Protecting Your Investment Through Due Diligence
Building a custom home is one of the largest single capital commitments of a family's lifetime. Asking precise, technical questions upfront clarifies accountability and weeds out incompetent or deceptive contractors. Here are 50 crucial questions grouped into 5 essential categories.
Category 1: Structural Engineering & Quality Assurance (10 Questions)
- Will you conduct a soil bearing capacity (SBC) test before designing the foundation footings?
- Are all structural drawings certified by a licensed structural engineer compliant with IS 456?
- What specific brand and grade of TMT steel will you supply (Fe500D vs Fe550D)?
- What grade of cement will be used for RCC structural members vs plastering?
- Do you cast concrete cubes on site for independent 7-day and 28-day laboratory testing?
- What is your concrete curing protocol (pond duration for slabs and wrap duration for columns)?
- What clear cover thickness will you maintain on footings, columns, beams, and slabs?
- Are factory-made concrete cover blocks included, or do masons make makeshift site pieces?
- Will you install concrete sill bands and lintel bands with sunshades over all window openings?
- Do you install galvanized iron chicken mesh at all concrete-brick interfaces before plastering?
Category 2: Waterproofing & Plumbing Protocols (10 Questions)
- What brand and multi-coat chemical system will you apply in sunken bathroom slabs?
- Do you conduct a mandatory 48-hour water ponding test in bathrooms before tile screeding?
- How high will the waterproofing membrane extend up the bathroom shower walls?
- What hydrostatic pressure test will you perform on concealed water supply pipes before closing walls?
- What specific brand of CPVC pipes and solvent cement will be used for hot and cold water lines?
- What slope gradient will be maintained on horizontal drainage lines to prevent clogging?
- Do you provide cleanout inspection plugs at drainage stack turns for future access?
- What terrace waterproofing system is included, and how is the parapet corner sealed?
- What is the slope established on the roof terrace to avoid standing water?
- Do you offer a written zero-leakage guarantee for bathrooms and roof terraces?
Category 3: Contractual Scope & Itemized BOQ (10 Questions)
- Does your square-foot price include the compound wall, entrance gate, and ramp?
- Is an underground RCC water sump included, and what is its specified liter capacity?
- Is a septic tank, soak pit, or STP connection included in the contracted scope?
- What specific tile brand, dimension, and cost allowance per sq.ft. is included in the BOQ?
- What wood species and dimensions are specified for the main door frame and internal frames?
- Are UPVC window brand names, track counts, glass thickness, and bug screens specified?
- What brand of electrical wires, modular switches, and distribution breakers are included?
- What brand and model series of sanitaryware (wall-hung vs floor-mounted commodes) are quoted?
- What paint system (putty brand, primer coats, and interior emulsion series) will be applied?
- How are variations or changes requested during construction priced and approved?
Category 4: Project Management & Supervision (10 Questions)
- Will a qualified civil engineer be assigned to supervise our site daily?
- What is the formal stage-gate sign-off protocol before concrete is poured?
- How frequently will you share photo/video progress updates and work logs?
- What is the agreed construction completion date, and is there a penalty clause for delays?
- How do you handle site safety equipment, worker helmets, and third-party liability insurance?
- Who handles site electricity and water bills during the construction period?
- What security measures will be implemented on site to protect procured materials?
- How will you protect finished floor tiles and joinery from damage during late painting works?
- Will you provide as-built electrical and plumbing routing drawings at handover?
- Who coordinates municipal water, sewage, and electricity meter connections?
Category 5: Payments, Warranty & Handover (10 Questions)
- Is the payment schedule strictly linked to verifiable physical milestones?
- What percentage of the contract is retained until the final snag-free joint walkthrough?
- How is the formal snag inspection conducted prior to key handover?
- What is your defect liability warranty period after moving in (e.g. 1 year / 5 years)?
- If a plumbing leak or electrical fault occurs during the warranty, what is your response time?
- Can we visit your active construction sites right now to inspect current workmanship?
- Can you provide contact details of past clients who have lived in their homes for 2+ years?
- Do you provide a formal, notarized contract with all annexures and specifications attached?
- Are all government taxes (GST) clearly stated in the quotation?
- What guarantees that our agreed price will not be escalated midway through construction?