👷 Hiring Contractors📍 Kolkata, West Bengal
How to verify a contractor in India? in Kolkata
🤖 AI Answer by Biddaro⏱ 4 min read📅 Updated November 2024
📍 Kolkata Construction Costs (2024)
₹1,500
Basic/sqft
₹2,000
Standard/sqft
₹3,200
Premium/sqft
🧱 Cement: ₹380/bag⚙️ Steel: ₹68/kg👷 Mason: ₹720/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.
📍 Kolkata-Specific Tips for This Topic
💡
Kolkata's soft alluvial soil requires pile foundation for G+2 and above — adds ₹5-8L to foundation cost
💡
Very high humidity means external walls need anti-fungal, moisture-resistant paint every 3-4 years
Related topics:
contractor verificationGST checktrade licensereferencesKolkataWest Bengal