Before hiring a construction company, verify five critical pillars: 1) Physical on-site engineering presence and qualified supervisors, 2) An itemized Bill of Quantities (BOQ) with specific material brand commitments, 3) Verified local project portfolio that you can physically inspect, 4) Seismic Zone V structural engineering capability, and 5) A milestone-linked payment structure tied to inspected progress.
Due Diligence Checklist for Property Owners
Selecting the wrong builder can turn a dream home into years of financial distress and structural defects. Conduct these essential checks before signing any contract:
1. Itemized Bill of Quantities (BOQ) vs Vague Square-Foot Rates
Avoid contractors offering vague “lump sum per square foot” rates without brand specifications. A professional firm provides an itemized BOQ naming exact cement grades (e.g. 53-grade OPC), TMT rebar grades (Fe 550D primary steel), and plumbing pipe classes (Schedule 40 CPVC).
2. Physical Inspection of Ongoing Projects
Do not rely solely on digital renders. Request a site visit to an ongoing project to inspect the neatness of column shuttering, rebar tying, and curing practices.
3. Milestone-Based Payment Structure
Never pay large upfront deposits. Legitimate construction contracts release funds across clear physical milestones: Foundation casting → Roof slab casting → Brickwork → Plastering → Finishing.