Before hiring a prefab contractor, ask seven things in writing: what is included, what is specified, what is excluded, what warranty is provided, who handles permits and site preparation, how payment is staged, and when delivery and erection will happen.
What should a prefab contractor put in the quotation?
The quotation should make scope, specifications, exclusions, payment terms, delivery, erection, variations and warranty clear enough that two vendors can be compared line by line.
- List structure, panels, flooring, ceiling, electrical, plumbing, transport and installation separately.
- State panel type and thickness, steel sections, finishes and openings instead of saying only “premium”.
- Write client-scope exclusions clearly so they do not become site surprises later.
Is the cheapest prefab quotation actually cheaper?
Not necessarily. A lower quote can become more expensive when transport, crane or lifting, site preparation, electrical work, finishing or warranty scope is excluded.
- Compare total value, not only the headline number.
- A ₹5 lakh quote with limited scope can cost more than a ₹7 lakh quote that includes complete scope and warranty.
- Compare structure, panels, flooring, electrical, plumbing, transport, crane and lifting, site preparation, total cost, warranty, delivery and after-sales support.
What should you ask about material quality?
Ask for measurable specifications: panel core and thickness, steel section sizes, coating and finish, flooring, doors, windows and service components.
- For panels, compare PUF, MIP and GI systems on thickness and actual specification.
- For the MS frame, compare section sizes and structural design basis rather than judging from photographs.
- Ask what is included in finishing and touch-ups.
What warranty should a prefab contractor give?
The warranty should identify what is covered, for how long and what conditions apply. Avoid accepting a vague statement that the whole building is simply “under warranty”.
- Ask separately about structure, panels, waterproofing, joints, electrical items and equipment.
- Get warranty terms in writing before ordering.
- Clarify exclusions and the process for raising a service claim.
Who is responsible for permits and site preparation?
The contract should explicitly assign responsibility for permits, civil work, electricity, water, unloading and site preparation.
In practice, a quotation may list some items as client scope, so the buyer should read the project-specific quotation instead of assuming a universal scope. This is especially important in Delhi NCR projects, where site constraints, access and utility readiness can matter as much as the building itself.
What payment and delivery terms should you check?
Payment milestones should be linked to clear project stages, and delivery should be stated in working days with the trigger for the timeline.
- Typical commercial terms may include an advance on PO confirmation, payment against dispatch, and the balance on erection.
- Delivery timelines should specify material supply, installation after site readiness and finishing work separately.
- Treat these as examples of written commercial terms, not a universal timeline for every project.
Frequently asked questions
What are the 7 questions to ask a prefab contractor?
Ask what is included, what exactly is specified, what is excluded, what warranty is written, who handles permits and site preparation, how payment is staged, and what the delivery-to-handover timeline is.
How do I compare two prefab quotations?
Put both quotes into the same sheet and compare structure, panels, flooring, electrical, plumbing, transport, crane and lifting, site preparation, total cost, warranty, delivery and after-sales support.
Should panel thickness be written in the quotation?
Yes. Panel type and thickness should be stated so the buyer can compare like-for-like specifications.
Is a low prefab quote always better?
No. A cheaper quote can exclude transport, lifting, site preparation, services or warranty. Compare complete scope and specification.
Should warranty be in writing?
Yes. State duration, covered components, exclusions and claim process in the contract or quotation.
Who pays for permits and unloading?
It depends on the contract. Do not assume. A clear written statement is safer than an informal verbal promise.
Closing takeaway
Before comparing prefab contractors, make the quotes comparable. Get scope, specifications, exclusions, warranty, payment milestones and delivery stages in writing. The cheapest headline price matters only after you know exactly what it buys.