Responsibilities of a builder
As a builder in India, you are in a market which has a huge demand for homes all over the country across various segments. However, there are certain responsibilities that a builder has to fulfill. Here is the outline of the primary responsibilities of a builder.
License
First responsibility of a builder is to obtain a license to build a property from the municipal corporation of the respective place. For any building that needs building approval, the builder has to obtain prior permit. Most builders subcontract brick layers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, etc while constructing a house. The builder has to make sure that those subcontracted are qualified for their job.
Safety measures
A builder has to ensure the safety of workers constructing the building. All safety hazards have to be considered carefully as any accident while construction can put the noose of responsibility around the builder’s neck.
Insuring the home
The builder should own an insurance. Usually builders own builder’s risk insurance policy, which protects the owner against defective and incomplete work. Furthermore, the builder has to own liability insurance, which will ensure that quality in construction has been maintained. The builder may be held responsible for any fault in construction even if the fault is discovered as long as 10 years later.
Building guidelines
The builder has to abide by the building guidelines. The guidelines differ according to different types of construction – apartments, malls, high rises, etc. While building a residential apartment, the basic guidelines to be followed by a builder are documented in National Building Code (NBC).
NBC provides the basic requirements for an apartment:
(1) An apartment higher than 13 meters should have a lift installed with the minimum capacity of six persons.
(2) Fire safety measures have to be installed as per the building guidelines and has been made mandatory in most of the cities in India. Part 4 of the NBC lays down requirements for fire prevention in a building. It specifies construction, occupancy and protection features that are necessary to minimize danger to life and property from fire in a building.
(3) The foundation and structural designs are to be maintained by the builder as per the guidelines in the code. Part 6 of NBC covers the use of structural steel in general building construction including the use of hot rolled steel sections and steel tubes as well as general structural use of plain and reinforced concrete, welded construction. Specifications like minimum height of the handrail in the staircase as 90 cms, balusters with a minimum width of 10 cms, etc. are to be maintained.
(4) The planning, design, construction and installation of plumbing mechanisms like water supply, drainage and sanitation, and gas supply should be in accordance with NBC. Part 9 of NBC deals with plumbing services; section-1 covers water supply, drainage and sanitation. I.e, requirements of water supply for residential projects, construction and maintenance of drains for foul water, surface water and subsoil water and sewage. Section-2 covers gas supply. I.e, requirements regarding the safety of persons and property for all piping uses and for all types of gases used for fuel or lighting purposes.
(5) The design and installation of electrical circuits and appliances, air conditioning and heaters have to be carried out as laid down by the building regulations. Lighting and ventilation is covered under the building services of NBC. Part 8 pertaining to building services covers design, construction and installation of air conditioning and heating systems and installation of different appliances for maintaining air temperature. Acoustics and sound insulation is also covered in the same chapter.
Notifications and approvals
The builder has to get no objection certificate (NOC) from water supply, sewage control, fire service, electrical safety and other concerned authorities. NOC may be required from neighbours to ensure that the construction does not encroach upon others’ properties.
After obtaining the NOC, the builder needs to get the completion certificate from the authorities. Completion certificate duly signed by the certifier ensures that the concerned flat/home has been constructed as per rules by the builder. The owner can have access to the house/flat once the local municipal authority issues the Occupancy Certificate which is the legal confirmation that the house can be owned by the owner with access to all the necessary amenities.
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