👷 Hiring Contractors📍 Kochi, Kerala
How to verify a contractor in India? in Kochi
🤖 AI Answer by Biddaro⏱ 4 min read📅 Updated November 2024
📍 Kochi Construction Costs (2024)
₹1,700
Basic/sqft
₹2,400
Standard/sqft
₹3,900
Premium/sqft
🧱 Cement: ₹398/bag⚙️ Steel: ₹72/kg👷 Mason: ₹900/day
⚡ Quick Answer
Before hiring any contractor in India, verify their GST registration number (free on GST portal), ask for past client references and call them, check their work photos on-site (not just WhatsApp screenshots), and ensure they have a registered business address.
10-Point Contractor Verification Checklist
- ✅ GST Registration — Verify on gst.gov.in (search by GSTIN). Contractors with >₹20L annual revenue must be registered.
- ✅ Trade License — Ask for contractor license issued by local municipal body for construction work.
- ✅ PAN Card — Any professional receiving >₹20,000 must provide PAN for TDS deduction.
- ✅ Labour License — For projects with >10 workers, contractor needs registration under Contract Labour Act.
- ✅ Work References — Ask for minimum 3 recent client references. CALL them — don't just accept numbers.
- ✅ Site Visit — Visit at least one of their ongoing or completed projects in person. Photos can be fake.
- ✅ Company Address — Verify the physical office address exists (Google Maps + one site visit).
- ✅ Insurance — Professional contractors carry workmen's compensation insurance. Ask for the policy copy.
- ✅ Bank Account — Payment should go to a business account matching company name, never to a personal account.
- ✅ Written Contract — Legitimate contractors never refuse a proper written contract with scope and milestones.
📍 Kochi-Specific Tips for This Topic
💡
Kerala's double monsoon makes waterproofing critical — budget ₹150-200/sqft for comprehensive coverage
💡
Labor in Kerala is highly skilled but expensive — mason rates are 20% higher than national average
Related topics:
contractor verificationGST checktrade licensereferencesKochiKerala