You signed the contract for a brand new unit at Ideo Mobi Sukhumit 66, right by Udom Suk BTS. The developer just sent you the handover date. You're excited, and you should be. But before you start picking out curtains, you need to treat move in day like an inspection, not a celebration. New condos in Bangkok look shiny on the surface, but the details matter more than you think.

Whether you're renting a newly handed over unit or you're the actual buyer doing the first walkthrough, this checklist will save you from headaches, repair bills, and awkward negotiations later. Trust me, I've seen tenants move into "brand new" condos only to find cracked tiles hidden under furniture and AC units that leak on day three.

Walls, Floors, and Ceilings: Look Closer Than You Think

Start with the obvious stuff, but slow down. Run your hand along the walls. You're feeling for bumps, rough patches, or hairline cracks in the plaster. Bangkok's rapid construction pace means finishing work sometimes gets rushed, especially in large projects like The Line Phahonyothin Park near Ha Yaek Lat Phrao BTS or Whizdom Essence on Sukhumvit 101.

Check every tile on the floor by tapping with something solid, like the back of a spoon. A hollow sound means the tile wasn't properly adhered. This is incredibly common in new Bangkok condos. If there are three or four hollow tiles in the bathroom alone, that's a red flag.

Look at the ceiling corners for any discoloration or slight water marks. Even in a unit that has never been lived in, water can seep in during the construction phase. Photograph everything. Use your phone's flashlight in closets and under sinks. I once inspected a new 35,000 THB per month unit at Life Asoke Hype near Rama 9 MRT and found a ceiling crack in the storage closet that the developer initially tried to dismiss. Photos made the difference.

Water Pressure, Drainage, and Plumbing Surprises

Turn on every faucet. Every single one. Let the water run for at least two minutes and check the pressure. Then plug the sink and fill it halfway. Release the plug and watch how fast it drains. Slow drainage in a new condo usually means debris from construction is still sitting in the pipes.

Flush the toilet a few times. Check that the base is sealed properly to the floor. In one new handover I attended at Niche Mono Ramkhamhaeng, the toilet was rocking slightly because the sealant hadn't fully cured. That would have turned into a leak within weeks.

Don't forget the hot water. Some new buildings take a while to get the central hot water system running, but if your unit has an individual heater, confirm it works. Test the shower for both temperature consistency and pressure. A weak shower in a Bangkok condo renting for 20,000 to 30,000 THB per month is not acceptable, new or not.

Air Conditioning: The Most Important Thing in Your Bangkok Life

This is Bangkok. Your AC is not optional. Turn on every unit in the condo and let them run for at least 15 minutes during your inspection. You're checking for three things: Does it cool properly? Is it quiet? Does it leak?

New condo AC units can have installation issues where the drainage line wasn't connected correctly. Water collects in the indoor unit and eventually drips down your wall. I've seen this happen in buildings across the board, from budget projects near Bearing BTS to premium developments like Muniq Sukhumvit 23 near Asok.

Set the temperature to 24 degrees and stand near the unit. You should feel consistent cold air within five minutes. Any rattling or clicking sounds? Flag it immediately. Getting the developer to fix AC problems during the defect warranty period is a hundred times easier than chasing them six months later.

Doors, Windows, and the Small Details That Add Up

Open and close every door in the unit. They should swing smoothly without scraping the floor. Check that locks work on all doors, including the balcony sliding door. In several new projects along the Purple Line near Tao Poon MRT, I've seen sliding doors that jumped off their tracks because the rails were slightly misaligned.

Windows are critical. Close them fully and check the seal. During rainy season, a poorly sealed window in a high floor unit at a place like Aspire Sukhumvit Onnut, where rents start around 15,000 THB, will let water in every single afternoon storm. Press your hand along the edges and feel for any air coming through.

Check electrical outlets with a phone charger. Every outlet, every room. Test all light switches. Make sure the stovetop, range hood, and any built in appliances actually turn on. These are simple checks, but skipping them means you'll be filing maintenance requests your first week instead of settling in.

The Defect List: Your Most Powerful Tool

Most developers give you a snag list or defect report form during handover. Use it aggressively. Write down everything, no matter how small. A scuff on the cabinet door? List it. A slightly chipped countertop edge? List it. Developers typically give you 30 to 90 days to report defects after handover, and anything not documented becomes your problem.

Take timestamped photos and videos of every issue. Send them via email so there's a written record. Be polite but firm. Developers in Bangkok are generally responsive during the warranty period, but only if you push. After the window closes, repairs come out of your own pocket or your landlord's, and that conversation is never fun.

Moving into a new condo in Bangkok should be exciting, and it will be, once you've done your due diligence on day one. Spend an hour being thorough now, and you'll save yourself months of frustration. If you're searching for newly handed over condos with verified listings and honest details about unit condition, check out superagent.co to find your next place with confidence.