most renovation delays trace back to something that wasn't confirmed before day one. Here's the checklist we walk clients through before any work begins.
- Society/RWA approval — renovation permissions, work-hour rules and material-movement rules, confirmed in writing.
- Defined scope of work — renovation of existing finishes, or full turnkey from bare shell?
- Written estimate with a material-grade breakdown, not just a lump sum.
- Realistic timeline — based on comparable projects, not the fastest quote you received.
- Payment milestone schedule tied to project stages, not just calendar dates.
- Electrical & plumbing layout sign-off before false ceiling and flooring begin.
- Furniture specification — modular vs. loose, wood vs. steel, confirmed with drawings.
- Site access & storage plan for materials, especially in gated societies.
- Neighbour/common-area protection plan during heavy work like demolition or flooring.
- Snag-list process agreed for the final walkthrough.
- Warranty terms on furniture, electrical and waterproofing work.
- Post-handover maintenance plan, if you want one contractor for both the build and the upkeep.
We use a version of this checklist on every project, from a ₹20 lakh 3BHK renovation to a ₹1.2 crore independent-floor turnkey fit-out. See our portfolio for how it plays out on real projects, or book a free site visit to start yours.