Step 1: Look at Their Completed Projects
A builder’s past work tells you everything. Anyone can make promises. A reliable builder
has a portfolio of finished buildings. Look for builders who have been around for several
years.
Visit their old projects. See how the buildings have aged. Are they well-maintained? Do
the residents seem happy? A thriving community is the best advertisement.
Example: A builder with five delivered projects over 10 years is safer than a new builder
with many plans but no finished buildings.
Your tiny action: Search online for the builder’s name plus “completed projects.” Make a
shortlist of ones you can visit.
Step 2: Check for Transparency and Good Communication
A good builder is an open book. They are happy to share all the legal documents with
you. They are clear about the payment schedule and all the costs. There are no hidden
charges.
Notice how they communicate with you. Do they answer your calls and emails quickly?
Do they give you clear, honest answers? Good communication now means good service
later.
Example: A reliable builder will give you a detailed cost sheet. It breaks down the flat
cost, registration charges, and taxes separately.
Your tiny action: Ask the builder for a copy of the Title Deed and the RERA registration.
See how willingly they provide it.
Step 3: Visit an Ongoing Construction Site
This is a very powerful step. Ask the builder if you can visit a project that is still being
built. You do not need to be a engineer to understand what you see.
Look at the site. Is it clean and organized? Are materials stored properly? Talk to the
workers if you can. Do they seem happy and safe? A messy site can mean messy
construction.
Example: You visit a site and see clean, stacked materials and workers wearing safety
gear. This shows the builder cares about quality and safety.
Your tiny action: On your next site visit, look at the quality of the switches and pipes.
Good builders do not cut corners on these.
Step 4: Talk to Their Previous Customers
There is no better research than talking to existing customers. These people have
already gone through the process with the builder. They will give you the real, unfiltered
story.
Ask them about their experience. Was the flat delivered on time? How does the builder
handle complaints after the sale? Were there any hidden costs?
Example: You find residents of the builder’s previous project. They tell you the builder
fixed a plumbing issue in their flat even after a year.
Your tiny action: When you visit a completed project, ring a few doorbells. Politely ask
the residents about their experience with the builder.
Step 5: Verify Their RERA Registration
RERA (Real Estate Regulation and Development Act) is a law that protects you. Always
choose a builder whose project is registered with RERA. You can check this on the
official RERA website.
A RERA-registered builder must follow strict rules. They must keep you updated on the
project’s progress. If they delay, you are entitled to compensation.
Example: The builder gives you a RERA number. You check it online and see all the
project details are updated. This is a sign of a transparent builder.
Your tiny action: Before booking, ask for the project’s RERA number. Verify it on the
official Uttarakhand RERA website.
Your Builder Check Checklist:
● Visit the builder’s old, completed projects and talk to residents.
● Check how openly they share legal documents and cost details.
● Visit an ongoing construction site to see the work quality.
● Speak to at least two previous customers about their experience.
● Verify the project’s RERA registration number online.
FAQs
Q: What if the builder is new and has no completed projects?
A: Then you must be extra careful. Rely heavily on their RERA track record, legal
documents, and visit their ongoing site to check quality.
Q: What does RERA registration really mean for me?
A: It means the builder is accountable to the government. Your money is safer, and the
builder must stick to promised timelines.
Q: Is a big, famous builder always better?
A: Not always. Sometimes smaller, local builders with a great reputation for quality and
service can be excellent choices.
Conclusion
Choosing your builder is about trust. By doing this simple homework, you can build that
trust on facts, not just feelings. A reliable builder is your partner in creating your dream
home. Take your time to choose wisely.
Call to Action: Start your builder research today. Pick one builder you are considering
and do just Step 1: look up their completed projects.
Quick variant: For interior designers or contractors, a reliable builder means smoother
collaborations. Look for builders who provide accurate floor plans and are open to
pre-handover inspections.