4 Things to look for to measure Construction Quality
May 21, 2021
Buying an apartment is the most important purchase decision one makes in life. To most people it is a one-time decision and it often entails huge mortgage. A good decision guarantees lifelong happiness, while a bad one can bring along a baggage of headaches. Hence a prudent property buyer should exercise due diligence before making the crucial decision. Apartment construction is a complex activity involving numerous inputs and requirements. Most people are not aware of the hidden aspects involved in apartment construction and can end up making unwise decisions. Being a layperson it might be difficult for you to determine whether a building is good to live. Hence it is always better to get a second opinion from an industry expert or a knowledgeable friend or relative.
The following are the important parameters to look for when weighing your decision to buy an apartment.
1. Construction Quality:
There are four aspects which are integral to construction quality: (a) Soil Quality, (b) Design and Structural Strength, (c) Concrete Mix and (d) Fixtures and finishing inputs. The quality and type of soil on which the structure is built are crucial. The soil type differs from place to place and this determines whether it can bear the foundation of a high-rise. Clay-rich soil and black cotton soil are not suitable for heavy duty construction as they react to moisture or water and expand, swell or shrink. Hence a soil test is conducted before the construction process begins.
A team comprising architect, structural engineer and civil engineer work on the basic design of the building. The building should be aesthetically beautiful, structurally strong and the interior spaces should be well planned. Next comes concrete quality. The strength of concrete determines the load a structure can bear and carry. Usually, the project promoters monitor the quality and strength of the concrete with technical supervision by the structural engineer and civil engineer. Inspect the wall thickness. The developers usually mention the width of walls in the layout agreements. Look for paint and plastering quality. Check the plastering on the outer walls. The uneven cracks on the wall plastering indicate that the foundation or the quality of the building construction is not good. Similarly, quality paint on the walls enhances visual appeal and improves the longevity of the walls and wooden spaces.
2. Safety Features:
Check the safety measures taken by the developer such as earthquake resistance, emergency evacuation or fire exit. It is important to assess the property thoroughly for the strength to resist earthquakes of a certain magnitude. Check the size and space of the stairway. It should be wide enough for two people to run alongside, in case of emergency. Examine the elevators, whether they are from reputed manufacturers, whether proper installation is done. Check for the licence and maintenance of elevator. Also, check for the elevator ratio in the residential project. Generally, three elevators and one service lift are ideal for a single tower. Do check for its capacity too, especially in case of high-rises as it should be able to accommodate more people in a single trip. All modern building should have mandatory fire fighting systems and safety features for the electricals.
3. Quality Policy:
Quality conscious property developers should always have a standardized quality policy. For example, at Land Trades, we follow a 4-step process for ensuring quality. Firstly, we have Quality in Design, whereby we select reputed architects and structural consultants. Secondly, we have Quality in Procurement, whereby we choose reliable vendors for procuring high grade construction materials like tiles, wood and cement, and rely on branded materials like paints, adhesives, tiles etc. Thirdly, there is Quality of the Construction Contractor or PMCs. Here we choose a contractor of proven track record. And finally, we systematically perform Quality Checks on the construction materials with tests and audits done by third parties to maintain quality standards. Our contracts are awarded not on commercial basis, but on the merit base towards quality consciousness and on the basis of evaluation gained through third party tests of all works and materials.
4. Documentation and Certifications:
Building construction involves various mandatory certifications. Before you buy the apartment ask for copies of test reports, certifications and approvals, such as building licence from the City Corporation, the structural stability certificate issued by the structural engineer, soil test undertaken before the construction, the safety certificates for the elevator, electricals and clearance from fire department. The buyer could also ask about the type and thickness of blocks used for construction and the brand of cement used. You can also verify the construction quality by looking at the paint and plastering on the walls, installation of tiles on the floors and walls, water fixtures, sanitary installations, doors and windows etc and asking if the materials and products used are certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
At a time when real estate market has become highly competitive, it is important for the buyers to ensure that the construction is of good quality. If you are a homebuyer and planning to invest in an under-construction project, checking and measuring the construction quality of the project should be of paramount importance.
