Buying a home is often the biggest financial commitment you’ll ever make. But before
choosing your dream apartment or villa, there’s one crucial step every buyer should take:
verifying the builder’s credibility.
In Kerala’s fast-growing property market, where new projects are constantly emerging,
this step can protect you from potential risks such as delayed possession, legal disputes,
or poor construction quality. Whether you’re purchasing a flat in Trivandrum or investing
in a villa in Kochi, taking time to verify your builder’s background is essential for peace
of mind.
Why Checking Builder Credibility Matters
Your builder’s reputation determines more than just the look of your home; it directly
affects construction quality, delivery timelines, resale value, and long-term satisfaction.
Choosing an unreliable builder could result in:
● Incomplete projects or missed delivery deadlines.
● Legal disputes over land ownership or approvals.
● Hidden costs and poor transparency.
● Compromised safety and substandard construction materials.
That’s why experts recommend conducting a detailed real estate builder verification
before you sign any documents.
1. Check if the Builder is RERA Registered
One of the most reliable ways to assess a builder’s credibility is through the Real Estate
(Regulation and Development) Act (RERA).
● Visit the RERA Kerala website and look up the builder’s registration number.
● Verify details such as ongoing projects, past delivery timelines, and complaints
filed by homebuyers.
Only RERA-registered builders are legally authorised to sell, advertise, or launch
projects. In Kerala, trusted developers make RERA registration a top priority to assure
buyers of transparency and accountability. Shanoor Homes follows the same approach,
keeping every project compliant and customer-focused.
2. Review the Builder’s Track Record and Past Projects
A builder’s history speaks volumes. Always review their previous and ongoing projects
to understand their work quality and consistency.
Here’s how to do it effectively:
● Visit completed sites: Observe the finishing, layout, and amenities.
● Check delivery timelines: Was the project delivered on time?
● Talk to existing residents: They’ll give honest feedback about after-sales service
and maintenance.
● Search online: A simple search, such as “builder reputation in Trivandrum,” can
reveal genuine buyer experiences and testimonials.
A builder with a consistent record of on-time project completion and positive customer
reviews is far more reliable than one with frequent delays or unresolved complaints.
3. Verify Legal Approvals and Documents
Before investing, ensure that the project has obtained all necessary legal approvals and
certifications. Here’s your builder reliability checklist:
● Land ownership documents or a joint development agreement.
● Building permit and occupancy certificate from local authorities.
● Environmental clearance, if applicable.
● RERA registration certificate.
● Title deed confirming the builder’s rights to sell.
Ask to see the documents yourself. A transparent builder will readily provide copies for
review and inspection. Avoid projects where documentation is unclear; it’s a sign of
potential legal or regulatory issues.
4. Assess Construction Quality
The construction quality of a building defines its longevity, safety, and resale value. Visit
a completed project by the same builder and pay attention to:
● Material quality: Tiles, fittings, and paintwork.
● Structural strength: Cracks or dampness in walls are warning signs of potential
issues.
● Safety standards: Fire exits, ventilation, and emergency systems.
● Common area maintenance: Reflects long-term upkeep and planning.
Some homebuyers even hire a third-party construction quality inspection service before
possession, an option that’s becoming more common in Kerala’s urban housing market.
5. Evaluate Financial Stability and Partnerships
A builder’s financial health is often overlooked but extremely important. Financially
unstable developers may abandon projects midway or compromise on material quality to
cut costs.
You can gauge financial credibility by:
● Checking whether the builder has completed multiple projects simultaneously.
● Researching builder partnerships with banks, investors, and contractors.
● Verifying if reputed banks have approved home loans for their projects, a strong
indicator of trustworthiness.
Builders with established financing partners or NBFC tie-ups typically have a proven
track record of trust within the real estate industry.
6. Read Customer Reviews and Ratings
Online reviews are one of the easiest ways to perform a builder reputation check. Explore
platforms like:
● Google Reviews
● MouthShut
● MagicBricks or 99acres
Look for recurring themes, for example, “on-time delivery,” “good customer service,” or
“poor finishing.” While a few negative reviews are normal, a pattern of unresolved issues
or delayed handovers is a red flag.
Additionally, review the builder’s social media pages for transparency and their response
to customer feedback. Reputed developers are usually active and communicative with
their buyers.
7. Check Builder’s Legal Standing and Dispute History
Before you finalise your decision, check whether the builder has any pending legal cases
or RERA complaints.
You can do this by:
● Searching the Kerala RERA complaint database.
● Visiting the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC)
website.
● Checking news portals for mentions of real estate fraud or builder disputes.
A clean record indicates integrity, whereas multiple unresolved legal cases could signal
poor management or unethical practices.
8. Visit the Site and Interact with the Team
A personal visit gives you insights that no online review can. During the visit:
● Observe work progress and labour safety standards.
● Ask about construction schedules and delivery dates.
● Meet the sales and site engineers; their professionalism often reflects the company
culture.
Visiting the builder’s corporate office can also help you gauge transparency, organisation,
and customer service.
9. Compare Builders Before Finalising
Don’t rush into choosing the first developer you like. Compare multiple trusted builders
in Kerala based on:
● Project quality and pricing.
● Location advantages.
● After-sales service and maintenance policies.
● Customer satisfaction ratings.
Builders like Shanoor Homes, known for ethical practices, quality assurance, and timely
delivery, continue to set benchmarks in Trivandrum’s real estate sector. Comparing
developers helps you choose one whose values align with your expectations.
10.Watch Out for Red Flags
Here are signs you should never ignore:
● Unrealistically low pricing or “too-good-to-be-true” offers.
● Refusal to show project approvals or RERA details.
● Frequent project delays or halted constructions.
● Vague or incomplete sale agreements.
In such cases, it’s best to step back and seek advice from a legal or financial expert before
proceeding.
Choose the Builder Who Builds Trust First
Verifying a builder’s credibility might take a little extra effort, but it can save you from
years of regret. When you buy a home, you’re not just investing in property; you’re
investing in the builder’s integrity, reliability, and reputation.
For anyone exploring reliable real estate companies in Kerala, especially in Trivandrum,
Shanoor Homes stands out for its transparency, construction quality, and on-time
delivery, ensuring that every project is built on a foundation of trust.
In real estate, a trustworthy builder is the first brick in your dream home. Make sure
yours is strong.
