MahaRERA initiates pre-emptive measure for homebuyers get better quality houses

In an attempt to ensure homebuyers get better quality homes the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority MahaRERA has floated a Draft Regulation for Projectrsquos Quality Assurance Through the selfcertification declaration of the same the developer will have to provide detailed information on the projectrsquos technical aspectsThe draft has been published on MahaRERA website seeking suggestions and views The window to share the opinions to suggestionsmahareragmailcom is open upto May 23 said a MahaRERA officialIn December MahaRERA had released a consultation paper on the measures for better quality homes and preempt homebuyer complaints related to defects in construction or substandard construction quality Based on the information received a fresh document has been drafted the official saidIt is proposed that during the initial phases abiding by the new regulations will be optional Names of those developers voluntarily adopting the system will be put up on MahaRERA website and will assist in adding credence to their reputation towards potential homebuyers Once the transition phase is over it will become mandatory for all the developers to follow suit he saidThe Real Estate Regulation and Development Act 2016 has a provision on defect liability The law safeguards flat purchaserrsquos rights by making a developer accountable to rectify any structural defects at their own expense which are brought to the notice within the initial five years These have to be rectified within 30 daysWhile the law provides remedial measures for defect rectification it is essential to safeguard homebuyersrsquo interests Therefore the need to have processes and standards to minimise the occurrence of defectsThe need for such a regulation arose owing to repeated discussion and concerns over construction quality delivered by the real estate sector This will alleviate concerns about the quality of construction in the real estate sector MahaRERA emphasises the importance of structural design and stability Already multiple real estate stakeholders have been consulted to put together the draft Prior to formalising the same suggestions and opinions have been soughtThere are several essential questions that need to be addressed onsite Some of those include in terms of structural design and stability is soil testing done before the design process Are structural engineers appointed for the project Are all the works getting periodically certified for quality control and is a record of this maintained onsite Is there an onsite testing facility to inspect raw material quality Is there regular inspection of the construction site to ensure the quality of materials like cement concrete steel electrical wires plumbing fittings etc In case of a multistoried building is there an antiseismic system Is there a flood prevention system in place Is water quality testing done for construction purposesFor the execution of all the civil works it is important to have engineers and contractors overseeing important aspects such as electricity water supply and sanitation Any negligence or laxity should not be tolerated and meticulous attention should be paid to avoid errors and discrepancies as basic as dampness in the wall and leakagesFurthermore after completion of the project details regarding fire safety earthquakeresistant measures and other similar matters need to be documented and certified by the project supervisor and engineers The promoter of the project will also have to revalidate these prior to submitting the SelfDeclaration on Quality Assurance to MahaRERA he concluded