Buying real estate in India. Ask for an owner's manual.

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Nothing can outlast time. And real estate, like all things last longer with care and regular maintenance  provided you know where the problem lies.
A friend of ours bought a nice 3BHK apartment in India from a gentleman who had been living there for twenty years. All the paperwork was done and it was time to move in. Our dude decided to get the interiors and layouts spruced up a bit to suit the modern taste buds and there started the problem.

Where were the electric ducts under the walls? What route was the water plumbing taking? Which were the no break zones and which walls could be altered? He was clueless. A large amount of time and money were wasted just to figure things out and get the work started.

So when you are moving into your new home or office, ask the developer to make a file of all necessary drawings, documents, vendors' warranties etc to form a sort of property owner's manual. Real estate is always a long term investment and in most cases, it will be used for generations or sold off for a handsome profit. Thus, knowing how it has been designed and executed in every detail is your right. Electrical faults, plumbing faults, seepage and defects can occur in a flat or office due to regular wear and tear. These need to be rectified in time to contain larger damages or to save lives!

Its best to know where things are in the contemporary concealed environment. Have an owner's manual at hand. Keep it safe with your property documents. It will serve you well. Also, watch that new buyer gladly sign out the premium cheque when you resell the property with the manual as part of the documents!