Construction Quality is the Key to Winning the Trust of the Customers

May 3, 2024: With the Indian real estate at the cusp of a major boom, it has brought limelight on premium and luxury housing as well as commercial segments. While on the one hand premium and luxury residences are making waves, at the same time, media often comes out with news of people being asked to move out of their homes because of extremely poor construction quality, failing lifts, falling ceilings, flooding basements and wall seepages.

Even though the percentage of such news is not alarming, think from the perspective of the buyers who have pooled their life savings in such a project and then face such construction issues?

There is a need for a systematic approach to quality control. Even though leading developers are conscious of their responsibilities, it is also incumbent that real estate bodies like CREDAI should also constitute a mechanism to ensure quality construction and regular maintenance by its members so that it does not bring a bad name to the sector and every developer adheres to high-quality standards, from design to completion and post-handover.

“Quality construction is definitely a challenge confronting the real estate sector. Even though major issues are extremely rare, they grab our eyeballs. However, issues like seepage, peeling paints, water accumulation, etc. are common. One thing I would advise the prospective homebuyers is to check the developer’s credentials. Visit their completed projects, and you will get a fair idea of the company’s commitment to construction quality,” says Salil Kumar, Director, Sales & Marketing, CRC Group

Developers who are conscious of their reputation consider their real estate projects to be their brand ambassadors. They use latest technologies, grade A materials, trained workforce and undertake quality audits at regular intervals to ensure their customer’s peace of mind,” says Harsh Gupta, CEO – Sundream Group.

Real estate sector before the implementation of RERA was more or less an unregulated sector. RERA to a large extent has done away with these lacunas however, there is much room to play with. It is imperative that RERA authorities and other regulators must inspect the project at regular intervals at the time of construction. Paperwork and OCs should not just be a formality but an opportunity that the building has been constructed as per plans. A thorough audit of workmanship and material quality should also be undertaken.

“Long-term sustainability of a real estate project depends on quality construction and craftsmanship. Apart from ensuring peace of mind, it also directly influences property value, durability, and overall customer satisfaction. Therefore, it is incumbent upon realty companies to address these issues. Moreover, it also affects the developer’s brand value. But more than everything, it is also their moral responsibility. Quality design, material and construction can make or mar a project’s reputation. Developers need to keep certain key things in mind to ensure the quality of construction. One of these practices is the use of RO-treated water, which is significant in increasing the life of the building. Additionally, the use of aluminum formwork can enhance the quality of construction, leading to better workmanship.” says Prateek Tiwari, Managing Director – Prateek Group.

It is also imperative to educate everyone on the importance of investing in skilled labour. Training programs and upskilling efforts to enhance the capabilities of the workforce are also important. Besides, buyers should also be made aware of their rights. In case of any structural or other defect in workmanship, quality, or provision of services, the developer is bound to rectify it free of charge within 30 days for a period of 5 years from the date of handover.