How to Verify a Builder or Contractor Before You Pay

The difference between a good build and a nightmare is almost never the design — it is the builder. A little diligence before the first payment saves months of stress later. Here is what to actually check.

1. See finished work, not brochures

Ask to visit at least two completed homes and one site currently under construction. A brochure shows the builder's best angle; a two-year-old finished home shows how the work ages — look at the joinery, the wall corners, and whether there is any damp or cracking.

2. Talk to past clients without the builder present

The single most useful question: 'Would you hire them again?' Followed by: 'Did the final cost match the estimate, and if not, why?' Honest clients will tell you exactly where things slipped.

3. Check the paperwork

• GST registration (for any legitimate contracting business)
• A written, itemised estimate — not a single lump-sum figure
• Proof of past projects (photos with dates, client contacts)
• A clear specification sheet naming material brands

4. Structure payments against milestones

Never pay a large advance. A fair structure ties each payment to completed, inspected work: a small mobilisation advance, then payments at foundation, roof slab, plastering, flooring, and handover. This keeps the builder motivated and your money protected. If a builder demands 40% upfront, walk away.

5. Put everything in writing

A one-page WhatsApp agreement is not a contract. Your agreement should state the total price, the specification, the payment schedule, the timeline with a penalty for delay, and what happens if either side wants to exit. Spend a few thousand rupees on a lawyer to review it — it is the cheapest insurance you will ever buy.

You can browse verified builders, architects and contractors with real contact details on ENRAY, and compare several before you commit.