Frequently asked questions

The Scenario: When you point out a mistake (like a crooked unit or missing item), the vendor immediately offers a refund instead of a fix. The Danger: A refund is a "get out of jail free" card for the vendor. It leaves you with an unfinished home and the burden of hiring someone else to fix their mess. The Rule: Demand the home you paid for. Only accept a refund as a last resort, and ensure it includes compensation for the time lost.

The Scenario: You are told "internal coordination is in progress" or "we can't reach the designer today." The Danger: If a company can’t communicate with its own team, they have zero control over your quality or timeline. You are paying for project management—demand to see it. The Rule: Establish an Escalation Matrix on Day 1. Know exactly who is responsible when the person on-site stops answering.

The Scenario: You fall in love with a 3D render, but the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is vague or uses generic terms like "standard finish." The Danger: Vendors often show "Design A" but bill for "Material B." If a feature (like a rafter or a mirror panel) is in the picture but not explicitly listed in the BOQ, you won't get it. The Rule: The BOQ is your only legal contract. Audit every line item against the 2D/3D drawings before the first hammer swings.

The Scenario: A designer or site lead asks for a quick transfer via WhatsApp or a third-party account to "speed up procurement" or cover an "unforeseen cost." The Danger: Corporations often disown their own employees the moment a "policy" is breached. If it’s not through the official portal, the company assumes zero liability for fraud. The Rule: If it isn’t on a company-generated invoice, don’t pay it. No exceptions.

The Scenario: The contract promises "delay compensation" but caps it at a small percentage (usually 3–5%). The Danger: In a 10-month delay, your lost rental income and maintenance costs will far exceed a 3% refund. The vendor has no financial incentive to finish on time. The Rule: Calculate your "Real Loss." Before signing, negotiate a penalty that actually reflects your monthly EMI or lost rent.

The Scenario: You find materials, furniture, or wardrobes on your site that don't belong to your project. The Danger: This exposes you to legal risks, security concerns, and potential damage to your property. It’s a sign that the vendor has lost operational control and is using your private space for their logistics. The Rule: Your site is not a logistics hub. Issue a formal notice the moment unauthorized material enters your home.

Your project is sold by one entity (e.g., Arrivae) but handed over to another (e.g., Livspace) for execution. The Danger: Promises made by the first team—about costs, timelines, or designs—often vanish during the "handover." You become a game of telephone between two corporate entities. The Rule: Re-verify every single promise in writing with the NEW team. If the new execution partner won't sign off on the original "ironclad" promises, do not let them start.

The Scenario: You raise a serious issue (like fraud or missing items), and the response is: "We note the concerns raised... please continue communication through official channels." The Danger: This is a stalling tactic designed to move the conversation away from the urgency of the site and into a slow-moving "corporate review" cycle. It detaches the problem from the solution. The Rule: Demand a "Closure Timeline" for every escalation. If they acknowledge a receipt of a complaint, they must also commit to a date for the resolution. Don't let them "review" your life away for months.

The Scenario: Your primary designer or manager goes on leave, is unavailable, or leaves the company, and the project simply stalls. The Danger: In a professional setup, a project shouldn't depend on one person's availability. If there is no "Shadow Resource" or immediate replacement, your timeline is at the mercy of their HR issues. The Rule: Ask for the backup contact on Day 1. If the lead is away, the project must move. "Unavailability" is never a valid reason for a construction delay.

The Scenario: When things get serious, the company starts using legal jargon like "issued without prejudice to rights and remedies" in their emails to you. The Danger: This is the moment the vendor stops being a "service provider" and starts being a "legal entity." They are preparing to protect themselves, not fix your home. The Rule: Match their tone immediately. This is the signal to stop "hoping for the best" and start filing your formal NCH (National Consumer Helpline) or District Consumer Forum grievances.