How many people do you think would be ok with buying and living in an unsafe building?

Well, the answer is very simple. Nobody.

That’s why it is always sensible to be on the safer side and make sure you do a construction quality check on the residential property in India or the home you are planning to buy. If you have already bought one then too it’s never too late to do so. You only need to have a little careful eye with which you will be able to notice certain things that will easily tell about the construction quality of a property.

In case you are not able to notice anything, there still is a need for you to do a quality check in order to ensure that the house you are buying is newly constructed. If you see seepage or plaster peeling off from the walls it is a big no-no! Further, checking if the building is earthquake resistant along with the soil test, checking the elevators, fire system etc are also required and you can also demand a copy for the test from your developer. All these form an integral part of a good quality check.

It’s imperative for a building to be built by using high quality construction material that will ensure its sustainability and protection against various other types of damages. There can be no compromise on the quality of materials used for construction. Moreover, under the Section 14 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, it’s been clearly stated that it is the responsibility of the promoter to make rectification to any kind of structural defect within a period of five years. We will talk in detail about the crucial role of property management in real estate.

Making a Quality Check of Fitting and Fixtures

While inspecting the construction quality, pay attention to all the minute and little details of a home. For instance, all the fittings and fixtures of a newly built home decide the level of comfort for the homeowners. Going around and checking that all the switches and the electrical circuit system in the house are of good quality is essential. Also make sure you check the kitchen and the bathroom fittings like taps, showerheads, washbasin, and drainage pipes system are in a good condition.

Immediately inform the builder if you find or notice any kind of water leakage and other damages. Assure that the doors and window panes are properly placed. Also see if the joints are fixed up and well lubricated to avoid creaking noises when brought to use.

Assessing the Quality of Concrete Mix

So how does the quality of concrete mix help? Did you know that the strength of the concrete mix used in a property determines the capacity to bear the load it possesses? These days ready-mix concrete with the optimum required mix-sand ratio is available in the market.

Every responsible builder ensures that they use the best quality concrete mix to build homes that enhance the construction quality. You can check that by hammering a nail into the wall. If it goes inside without much effort then it’s certain that the used concrete quality is not up to the mark.

Checking the Plastering

While inspecting the construction quality, you must not forget to check if there are any cracks on the plastering at the walls. Most homebuyers overlook this. There is a possibility there are cracks in the corners and lower portions of the walls. They might be sometimes hidden under the coat of the paint and tough to identify. This quality check demands much attention if you are buying an old or aged property.

Wall cracks are a prominent indicator of the poor quality of the plaster or leakage. Builders try to deceive the clients by using the low quality materials to build a house or an apartment. Make sure that you being a home buyer never get duped and always choose to buy your house through a trusted and reliable builder with a good reputation in the business.

Checking the Quality of Sanitary Ware and Bathroom Fittings

Probably the best way to check the quality of sanitary ware and other bathroom equipment like toilets, washbasins etc is to check the overall shape. The good quality fittings will always feel comfortable to use. You may check by gentle tapping to check the cracks and also see if the mounting surface is smooth and even.

Check the water flow in the bathroom fittings along with the speed as the water flows down. With the type of sinks see if it will be easy to replace them and find the parts later when required. One more important thing to be kept in mind is always make sure anti-skid tiles are used in the bathroom.

Checking the Paint Quality

When you are at the site for the visit, see if there are any uneven cracks on the wall plastering. A minor crack can indicate that the construction quality is being compromised by the paint used on the walls. Curing is another important requirement while plastering. Lack of which can create cracks in the wall and they increase with time if not noticed. Good quality paint enhances and beautifies the look as well as lends that longevity to the walls.

Checking the Thickness of the Walls

During the layout agreements it is important for the developer to mention the thickness of the walls. You can go to the construction site and perform a construction quality check. See if the thickness of the walls matches the measurements which have been mentioned in the property’s legal documents. The walls should be rigid and the concrete mix has to be of top quality that will ensure the strength of the walls. As we said earlier too, see and use a nail to check the quality of the walls and materials used in it.

Assessing the Structural Design

If you are a person who is not familiar with all the design and architectural techniques it is difficult to check the structural nitty-gritty of the property. A wise choice would be to hire a professional or an expert who will help you determine the design and structural strength of the building. Asses the construction quality of the building in terms of its earthquake resistant capability, fire fighting facilities, emergency exits etc.

One must always assess if the building has been constructed to withstand earthquakes of a particular magnitude and other similar natural disasters. Basic structural design is a key aspect while conducting a quality check which includes walls, beams, columns and the roof which determines the strength and stability of that building. Ensuring maximum safety and rigidity to the building is imperative. Consulting a qualified engineer or an architect is necessary to check the building structure.

Investigating the Soil Quality

When on the site visit, try to make a quality check on the soil type on which the building is being built on. As the quality of the soil differs from place to place you must always ask the contractor about it to understand the exact nature of the soil. The strength of the foundation is what depends on the quality of the soil.

High rise constructions are not permitted on the black cotton soils and clay-rich soils. Therefore, it becomes necessary for the buyers to check about the soil quality and ensure there is no compromise in the construction quality. There are certain soil types that support high rise buildings but if the foundation is not stable there are great chances for the building’s foundation to collapse. Every homebuyer must enquire and ensure inspecting the soil quality before finalizing to buy the property.

Seeking Help of Third-Party Agencies

You should never shy away from seeking a third-party help. There are so many certified agencies and real estate platforms which can help you sign important agreement papers. Visiting the building location with a professional architect is the best and easiest way to check the construction quality of a building.

What Is The Role Of RERA?

Section 14 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, has laid down the responsibility on the concerned builder to rectify the structural defects within five years. It is also essential to make the property owners aware of this law beforehand. However, only the buildings and projects covered under the purview of this law are entitled under such proceedings.

Conclusion

Living in a poor construction quality house puts your life at risk. It is very difficult to find a house which matches the high quality safety standards. Most of the homebuyers do not have the knowledge about performing an effective quality check of a residential property they wish to own.

There are a lot of property dealers these days that offer nice looking commercial properties in India and houses at very affordable prices, but you should be aware and avoid getting blindsided. Verify every aspect before buying. It’s a great challenge for people to ascertain the quality of construction of houses and properties these days.

That’s why it becomes necessary to choose a reliable and reputed real estate platform that will assist you to invest your hard earned money in your dream house. 99pillars provide the finest real estate services and are renowned for property management in Zirakpur. You may get in touch with us and we will assist you in every possible way. We strive relentlessly everyday to give our clients concrete solutions to any concerns they have regarding residential and commercial properties.