Buying a home is every person’s biggest dream. Many people invest years of hard work, savings, and hopes in the search for a home. But when it comes to buying a flat or apartment, the first and most important consideration is the builder’s reputation.
In today’s world, there are countless builders in the real estate sector—some honest and trustworthy, while others are simply out for profit. Therefore, it’s crucial to verify the builder’s credibility before booking a flat to avoid future fraud, delays, or legal troubles.
Why is it important to verify the builder’s reputation?
Many times, people’s dream home turns into a legal hassle or an incomplete building. Some builders don’t complete projects on time, others use substandard materials, and in some cases, it takes years to obtain possession.
If you don’t check the builder’s past projects, their professional image, and their legal record, you could lose not only money but also your peace of mind. Therefore, checking the builder’s credentials before booking a flat is as important as verifying the loan documents.
Check the Builder’s RERA Registration
The Indian government established RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) to bring transparency to the real estate sector. Every builder and project must be registered with RERA.
You can visit your state’s RERA website and enter the builder and project name to find out if they are registered.
The RERA portal provides information such as the builder’s record, project approvals, construction status, and expected delivery timeline.
If a builder is not registered with RERA, they are not trustworthy.
Inspect the Builder’s Previous Projects
The best way to check a builder’s credentials is to review their previous projects.
Find out how many projects they have completed so far, how timely they were delivered, and whether buyers were satisfied.
If possible, visit previous projects and talk to residents. Ask them if they received possession on time, what the build quality is, and whether the builder is still responsible for maintenance.
Online photos or brochures often differ from reality, so the best way to see the truth is to visit the site.
Check Online Reviews and Ratings
In the digital age, everything is available on the internet—even the builder’s image.
Search the builder’s name on Google, then read reviews of their projects.
Websites like MouthShut, MagicBricks, Housing.com, and 99acres offer real-life experiences from buyers.
While it’s not necessary to trust all reviews, if most people remember a builder for a negative experience, it’s a warning sign.
Check the builder’s legal record and court cases
Sometimes, the builder or their company faces legal litigation, which can cause projects to stall.
You can check if any cases are filed against the builder by visiting the RERA website, the High Court portal, or the consumer forum website.
If a builder has persistent cases of fraud, delayed delivery, or false promises, it’s wise to avoid such a builder.
Know the Builder’s Financial Status
A reliable builder can also be identified by their financial stability.
Try to find out how old the builder’s company is, whether they have sufficient capital, and whether they have received funding from banks or investors.
A financially weak builder may abandon the project midway or compromise on construction quality.
Large and established builders often have bank tie-ups, which indicates their financial strength.
Check Project Approvals and Licenses
Every building project requires several government approvals—such as land use approval, building plan approval, environmental clearance, fire safety certificate, etc.
Ask the builder for copies of these documents.
If the builder is evasive or doesn’t provide clear answers regarding approvals, this is a red flag.
Only choose projects where all documents are legal and certified.
Check Payment Plans and Transparency
Many builders lure buyers with attractive offers, discounts, and easy EMI plans.
You should check whether the builder maintains transparency in the payment plan.
Are all charges clearly stated?
Are fees like maintenance, parking, GST, or club memberships already included?
If the builder avoids disclosing everything in writing, be cautious.
Check Project Updates on the RERA Website
Every builder is required to regularly report on the progress of their project on the RERA portal.
You can check the project’s construction stage, the latest update, and whether construction is on schedule.
If the builder doesn’t provide any updates for months, it’s cause for suspicion.
Contact Existing Buyers
If you’ve expressed interest in a project, try to contact existing or potential buyers. There are many homebuyer groups on social media platforms like Facebook and Telegram where people share their experiences.
From there, you can learn about the builder’s behavior, delivery timelines, and the veracity of promises.
Conclusion: Choose Wisely, Stay Safe
Choosing a reliable builder not only protects your money but also gives you peace of mind for years to come.
In today’s competitive real estate market, being vigilant is your greatest strength.
Remember, a home is not just a structure of bricks and cement, but the foundation of dreams.
Therefore, it is your utmost responsibility to check the builder’s credentials to ensure that foundation is strong.
