Transforming Real Estate through Smart Home Inspections

In an exclusive interaction with Aravindan, Correspondent at Homes India, Nilesh Shingote, Co-Founder of PropCheckup, shares his insights on how professional home inspections are transforming quality assurance in Indian real estate.

He explains how this emerging practice is shifting the market from builder-driven promises to independent, third-party verified quality standards, bringing greater transparency, accountability, and buyer confidence to property transactions.

Highlighting the growing awareness among homebuyers driven by social media, RERA advisories, and global best practices, Nilesh emphasizes the pivotal role of technology—such as AI, drones, and digital inspection tools—in ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Looking ahead, he envisions a future where home inspections become a mandatory part of property handovers, defining India’s transition toward a “Quality-First” real estate era where every homebuyer enjoys peace of mind and trust in their investment.

How are home inspections transforming quality assurance in Indian real estate today?

Home inspections are shifting Indian real estate from a builder-promised quality approach to an independent, third-party verified quality model. Earlier, buyers depended on verbal assurances and personal judgement. Today, homebuyers are appointing professional companies like PropCheckup to evaluate their properties on 1,000+ quality parameters before possession ensuring there are no surprises like leakages, weak earthing, or improper finishing after moving in.

Inspections also create clear accountability between the developer and the interior contractor, eliminating post-handover blame-shifting. In short, home inspections are institutionalizing quality control—much like financial audits did for the corporate world.

Home inspections bring evidence-based clarity into the buying process. A detailed digital inspection report, with photos, defect descriptions, impact notes, and room-wise classification provides a complete and transparent understanding of property condition. - Nilesh Shingote, Co-Founder of PropCheckup

What factors have driven the rise in awareness and demand for professional home inspections among Indian homebuyers?

Social media has played a major role defects in projects by reputed developers going viral have pushed buyers to seek reliable solutions. When they research, they discover that in many developed countries over 90 percent  homebuyers opt for home inspections, making it a natural expectation in India as well.

Additionally, the recent MahaRERA possession advisory has further educated buyers about key inspection checks including RERA carpet area verification, leakage and dampness checks, plumbing, electrical safety and finishing quality.

Key drivers include:

• 1. Construction quality issues observed even in top-tier projects
• 2. RERA-led push for transparency and accountability
• 3. Increasing buyer awareness from past delivery challenges and defects
• 4. Rise in NRI & investor buyers demanding global-standard due diligence

How do home inspections help build buyer confidence and transparency in property transactions?

Home inspections bring evidence-based clarity into the buying process. A detailed digital inspection report, with photos, defect descriptions, impact notes, and room-wise classification provides a complete and transparent understanding of property condition.

At PropCheckup, we identify on average 100+ issues in every home. Our structured reporting helps buyers get them resolved before possession, and also clearly defines responsibility between developer and interior contractor. This eliminates blame-game situations where each side claims the defect was caused by the other.

What role does technology like AI, drones, or IoT play in improving the accuracy and efficiency of home inspections?

Technology is making home inspections faster, more accurate, and more reliable. Digital inspection apps ensure standardized reporting. Thermal imaging, moisture meters, and laser-based measurement tools help detect leaks, dampness, and alignment issues with precision.

AI-assisted assessment and drone inspection for external facades are emerging tools that further enhance safety and coverage. Overall, technology is making inspections scientific, data-driven, and highly efficient.

How do you envision the future of home inspections in India over the next five years?

Home inspections are poised to shift from optional to essential in India. We foresee:

1. Mandatory inspections before handover in major metros

2. Leading developers adopting third-party inspections as part of quality certification

3. Growth beyond new homes to include rental, resale, and annual home health audits

India is entering a “Quality-First” real estate era, and home inspections will soon become as standard as legal checks or bank evaluations during property purchase.

At PropCheckup, our mission is to elevate housing quality standards and build a culture of transparency in Indian real estate. A home is an emotional and financial investment every buyer deserves complete peace of mind.