Hiring a contractor to build or renovate your home is one of the most important decisions you'll make. In Burdwan, where most work is done through informal networks and word-of-mouth, it can be hard to know who to trust.
After 16+ years in the construction industry across Purba Bardhaman, we've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. Here are the 5 questions we believe every homeowner should ask before signing a contract — and the answers that separate a serious contractor from someone who will cause you headaches.
Question 1: "Can I see a written, itemized estimate?"
Why it matters: A verbal quote or a "rate per square foot" is not an estimate. A responsible contractor gives you a written document that breaks down every cost — materials, labour, timeline. You should be able to see what each rupee pays for.
Red flag: "Don't worry, I'll give you a good rate." or "It's approximately ₹X per sq ft, I'll tell you the exact number later."
Good answer: "Here is our written estimate. It itemizes materials, labour, and the timeline for each stage. You can compare every line item."
At ND Construction Pvt Ltd, every estimate is written and itemized — including quantities, rates, and scope of work. You never sign a blank cheque.
Question 2: "Who will supervise the construction?"
Why it matters: Many contractors operate as brokers — they take your project and subcontract it to the cheapest available labour. The person who gave you the quote may never set foot on your site again.
Ask specifically: is there a qualified civil or structural engineer involved? Who reviews the structural drawings? Who inspects the foundation before concrete is poured?
Red flag: "My foreman has 20 years of experience, he knows everything." or "We don't need an engineer for a house this size."
Good answer: "A qualified structural engineer reviews all drawings and inspects every milestone — foundation, lintel, roof, finishing. You'll receive sign-off reports."
Question 3: "What is the payment schedule?"
Why it matters: How you pay determines how the contractor behaves. If you pay a large advance, you lose leverage. If payments are tied to milestones, the contractor has to keep delivering to get paid.
Red flag: "Pay me 50% upfront and the rest when the work is done." or "I need the money to buy materials."
Good answer: "Payment is tied to construction milestones — foundation, lintel, roof, plastering, finishing. You pay for completed work, never for promises. Every milestone is inspected before payment."
ND Construction uses milestone-based contracts exclusively. You see the work, you inspect it, you release payment. Every milestone is written into the contract before we start.
Question 4: "Do you use your own teams or subcontractors?"
Why it matters: Subcontracted labour changes from day to day. The plumber who started your bathroom might be replaced by someone completely different mid-project. Quality control becomes impossible.
Red flag: "I have the best teams, don't worry." (without explaining who they are) or "I'll call my plumber when we need him."
Good answer: "Our masons, painters, plumbers, electricians and tilers are full-time employees. They work on our projects every day and are accountable to our project managers."
Question 5: "What warranty do you provide?"
Why it matters: A home is a lifetime investment. If something goes wrong a year after handover — a crack in the plaster, a leak in the bathroom, an electrical fault — who will fix it? And at whose cost?
Red flag: "Nothing will go wrong." or "I'll come if you call me." (no written commitment)
Good answer: "Every build carries a 5-year structural warranty. Specific items like waterproofing have their own warranty terms — all documented at handover. If we built it and it fails, we fix it at no cost to you."
Bonus Question: "Can I speak with past clients?"
A contractor with a track record will happily connect you with previous clients. If they hesitate or make excuses, consider it a warning sign. Every ND Construction project is a reference — we arrange calls with past clients on request.
Looking for a contractor who answers these questions?
ND Construction Pvt Ltd has been building and renovating homes across Burdwan since 2010. Call or WhatsApp us — we'll answer every question honestly.
Ask Us Anything on WhatsAppOr call +91 77977 25755
ND Construction Pvt Ltd · Engineer-Supervised Construction in Burdwan · Est. 2010 · 5-Year Structural Warranty