Below is a practical, site-ready CHECKLIST for ceiling work, separated for Residential and Commercial projects.
This is useful for design review, BOQ checks, site supervision, handover, and exams.
✅ RESIDENTIAL CEILING WORK CHECKLIST :::----
1️⃣ Design & Planning (Before Work Starts) :-
☐ Ceiling type finalized (gypsum / PVC / mineral fiber / exposed slab)
☐ Room-wise ceiling plan approved
☐ Finished ceiling height confirmed (minimum 2.6 m recommended)
☐ Lighting layout finalized (number, type, wattage)
☐ Fan locations coordinated with ceiling design
☐ AC indoor units, ducts & diffusers coordinated
☐ Access panel locations marked (AC, electrical junctions).
2️⃣ Material Check :-
☐ Gypsum boards are ISI-marked / fire-rated if specified
☐ GI framework thickness as per spec (no flimsy sections)
☐ PVC panels suitable for humid areas (kitchen, bath)
☐ Mineral fiber tiles (if used) have proper NRC rating
☐ Fasteners, screws & hangers are rust-resistant
☐ Approved brand & thickness used (no substitutions).
3️⃣ Framework & Installation :-
☐ Grid / framework level checked with laser or water level
☐ Proper hanger spacing maintained (not oversized)
☐ Ceiling perimeter channels fixed firmly
☐ No sagging or vibration in framework
☐ Adequate gap maintained from slab (for wiring & ventilation).
4️⃣ Electrical & Lighting :-
☐ Wiring completed before board fixing
☐ Only LED fixtures used (no halogen/CFL)
☐ Correct color temperature per room
☐ Driver placement accessible (not sealed permanently)
☐ Earthing provided where required
☐ Load checked (no overheating risk).
5️⃣ Finishing & Appearance :-
☐ Board joints properly taped & finished
☐ No visible cracks or screw pops
☐ Paint finish even (no patch marks)
☐ Light cut-outs clean & accurate
☐ Cove lighting diffused evenly
☐ Corners & edges straight and sharp.
6️⃣ Safety & Performance :-
☐ Fire-rated boards used where specified
☐ Moisture-resistant materials in wet areas
☐ Adequate ventilation above ceiling
☐ No obstruction to smoke detectors or sprinklers (if any).
7️⃣ Handover Checklist :-
☐ All lights working & tested
☐ Access panels functional
☐ Ceiling cleaned (dust-free)
☐ Warranty cards collected (lights, boards if applicable)
☐ As-built ceiling & lighting layout noted.
✅ COMMERCIAL CEILING WORK CHECKLIST ::---
1️⃣ Design & Compliance :-
☐ Approved reflected ceiling plan (RCP) available
☐ Fire rating as per code (30 / 60 / 90 / 120 min)
☐ Acoustic requirements defined (NRC / STC)
☐ HVAC, sprinklers, smoke detectors coordinated
☐ Ceiling height uniform across zones
☐ Authority / fire consultant approval obtained.
2️⃣ Material Verification :-
☐ Fire-tested & certified ceiling systems used
☐ Mineral fiber tiles meet specified NRC rating
☐ Metal ceilings are non-combustible & corrosion-resistant
☐ GI grid & suspension system as per manufacturer spec
☐ Approved brand & batch consistency maintained.
3️⃣ Framework & Suspension :-
☐ Suspension rods properly anchored to slab
☐ Hanger spacing as per system requirements
☐ Ceiling grid perfectly level across large spans
☐ Seismic bracing provided if required
☐ No overloading of ceiling grid
4️⃣ Services Coordination (Critical) :-
☐ Lighting fixtures aligned with grid modules
☐ HVAC diffusers properly supported (not hanging on ceiling)
☐ Fire sprinklers correctly located below ceiling
☐ Smoke detectors unobstructed
☐ Access panels provided for all services.
5️⃣ Acoustic & Fire Performance :-
☐ Acoustic ceiling used only where needed (no overuse)
☐ Fire-rated ceilings provided in corridors & escape routes
☐ Penetrations properly sealed (fire stopping)
☐ No gaps compromising fire rating.
6️⃣ Finishing & Quality :-
☐ Tiles seated properly (no rocking / gaps)
☐ Damaged tiles replaced before handover
☐ Clean edges around columns & walls
☐ Consistent color & finish across floor
☐ Ceiling clean & dust-free.
7️⃣ Testing & Handover :-
☐ Fire & smoke system tested with ceiling in place
☐ All lighting circuits tested
☐ Spare tiles handed over (2–5%)
☐ Maintenance manual provided
☐ As-built drawings submitted
🧾 QUICK RED-FLAG CHECK (Both) ::---
❌ Sagging ceiling
❌ Cracks at joints
❌ No access panels
❌ Lights overheating
❌ Gypsum used in wet areas
❌ Over-decorated ceilings without need.
🏆 PROFESSIONAL TIP : Most ceiling failures happen due to poor coordination, not poor materials.
