Modular Kitchen & Interior Promises: How to Verify Before Possession

Owning a new home is as much about the quality of interiors as it is about structure and location. For many affluent buyers, modular kitchens are a central piece of the interior experience, and the modular kitchen accessories promised by the developer can significantly affect usability, aesthetics, and long-term satisfaction.

However, buyers often discover discrepancies between what was promised in brochures and what is delivered at possession. This makes thorough verification before possession crucial, not just desirable.

This guide walks you through how to verify modular kitchen and interior commitments, helping you avoid costly modifications after handover and ensuring that what was agreed upon is delivered to specification.

Why Verifying Kitchen and Interior Commitments Matters Before Possession

Interiors often constitute a major portion of a premium home’s appeal and cost. While structural elements are governed by legal compliance and RERA regulations, interior commitments like modular kitchen specifications, finishes, fixtures, and accessories are often part of the sales agreement or addendum.

Failing to verify these details before possession can lead to:

• Late realisation that promised hardware isn’t installed

• Substitution of high-quality accessories with inferior ones

• Significant rework costs after possession

A careful verification ensures you don’t pay for promises that aren’t delivered, a vital step for buyers who value both quality and investment security.

What Developers Typically Promise in Modular Kitchens and Interiors

In most premium residential projects, developers include specifications in the Sales Agreement or annexures detailing:

• Type of kitchen layout (L, U, or island design)

• Cabinet carcass materials

• Countertop finishes (granite, quartz, engineered stone)

• Fixtures, hinges, drawer systems, and modular kitchen accessories

• Electrical and plumbing provisions for appliances

Though modular kitchen design trends vary, functionality, efficiency, storage planning, and accessibility are constant factors for high-end interiors. Ensuring these promised components are actually delivered is essential.

Understanding What is Included vs Chargeable

Before possession, it is important to understand what is officially included in your modular kitchen package and what may be an optional upgrade. The use of terms like “equivalent brand” or “as per site sample” can create ambiguity.

Key things to verify in your agreement:

• An explicit list of modular kitchen accessories is included

• Brand or specification of hardware (e.g., soft-close hinges, drawer channels)

• Countertop and cabinet materials

• Electrical and plumbing fixture inclusions

If specifications aren’t clearly stated in the contract, ask for a specification sheet or annexure. This protects you from after-the-fact substitutions or downgrades.

How to Verify Modular Kitchen Accessories Before Possession

Before taking possession, you should perform a systematic check. Here’s how:

1. Cross-Check Against the Agreement for Sale

Ensure that what you’re seeing on site exactly matches:

• Material specifications

• Brands mentioned

• Quantities and finishes

Anything missing or substituted should be flagged before signing the handover documents.

2. Request Brand, Model, and Material Specifications

Don’t settle for generic notes like “good quality fittings” in your agreement. Ask the developer for:

• Brand and model numbers

• Material grade for shutters, cabinets, and countertops

• Warranty and replacement terms for modular kitchen accessories, such as drawers and pull-outs

>> Pro tip: Having this in writing ensures accountability.

3. Compare the Sample Flat vs Your Unit

Sample flats are often showcased as premium representations. However:

• Only show units might have upgraded materials

• The actual delivered unit may differ unless explicitly promised in the agreement

Inspectively compare materials, finishes, and accessory quality to what was shown in off-plan marketing and contract documents.

Site Visit Checklist Before Taking Possession

A focused inspection before handover helps catch omissions early. Key areas to review:

Modular Kitchen Specific

• Alignment and gaps around cabinets

• Quality of hinges, soft-close drawers

• Countertop finish and level consistency

• Proper electrical and plumbing points for appliances

• Ventilation and lighting provision

General Interior Inspection

• Wall and ceiling finishes

• Flooring consistency

• Electrical socket placements

• Windows, doors, and hardware quality

Creating a prepared list (snag list) can help ensure no detail is missed once interiors are installed; rectification can be costly and inconvenient.

Role of RERA in Protecting Interior and Kitchen Commitments

Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), buyers have key rights:

• Right to inspect before possession: Section 19 gives buyers the right to verify if the delivered property matches promised specifications, including interiors. (check for your particular states)

• Defect liability period: Developers are responsible for rectifying defects for five years after possession under Section 14(3).

However, while RERA ensures disclosures and timelines, it doesn’t mandate physical quality checks, meaning you still need to do your own inspection.

Red Flags Buyers Should Watch Out For

When verifying modular kitchens, be wary of:

• Vague descriptive clauses (“materials as per standard”) in sale agreements

• Promises made verbally but not documented

• Substitution of materials or accessories without notice

• Incomplete electrical or plumbing points for appliances

• Lower-grade hardware than promised (cheaper hinges, thinner panels)

If you notice these, document them and communicate formally with the developer before possession.

Final Walkthrough and Possession-Day Best Practices

On possession day:

• Have a detailed snag list ready

• Take time to inspect cabinetry, countertops, lighting, and accessories

• Don’t sign handover documents until all discrepancies are noted

• Ask for rectification timelines in writing

You may also consider hiring a professional inspector to support your verification, particularly for fine details that might affect long-term durability.

Verify Before You Sign, Not After You Move In

For premium buyers, interiors, especially the modular kitchen and its accessories, are a core part of the home experience. The joy of a new home can quickly turn into disappointment if promised details are overlooked at possession.

By:

• Cross-checking contracts,

• Inspecting in person,

• Documenting every discrepancy,

• Leveraging RERA inspection rights,

You protect both your investment and your lifestyle expectations. Prioritise verification before possession, because once interiors and finishes are installed, corrections become significantly more costly and inconvenient.

FAQs

1. What modular kitchen accessories should be verified before possession?
Check that all promised accessories like pull-outs, cutlery trays, soft-close drawers, corner units, and hardware are installed as per the contract specifications.

2. Can developers change kitchen specifications after booking?
Not without written agreement. Any change should be documented and mutually agreed upon, preferably within the sale contract’s annexures.

3. How does RERA help if modular kitchen accessories differ from promises?
RERA gives you the right to verify the property before possession and enforce defect liability provisions post-handover if discrepancies are documented.

4. Should buyers accept possession with incomplete interiors?
No, buyers are advised to refuse or document all issues before signing the possession acceptance, to avoid losses later.

5. Can a professional inspection be done before interiors are installed?
Yes. Under RERA Section 19, you can authorise a professional inspector to assess the property before signing the handover documents.