Failures, Claims and Official Sources

When a terrace leaks again after one monsoon, paint blisters within months or a sheet roof lifts in a storm, the next step depends on who is responsible. A contractor's poor workmanship is a contract matter and, for a household, usually a consumer dispute that can be filed online through e-Jagriti before a District, State or National Consumer Commission. A defect in a recently bought flat may fall under the builder's five-year defect liability in the RERA law. Storm, cyclone and flood damage is an insurance question, with the insurer's grievance process and the Insurance Ombudsman behind it. Product warranties from paint or membrane manufacturers have their own conditions.

This section explains the usual failure patterns first, so you can tell a material problem from an application problem, then each route in turn. Start with the overview of problems and official routes. The guides describe procedures in general terms; they are not legal advice. For a large claim or a dispute involving the building structure, consult an advocate or a structural engineer.