New House Interior Checklist for Kenyan Homeowners

Getting the keys to a new house is exciting, and the list of things to do can feel endless. Doing the interior work in the right order saves money, avoids redoing finished surfaces and gets you moved in sooner. Use this checklist as a starting point.

Before you move in

• Walk every room and list what needs storage, lighting or finishing.
• Check services: socket positions, lighting points, water and gas connections.
• Decide on ceilings and lighting first, because they affect everything below. See gypsum ceiling designs.
• Plan the kitchen early, especially if appliances are being bought. See our kitchen layout guide.
• Measure for wardrobes in every bedroom. See what drives wardrobe costs.
• Choose door hardware and locks for security from day one. See the door locks and hinges guide.

The right order of work

1. Ceilings, electrics and plumbing positions.

2. Wall finishes and flooring.

3. Kitchen, wardrobes and built-in joinery.

4. Doors, hardware and final fixtures.

5. Painting touch-ups, lighting fittings and cleaning.

Room-by-room checklist

Kitchen

Cabinets, worktops, sink, appliance housings, ventilation, pantry storage and task lighting.

Bedrooms

Fitted wardrobes, bedside lighting, curtains or blinds, and a mirror or dressing area.

Living room

TV wall or media unit, lighting scenes, shelving and window treatments.

Bathrooms

Vanities, mirrors, storage and ventilation. See bathroom vanity ideas.

Entrance

Shoe storage, a bench and key drawer. See entryway storage ideas.

Budget wisely

Prioritise the kitchen, wardrobes and anything that is disruptive to change later, like ceilings and wiring. Decorative items can follow once you have moved in.

Mistakes to avoid in a new home

• Buying furniture before measuring. Measure rooms, doorways and stairs first.
• Finishing ceilings before planning lighting. Lighting positions should be decided first.
• Choosing the kitchen last. It affects plumbing, electrics and appliance purchases.
• Forgetting storage. Plan wardrobes, pantry and entrance storage from the start.
• Skipping window treatments. Curtains and blinds affect privacy, heat and sleep from day one.

Security and practical essentials

Before moving in, change or rekey the main door locks, check window locks and grilles, and confirm where the water shut-off valve, electrical board and gas cylinder are located. Label the electrical board so you know which breaker controls which room. These small tasks save stress later.

Planning for backup power and water

Many Kenyan homes rely on backup power and water storage. Decide where an inverter, batteries or generator connection will sit, and which circuits they will run, before walls and ceilings are finished. Plan space for water tanks and pumps where the house allows, and keep access for maintenance. Coordinating these early avoids cutting into new finishes.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do first in a new house?

Plan ceilings, lighting and electrical points first, then kitchen and wardrobes, then decoration.

Can the whole interior be done at once?

Yes. A full fit-out coordinates every room as one programme, which is usually faster than doing rooms separately.

How early should I contact an interior company?

As early as possible — ideally before ceilings and electrics are finished, so everything is coordinated.

See our full interior fit-out service or book a consultation.