Real estate development projects are often seen as exciting opportunities, especially when they involve the potential to create something new on family-owned land. But my experience with a recent redevelopment project in Uttara, Sector 7, has taught me that what appears to be a simple process can quickly turn into a frustrating and expensive ordeal.
After years of maintaining an old two-storey family house, we decided to redevelop the property. We wanted a modern, high-quality building, and after meeting with numerous developers, we chose Builder X, a company that seemed reputable and made promises that matched our vision.
From the start, the project was beset with delays and mismanagement. Despite our continuous hands-on involvement—regular site visits, direct engagement with workers, and guidance—we could not prevent the ongoing issues that plagued the project. The project engineer was hardly ever on-site, and the developer kept changing engineers halfway through. Instead of providing continuity and solutions, this only resulted in confusion, delays, and a lack of accountability.
The timeline for the project was stretched well beyond what we were initially promised. What was meant to be a straightforward redevelopment turned into a prolonged saga. Despite our persistent efforts, the project continued to fall behind schedule. The final handover was even worse than we feared. After an extra 12 months of delays, the backroom was still incomplete. When we received the final product, it was rushed, incomplete, and full of poor-quality work. Faulty construction, broken tiles, and unfinished areas became part of our reality.
Even now, months after the so-called “completion,” we are still battling with the developer to fix glaring issues. The experience has been one of constant frustration. We’ve had to push for basic repairs, like replacing damaged tiles and correcting construction faults. As I write this, we are still living with unfinished work that was supposed to be resolved long ago.
Key Takeaways:
1. Conduct thorough due diligence. Don’t just take a developer’s word for it. Visit previous projects, talk to former clients, and get a solid understanding of their reputation.
2. Define clear contractual terms. Have everything in writing: payment schedules, penalties for delays, quality standards, and timelines.
3. Stay involved, but also protect yourself. Even if you’re hands-on, having a third-party consultant or independent engineer to oversee the work is essential.
4. Legal protection matters. Ensure there are clear clauses in place for incomplete or subpar work, and consider a lawyer to ensure your interests are safeguarded.
This experience has shown me the importance of knowing when to walk away and trusting your instincts. If you’re considering working with a developer for a joint project, take these lessons seriously. A bad experience can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.
If you’re facing a similar situation or have questions, I’m happy to connect and offer further insights. Let’s learn from each other’s mistakes to avoid repeating them in the future.
