Why Choosing the Right Builder Matters

Construction is among the largest investments most individuals and businesses make. In the Delhi NCR region, where thousands of construction companies operate across multiple state jurisdictions, selecting the right builder is both critical and challenging. The wrong choice can result in delayed projects, cost overruns, quality issues, and regulatory problems that are expensive and time-consuming to resolve.

Essential Evaluation Criteria

1. Track Record and Portfolio

Examine completed projects, not just promises. Visit finished sites if possible. Look for projects similar to yours in scale, type, and complexity. A company that has built 50 warehouses may not be the best choice for a luxury villa, and vice versa. Ask for client references and actually contact them.

2. Regulatory Compliance

Verify RERA registration for residential projects. Check that the builder handles all required approvals (DTCP in Haryana, DDA in Delhi, Authority approvals in UP). Ask about their track record with regulatory bodies. A builder with a history of compliance issues or RERA complaints is a red flag.

3. Financial Stability

Request audited financial statements. Understand their banking relationships and credit lines. A financially unstable builder may start your project but struggle to complete it, especially if they are dependent on cash flow from other projects to fund yours.

4. Warranties and After-Sales

Understand the warranty structure. Good builders offer structural warranties of 10+ years, waterproofing warranties of 5+ years, and MEP warranties of 2+ years. Ask how warranty claims are handled and get references from clients who have made warranty claims.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Unusually low quotes (may indicate cutting corners on materials or labor)
• Reluctance to provide references or allow site visits
• No written contract or vague contract terms
• Requesting large upfront payments before work begins
• No RERA registration for residential projects
• History of project delays or legal disputes
• Unwillingness to specify material brands and grades

Contract Essentials

Ensure your contract includes: detailed scope of work with specifications, fixed timeline with penalty clauses for delays, payment schedule linked to construction milestones, material specifications with brand names, warranty terms, dispute resolution mechanism, and clear change order process with cost implications.