Pune can be best characterised as the city of builders. Construction sites have mushroomed all over the city. It is advisable that before buying a flat, one should check if the builder has been able to deliver what he has promised on time.

YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CHECK. . .

• If the plan has been sanctioned by the concerned authorities.

• Maintenance of the project, once completed, is properly undertaken by the builder.

• The builder gives in writing all that he has promised.

During the construction of the project, you must check the following:

• If the builder has promised plastic emulsion paint inside the houses, he should use the same and not cheap distemper paint.

• If he has promised copper wiring, he should not use cheap quality low utility wiring, just because the wiring is concealed.

• You must check if the builder has used the bathroom fixtures, wiring, tiles and sanitary ware in accordance with what he has charged you.

• Ask the builder for his payment schedule. Any reputed builder will keep a chart as to when and how much a customer has to pay. If he asks for a certain amount after the first slab has been laid then you should make it a point to check if he has really put the first slab.

• Check if the builder has two projects being built simultaneously, so he is not using your money to complete the other project.

ARCHITECT

If you are planning to buy land and construct, you definitely need an architect. The architect is an integral part of building any house or project. He is the person who draws the plans, and in most cases gets the relevant authorities to pass the plan.

However, before hiring the architect, you must keep the following in mind:-

• Check the earlier work of the architect before hiring him.

• Inspect his earlier sites and ask him to supply three references. These references must be the people for whom he has done work earlier.

• Check what the architect is going to charge you for his services.

• During the course of the work, you should periodically check with the architect the progress of the work.

• All the agreements with the architect MUST be in writing with signatures of both the parties.
  

The reason for hiring an Architect while putting up a project:-

• He is aware of all that goes into a project or building, such as the structure, plumbing, electricity and the concerned authority for passing the plans.

• He will be able to coordinate the work of the plumber, electrician, carpenter and even the interior designer.

• He is well versed with the costing aspects of various items. He will be able to correctly place the costs and work according to your needs.

• He will be able to guide you in scheduling the operating costs of the project. He shall be a great help to you when you are dealing with the contractor. He will be able to see that the contractor finishes the work accurately and in the time specified by him.

INTERIOR DESIGNER

• Before hiring the designer, one must check the firm.

• Check the décor of the office of the designer, to give you a fair idea of the work he can do.

• Check on previous clients, see the work done there to get an idea of the firm's credentials.

• Get a quotation in writing of all the jobs the designer will do.

• The agreement should mention costs, rates and payment schedules so that the designer goes by the payment schedule.

ESTATE AGENT

Agents charge 2% of the total cost of the property when you purchase, and 2 months rent when you rent. It is advisable that while paying the brokerage, the party pays only the agent that is representing him. The Estate Agents Association of Pune has laid down the rules for the payment of commission and the list of their members.


Address: The Estate Agents Association of Pune,
Dhole Patil Road, Pune 411 001.
Phone: 613 0203.