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Builder flat handover — what's included, what's not

Many Chennai homeowners are surprised at handover — no wardrobes, no modular kitchen, sometimes no light fittings. Here's exactly what a builder flat includes, what you must add, and the snag checklist to run before you accept the keys.

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Quick answer

A standard Chennai builder flat is handed over as a "warm shell": flooring, painted walls, bathroom fittings, electrical points, doors and windows — but no modular kitchen, no wardrobes, no false ceiling and no light fixtures. Those interiors are yours to add. Always run a full snagging inspection before accepting handover so builder defects are fixed free.

Bare shell vs warm shell — know what you bought

TypeWhat you typically get
Bare shellStructure, walls, basic flooring — little else. Common in some premium / villa projects.
Warm shell (most Chennai flats)Flooring, wall paint, bathroom fittings, electrical points, doors, windows — but no kitchen/wardrobes.

Check your builder agreement's specification sheet for exactly what's promised. The gap between that sheet and a liveable home is your interior project.

What the builder usually includes

What the builder usually does NOT include

Budget for these — they're yours:

For a 2 BHK, adding all of this typically runs ₹3.99–9 L depending on finish. See the 2 BHK cost guide.

The handover snagging checklist

Inspect thoroughly before signing handover — defects listed now get fixed free:

  1. Walls & ceiling — cracks, damp, uneven plaster, paint defects.
  2. Flooring — hollow / loose tiles (tap each one), chips, level.
  3. Plumbing — every tap and flush; water pressure; hidden leaks.
  4. Electrical — each switch and socket; DB labelling; earthing.
  5. Doors & windows — alignment, locks, smooth operation, gaps.
  6. Waterproofing — bathrooms, balcony, utility — look for damp.
  7. Kitchen platform — level, sink, drainage slope.
  8. Common areas — lift, water supply, power backup as promised.
Tip: Take dated photos of every defect and get the builder's written commitment to fix them within the defect-liability period.

Plan interiors before you move in

The smoothest path: finish the snag list, then start interiors while the flat is still empty. An open flat means faster work, less dust in your life, lower cost and better quality access. Homeli does a free site visit, itemises everything the builder left out, and gives a written quote within 48 hours — so you know your real number before you commit.

Recent Homeli projects

A glimpse of interiors delivered for homes across Chennai and Bangalore — itemised, on time, built to last.

Premium living room interior by HomeliLiving room
Modern modular kitchen interior by HomeliModular kitchen
Luxury master bedroom interior by HomeliMaster bedroom
Walk-in wardrobe design by HomeliWalk-in wardrobe
Living room TV unit design by HomeliTV unit
Modern bedroom interior design by HomeliBedroom design

Get a clear, honest answer for your home

Tell us about your project. A senior Homeli advisor will give you straight guidance — itemised pricing, realistic timelines, no pressure, no inflated numbers.

  • Free site visit anywhere in Chennai
  • Itemised written quote in 48 hours
  • Marine BWP plywood + branded hardware
  • 10-year written workmanship warranty
  • 45-day delivery with penalty clause
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Frequently asked

What does a builder flat include in Chennai?
A standard Chennai builder flat (warm shell) includes flooring, wall putty and basic paint, bathroom sanitaryware and fittings, a bare kitchen platform with sink, electrical wiring and points, the main switchboard, and doors and windows. It does not include a modular kitchen, wardrobes, false ceiling, light fixtures, fans, TV units or soft furnishing — those are yours to add.
Do builders provide modular kitchen and wardrobes?
Generally no. Most Chennai builders hand over only a bare kitchen platform with a sink — no cabinets, shutters, chimney or hob — and no wardrobes in any bedroom. These are the two biggest interior items you'll need to add, typically ₹2.5–4.5 lakh together depending on size and finish.
What is the difference between bare shell and warm shell?
A bare shell is handed over with just structure, walls and basic flooring — common in some premium and villa projects. A warm shell — the standard for most Chennai apartments — adds flooring, wall paint, bathroom fittings, electrical points, doors and windows. Neither includes the modular kitchen, wardrobes or false ceiling.
What should I check before accepting a builder flat handover?
Run a full snagging inspection: walls and ceiling for cracks and damp, flooring for hollow or chipped tiles, every tap and flush for leaks and pressure, every switch and socket and the DB, doors and windows for alignment and locks, and waterproofing in bathrooms, balcony and utility. Photograph every defect and get the builder's written commitment to fix it during the defect-liability period.
How much should I budget for interiors after builder handover?
For a 2 BHK in Chennai, budget ₹3.99–6 lakh for a basic-to-mid full interior and ₹6–9 lakh for premium. This covers the modular kitchen, wardrobes, false ceiling, lighting, units and painting that the builder did not provide. A 3 BHK typically runs ₹5.5–14 lakh depending on finish.
Should I do interiors before or after moving into a builder flat?
Before. An empty flat allows faster, cleaner, cheaper work with full access to every wall — and you avoid living through the dust and noise. Complete your snag list first so builder defects are fixed, then start interiors while the flat is still empty.

Related guides

New Flat ChecklistStep-by-step after keys 2 BHK Interior CostWhat to budget Modular KitchenAdd what the builder left out Wardrobe CostBedroom storage pricing Interior TimelineHow long it takes Cost CalculatorInstant ₹ estimate