For 90% people, who buy an already constructed home, ascertaining the construction quality always remains a challenge. Whether it is a big-scale residential project or a duplex or an independent floor, it is really difficult for a home owner to gauge the quality of building materials used. Nevertheless, there are some methods that property owners can apply, to make sure that one is not being cheated in the name of branded sanitary ware, high-quality beams and columns and best water pipes and electricity wiring.
Investigating the soil quality
When you go on a site visit, try to notice the quality and type of soil on which the building is built. You can ask the contractor or the agent, to understand the exact nature of the soil. The quality of soil can differ from place to place. It is an important element that determines the strength of the foundation. Remember that clay-rich soil and black cotton soil are not recommended for high-rise constructions. According to experts, such soils tend to swell and shrink, depending upon the level of moisture and water. Property buyers can also ask for a copy of the soil test that is conducted before the construction is initiated.
Assess the structural design
A person who is not familiar with design techniques would find it difficult to understand the structural nitty-gritties. Hence, you can hire an expert to determine the design and structural strength of the building. Property owners are often advised to assess construction quality in terms of its earthquake resistance, fire-fighting arrangements, and the availability of emergency exits.
Importance of proper concrete curing
One often overlooked but critical aspect of structural durability is concrete curing. Curing refers to the process of maintaining adequate moisture and temperature in freshly cast concrete for a period long enough to allow proper hydration of cement. Improper or inadequate curing can lead to:
- Surface cracks and shrinkage
- Weakened structural strength
- Premature water seepage and corrosion
The standard curing period ranges from 7 to 14 days, depending on environmental conditions and the concrete mix. During your site inspection, check whether slabs, columns, and beams are being kept moist using water curing, covering with wet hessian cloth, or other standard methods. Skipping this step can critically compromise the long-term stability of the structure.
See also: Why the monsoons are the best time to invest in property
Fire safety elements you must verify
Fire safety is non-negotiable in high-rise apartments, yet it’s often overlooked by homebuyers during site visits. A single oversight can lead to major risks post-possession.
What to verify:
- Fire exit locations: Confirm that there are clearly marked, obstruction-free emergency exits on each floor. Stairs should be wide and well-ventilated.
- Fire extinguishers and hydrants: Every building should have functional fire extinguishers and hydrant systems installed at key locations. Ask for a demonstration or maintenance log.
- Smoke detectors and alarms: These should be installed in common areas and ideally within flats, especially kitchens.
- Fire-resistant materials: Ask about the use of fire-rated doors for stairwells and electrical panels.
- Water storage for firefighting: High-rises must have a dedicated water tank for firefighting, as per regulations.
Legal compliance:
- Builders must adhere to the fire safety provisions in the National Building Code of India.
- For buildings above 15 metres in height, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Fire Department is mandatory before occupancy.
- Ask the builder to show you a copy of the fire safety NOC.
Ignoring these checks could mean putting your safety at risk and dealing with a building that’s non-compliant with basic legal standards.
Check the thickness of the walls
The developer is required to mention the thickness of the walls, in the layout agreements. Go around the construction site, to check if it holds true. Another check you can make, is to press any key against the wall. If you are able to make a hole easily, question the builder about the concrete mix. Also, tap the walls with your knuckles to check the hollowness or usage of plywood inside the walls. Builders often use plywood walls, to add strength to the structure. However, termites can damage such structures if these are not treated properly.
Also read all about the National Building Code of India
Check the paint quality
During your site visit, look for uneven cracks on the wall plastering. Even a minor crack could indicate the quality of the paint used on the walls. In fact, lack of curing can also create cracks in the walls and this would only increase with time. While a good quality paint can enhance the visual appeal and improve the longevity of the walls, improper curing can damage the wall before time.
Look for signs of effective waterproofing
Water seepage is one of the most common and costly post-possession issues in Indian homes. Effective waterproofing and the presence of a proper Damp-Proof Course (DPC) are crucial to preventing structural decay and health hazards like mould.
What to look for during inspection:
- Damp patches or bubbling paint at the bottom of walls may indicate rising damp due to the absence of a proper DPC layer.
- Salt-like white deposits (efflorescence) on walls suggest water ingress over time.
- Peeling or discoloured paint on ceilings or corners—especially near bathrooms—signals poor waterproofing of upper floors or roofs.
Questions to ask the builder:
- Was a DPC layer installed between the plinth and wall during construction?
- Were bathroom floors waterproofed before laying tiles?
- What waterproofing materials were used for the roof slab and external walls (e.g., bitumen membrane, polymer coating)?
Neglecting these checks can lead to major expenses later—especially in monsoon-prone regions.
Check quality of sanitary wares and bathroom fittings
The best way to assess the quality of sanitary ceramics and accessories such as toilets, washbasins, face cleaners, or bidets, is to check its overall shape, Good quality fittings should be comfortable to use. Also, you can check for cracks by gently tapping it – a hoarse sound could signify cracks. Apart from this, you can also check the mounting surface and whether it is even and smooth. For bathroom fittings, check the water flow and speed, the type of faucets used and how easy it would be to replace or find its parts. You should also check the tiles used in the bathroom and insist on anti-skid ones, to avoid accidents.
See also: How to get a home construction loan, to construct your own house
How to assess MEP quality in your new home?
MEP—short for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing—is the hidden backbone of any house. Even in homes with visually appealing finishes, poor MEP work can lead to recurring issues like circuit failures, low water pressure, or poor ventilation. Here’s how to assess the quality of these systems during your site visit:
Electrical quality
- Wiring brand and gauge: Confirm if wiring is ISI-marked and from a reputed brand like Finolex, Polycab, or Havells. Ask the builder what gauge (thickness) is used for power vs lighting circuits.
- Switchgear and panels: Check if modular switches are used and whether the main circuit breaker panel is well-labelled and safely installed.
- Earthing: Ask if proper earthing is provided to avoid electric shocks and short circuits.
Plumbing quality
- Pipes used: Confirm if UPVC or CPVC pipes (more corrosion-resistant) are used instead of GI (galvanized iron) pipes, which tend to rust over time.
- Seepage signs: Inspect joints under sinks or around toilet bases for leaks, moisture, or patchwork—signs of poor plumbing execution.
- Water pressure: Test the water flow from taps and showers to ensure sufficient pressure and smooth functioning.
Mechanical systems
- AC ducting: If central or ductable AC is promised, ask to see duct provisioning and whether it complies with the layout.
- Ventilation: Check if bathrooms and kitchens have proper exhaust fans or ventilation shafts to prevent mould and odour build-up.
A poorly executed MEP system can cost you dearly in long-term maintenance and repairs—don’t ignore it even if the house “looks” well-built.
Taking third-party help
There are a number of agencies that can help you to perform a quality check of the house, before you sign the agreement papers. These inspection agencies charge on the basis of the sq ft area of the house. Such services are particularly useful, if the property to be inspected is huge and can cost you a lot, if the fittings and construction quality are not of considerable grade.
Certifications that indicate good construction quality
One effective way to assess construction quality—especially when you can’t verify every material or process—is to look for quality certifications. These serve as indirect but reliable indicators of whether standard practices have been followed.
BIS and ISI markings
-
Electrical wires, tiles, cement bags, and plumbing pipes should carry the ISI mark, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
-
Ask the builder for invoices or packaging that show these markings.
ISO 9001 certification
-
Builders or developers with an ISO 9001:2015 certification are more likely to follow standardised quality control processes.
-
While not mandatory, ISO-certified builders are generally more compliant with safety, documentation, and construction norms.
Reference to Indian Standard codes
-
Structural design and material use must conform to Indian Standard (IS) codes, such as:
-
IS 456 for concrete structures
-
IS 3370 for water-retaining structures
-
IS 2062 for structural steel
-
Buyers can ask the developer if the construction has been audited for IS code compliance or if a structural engineer’s report is available.
Construction quality checklist for homebuyers
For most homebuyers without a technical background, assessing construction quality can feel overwhelming. To simplify this process, use the following 10-point checklist during your site visit.
| Inspection Point | What to Check |
| 1. Soil type | Ask for the soil test report; avoid clay-rich or black cotton soil |
| 2. Wall thickness | Compare with approved layout; check hollowness by tapping |
| 3. Concrete strength | Look for visible cracks or ask about curing practices |
| 4. Electrical switch and wire quality | Branded modular switches? Wiring concealed and ISI-marked? |
| 5. Water pressure and plumbing | Test taps and flushes; ensure no leakage; check pipe material (e.g., UPVC) |
| 6. Bathroom tile finish | Anti-skid tiles? Evenly laid? No loose or chipped tiles? |
| 7. Paint and plastering | Uniform surface? No cracks or damp patches? |
| 8. Staircase and railing alignment | Even riser height? Solid railing fixing? |
| 9. Door and window frames | Alignment, sealing, termite-resistant wood or uPVC? |
| 10. Fire safety and emergency access | Check for fire exits, alarms, and compliance in high-rises |
Role of RERA in construction quality
Property owners should know that Section 14 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 makes it mandatory for the promoter or builder to rectify any structural defects within five years of handing over possession. However, this provision only applies to projects that are registered under RERA.
What qualifies as a structural defect?
Structural defects typically include issues in:
- Load-bearing walls
- Beams, columns, or slabs
- Foundation-related faults
- Plumbing or electrical system failures due to construction defects
These are distinct from cosmetic defects like minor cracks in wall paint, chipped tiles, or uneven plaster, which may not be covered unless they indicate deeper structural issues.
How to hold a builder accountable:
- Document the issue: Take timestamped photos and videos of the defect. If possible, get a third-party inspection report.
- Notify the builder in writing: Send an official email or letter describing the defect and requesting rectification within a reasonable timeline (usually 30 days).
- Maintain a record: Keep copies of all communications, receipts, and inspection notes.
If the builder doesn’t respond:
- Visit your state RERA portal (e.g., UP RERA, MahaRERA) and file a formal complaint.
- Upload supporting documents, such as the builder-buyer agreement, defect photos, and written communication records.
- RERA authorities can summon the builder, impose penalties, or even order compensation for non-compliance.
By being proactive and methodical, you can use the RERA framework not just as a legal backup, but as a practical tool for post-possession accountability.
FAQs
Can I check construction quality myself without hiring an inspector?
Yes, by using a structured checklist covering soil, wall thickness, plumbing, wiring, waterproofing, and more—many issues can be spotted visually or with basic tools.
What are warning signs of poor waterproofing in a new home?
Look for salt deposits, peeling paint near floor edges, or damp patches. These usually indicate the absence of proper damp-proofing or waterproofing membranes.
How do I verify the electrical safety of a house during a visit?
Check for ISI-marked wires, branded switchgear, a circuit breaker panel, and proper earthing. Ask the builder for wiring specifications.
Can the builder be forced to fix defects after handover?
Yes. Under RERA, structural defects must be fixed within 5 years. File a complaint via your state’s RERA portal if written notices are ignored.
How can I ensure a builder used quality materials if everything is concealed?
Ask for third-party quality reports, BIS/ISI certifications for cement and tiles, and photographic evidence of stages like waterproofing and curing.
Is there a standard duration for curing concrete walls and slabs?
Yes, typically 7–14 days. Poor or rushed curing leads to cracks, weak strength, and seepage over time.
Do high-rise buildings have different construction quality checks?
Yes, especially for fire safety—check for fire exits, alarms, NOC from the fire department, and use of fire-resistant materials.