How to examine the quality of construction before buying a home?

Nowadays it’s of utmost importance for the home buyers to ensure that the construction is of good quality especially at a time when various real estate developers are competing in the market to offer multiple residential units at attractive prices.

If you are planning to invest in a project which is under construction, examining and measuring the construction quality of the project should be of paramount importance. It is advisable to make a surprise visit to the construction site and check the construction quality first-hand when investing in such property.

Ascertaining the construction quality always remains an obstacle for 90% of the people who buy a fully constructed home. It gets challenging for a homeowner to gauge the quality of building materials used irrespective of whether it is a large-scale residential or a duplex or an independent floor project.

Despite the challenges, there are various methods that homeowners can apply, to ensure that one is not being fooled in the name of branded sanitary ware, high-quality beams, and columns, and best water pipes and electrical wiring.

Inspect the soil quality

When you visit the construction site, try to inspect the quality and type of soil on which the building is built. You can even ask the contractor or the real estate agent, to understand the exact nature of the soil. The quality of soil can vary from place to place. It is a crucial factor that determines the strength of the foundation. It is recommended to not use clay-rich soil and black cotton soil for high-rise constructions. According to experts, these soils tend to swell and shrink, depending upon the level of moisture and water. You can also ask for a copy of the soil test that is conducted before the construction is initiated.

Assess the structural design

In case you are not familiar with design techniques, it would be difficult for you to understand the structural nitty-gritty. Hence, you can hire an expert to determine the design and structural strength of the building. Homeowners are often advised to assess construction quality in terms of its earthquake resistance, fire-fighting arrangements, and the availability of emergency exits.

Check the quality of the walls

The real estate developer is required to mention the thickness of the walls, in the layout agreements. Pay a visit to the construction site, to check if it holds true. Another check you can make is to press any key against the wall. If you are able to make a hole in the wall easily, question the builder about the concrete mix. Furthermore, tap the walls with your knuckles to examine the hollowness or usage of plywood inside the walls. Builders often use plywood walls, to add strength to the structure. However, termites can damage such structures if they are not treated properly.

Check the paint quality

Look out for uneven cracks on the wall plastering during your site visit. Even a minor crack could indicate the quality of the paint used on the walls. In fact, lack of curing can also lead to cracks in the walls and this would only increase with time. While good quality paint can enhance the visual appeal and enhance the longevity of the walls, improper curing can destruct the wall before time.

Check the quality of sanitary wares and bathroom fittings

In order to assess the quality of sanitary ceramics and accessories such as toilets, washbasins, face cleaners, or bidets, the best way is to check its overall shape. Good quality fittings are always comfortable to use. Additionally, you can check for cracks by gently tapping it – a hoarse sound could signify cracks. Apart from this, you can even check the mounting surface and whether it is in proportion and smooth. For bathroom fittings, check the water flow and speed, the type of faucets used, and how easily they can be replaceable or find their parts in the market. You should also check the tiles used in the bathroom and insist on anti-skid ones, to avoid any incidence.

Examine the elevators

There have been various instances in residential units where elevators have fallen in buildings, either due to poor maintenance or improper installation. Check for the license and maintenance of the elevator as issued by the developer. Also, check for the elevator ratio in the residential project. Usually, three elevators and one service lift are ideal for a single tower. Don’t forget to check its capacity too, especially in the case of high-rises as it should be able to accommodate more people on a trip.

Quality inspection of the project is as important as any other process involved in the home buying process. There are numerous agencies that can help you to perform a quality check of your home before you sign the deal. Follow these steps for a great quality home buying experience!