Fifteen questions to ask before signing a house construction contract in Tricity, grouped by scope, money, time, quality and handover, with what a good answer looks like.
Questions to ask before you sign
Most disputes in house construction come from something that was never written down. Before you sign, ask these questions and make sure every answer ends up in the contract or the quotation, not just in a conversation. If you are still choosing between builders, start with how to choose a construction company.
Scope: what exactly am I buying?
- What covered area is this price for, and how is it measured? Ask how balconies, the stair cover (mumty), porches and projections are counted. See plot area vs covered area.
- Which drawings are included? Architectural plan, structural drawings, electrical and plumbing layouts, elevation. Ask who prepares each one.
- What is excluded? A clear list protects both sides. Ours: Interiors beyond the quotation (wardrobes, modular kitchen unless quoted, furniture); Boundary wall and gate, unless quoted; Government approval fees and water/electricity connection charges; Plot levelling, demolition of existing structures and soil testing; GST.
- Is there a specification sheet? Flooring, fittings, doors, windows, paint and electrical items should be named by brand or given an allowance in rupees. "Premium quality" is not a specification.
Money: what will I pay, and when?
- What is the payment schedule? Stage-wise payments against milestones; the schedule is set out in your contract. Each payment should be tied to a stage you can see on site.
- How are changes priced? Any change of scope or material is priced and approved by you in writing before work proceeds.
- Which costs can change after signing? Ask whether any material or item is on a variable price and how that is agreed.
- Is GST included? Our rates are GST extra; make sure every quotation you compare says clearly either way.
Time: when will it be done?
- What is the timeline, stage by stage? The construction timeline depends on plot size, floors and finish, and is written into your contract. Ask for the milestone schedule, not just an end date.
- What happens if work is delayed? Ask how delays are communicated and what the contract says about them.
Quality: how will I know it is built right?
- How will I see progress? Photo and video updates on WhatsApp at each construction stage. If you live abroad: video calls scheduled in your time zone.
- Who supervises the site day to day, and how do I reach them? Ask for the name of your contact in the contract.
- Will I get purchase bills for branded materials? Ask for bills for cement, steel, wiring and fittings.
Handover: what do I get at the end?
- What does handover include? A walk-through, a snag list closed before you accept, and the drawings and bills.
- Is there a warranty? Warranty terms, if any, are stated in your contract. Ask what it covers and for how long.
A simple rule
If an answer matters to you, ask for it in writing. A builder who is comfortable putting scope, payments, changes and handover on paper is usually a builder you can work with.
Next step
Read what a turnkey quotation includes, see our services and rate card, or discuss your project with us.
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only. Rules and regulations may change. Please verify with official sources and consult a legal/property expert before making decisions.