Revised Quality Assurance Certification by MahaRERA for Real Estate Projects

Summary: The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has introduced a revised Quality Assurance Certificate, Form-2A, to bolster construction quality and compliance in real estate projects. Effective from the end of each financial year, this updated format requires site engineers to provide comprehensive details through an extensive questionnaire covering all construction aspects, from structural design to workmanship. Key compliance areas include structural stability, input material standards, and quality of workmanship, with mandates for soil investigation, structural engineering, and adherence to disaster resistance and flood protection norms. The form demands regular testing of materials, verification of manufacturer certifications, and robust record-keeping. Additionally, it emphasizes proper documentation of electrical and plumbing works, safety measures, and innovative practices. Form-2A also introduces a dual signatory requirement from the site engineer and project promoter to ensure accountability. This revised certificate will help MahaRERA address homebuyer complaints, track construction quality, and enhance project grading, leading to greater transparency and improved industry standards. Despite potential implementation challenges, the new format is expected to significantly elevate the quality of real estate construction and provide more reliable information to homebuyers.

Introduction:

Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority has come out with a revised format of Quality Assurance Certificate as Form-2A. Every site engineer shall, on end of every financial year, submit it for the purpose of keeping quality construction and adherence to real estate projects. The new format involves an extensive questionnaire which covers almost all the aspects related to construction right from the design of the structure down to workmanship..

Key Areas of Compliance:

1. Structural Design, Stability Testing, and Verification:

• Soil investigation: Investigate the soil before finalizing the structure and include soil parameters during design.
• Appointment of Structural Engineer: Make sure this project has an appointed structural engineer who is competent.

• Maintenance of registers: Keep inspection registers, site order books, and quality control test registers updated and endorsed by the Engineer-in-Charge.

• On-site testing facilities:  Develop testing facilities to examine material quality at work sites.

• Disaster resistance: Follow statutory provisions for disaster resistance and earthquake-resistant design, especially for multi-storied buildings.

• Flood protection: Appropriate precautions against flooding based on demarcated flood lines is to be taken.

2. Input Materials:

• Material standards: Ensure building materials (cement, concrete, steel, electrical components, plumbing fittings) are in conformance with relevant IS/BS/NBC codes or industry standards.
• Regular testing: The materials and construction products have to be tested regularly in the appropriate laboratories.
• Manufacturer certifications: Obtain and ensure continued availability of manufacturer test certificates for cement, steel, pipes, etc.
• Water quality: The water used in the construction should be suitable for construction, tested, and approved by the Engineer-in-Charge.

3. Quality of Workmanship:

• Electrical works: All electrical installations must be carried out by authorized/registered electrical engineers, and proper records of the same should be maintained.
• Plumbing and sanitary works: Ensure that the works are done by authorized / registered plumbers or sanitary contractors. All works must be properly documented.

• Supervision: All works should be executed under the supervision of experienced and skilled people so that workmanship is good and within permissible limits of deviations.
• Dampness and leakage prevention: Remedial measures should be implemented to prevent dampness and leakages.
• Worker safety: Create safety conditions for all types of workers during construction works.

4. Miscellaneous:

• Third-party quality inspection: Implement third-party quality inspections during or after performing work.
• Anti-termite treatment: Do anti-termite treatment for the soil.
• Fire-fighting arrangements: Fire-fighting systems is to be installed under the supervision of a fire consultant.
• Signage: Signage is to be properly installed on site and in finished buildings as required.
• Air pollution control: Adopt initiatives to protect air from being polluted during construction.
• Record-keeping: Ensure that all the test reports, results, sanctioned building plans, and utility drawings are duly maintained for future reference and handed over to the association of allottees.
• Innovation: Apply innovative, low-cost, or environmentally friendly technologies to improve quality and conserve energy. Compliance process.

Compliance Process:

A site engineer must indicate every question in the questionnaire:

• Provide a “Yes” or “No” response.
• Write detailed remarks explaining the compliance or reasons for non-compliance.
• Names, license numbers, and contact numbers of professionals that are duly appointed is to be shown where required.
• Attach relevant documents, test reports, or certifications as evidence of compliance.
• Explain any deviations from standard practices and justify them if necessary.

The finalized Form-2A is required to be signed by both the Site Engineer, including their qualifications and license details, and the Promoter of the project. This dual signatory process ensures accountability and serves to verify that both parties concur on the quality standards of the project

Revised Form-2A: A MahaRERA’s tool for dispute redressal and project grading.

MahaRERA can use the Quality Assurance Certificate (Form-2A) to address homebuyer complaints and investigate construction issues. This extensive document serves to display the devloper’s compliance with quality norms and standards, which would then empower MahaRERA to understand specific concerns among the Allottees. With structural defects or major faulty conditions, the certificates track a history of the quality control practices and hence display any gaps in the exercise or errors. The routine inspection of the certificates equips MahaRERA to spot probable trouble early enough, allowing timely engagement and correction before the defects turn into crisis.

Although it brings several challenges regarding its implementation and maintenance of data, the new format of Quality Assurance Certificate has the potential to really impact the effectiveness of regulation of MahaRERA, increasing the general construction quality level in the real estate industry and providing more dependable information to the homebuyer through an improved project rating system.

Conclusion:

MahaRERA’s revised format of the Quality Assurance Certificate shows that it is keen on how construction is taking shape in the state. Detailed reporting on many aspects of the construction quality has been insisted upon by the authority to safeguard the homebuyers’ interest and make the sector more transparent. All developers and site engineers must carefully follow this to ensure that their projects have adhered to the standards and regulations prescribed.