It's easy to get swept up by good photos and a convenient location and sign up for a room without actually checking the basics. Here's what to physically verify before you commit — ideally during a daytime visit.

1. Water supply timing and pressure

Ask specifically when water is available — some areas in Dehradun have fixed supply windows, not 24-hour water. Turn on a tap yourself and check pressure, especially on upper floors.

2. Electricity backup

Power cuts happen. Ask if there's an inverter or generator backup, and for how many hours it covers. This matters more in older buildings and some outer localities.

3. Mobile network and Wi-Fi

Stand in the actual room (not just the building entrance) and check your phone's signal strength. If Wi-Fi is promised, ask for the actual speed and whether it's shared across how many tenants.

4. Natural light and ventilation

Visit during the day if at all possible. A room that looks fine in photos lit artificially can be a very different, darker experience in person.

5. Kitchen and cooking rules

If cooking matters to you, confirm whether you get your own kitchen access, shared kitchen slots, or no cooking is allowed at all. Many PGs restrict cooking to the common kitchen only.

6. Bathroom — attached or shared

Attached bathrooms cost more but save a lot of daily friction, especially in shared rooms. If it's shared, ask how many people share one bathroom.

7. Security — locks, entry gate, CCTV

Check the main gate's lock/security system, whether there's a watchman, and if CCTV covers common areas. This matters more if you'll be out at odd hours for work or college.

8. Furnishing — what's actually included

"Furnished" means different things to different owners. Get a specific list: bed, mattress, cupboard, table, chair, fan/AC — don't assume, ask and ideally see it in writing.

9. Notice period and exit terms

Ask how much notice you need to give before vacating, and whether the security deposit is fully refundable (and when you'll actually get it back after moving out).

10. Nearby essentials

Walk the immediate neighbourhood — check distance to a kirana store, medical store, and an auto/cab stand. Convenient-looking on a map doesn't always mean convenient on foot.

Make it easy on yourself

Every listing on DoonRooms shows real photos and lets you message the owner directly before visiting — so you can ask most of these questions upfront and only visit rooms that already check out on the basics.