Secret Tips to Check the Construction Quality of House
It is a dream for many of the people to own a house and converting it to a reality might seem challenging. From purchasing to constructing a house takes a massive investment. You have to do thorough scrutiny, especially when it’s the point of construction quality. Apart from that, some developers can even cut costs which compromises the quality and safety of the house. So, if you are also visiting different houses for investment purpose or a place to live with your family, you might need to check some important points. You don’t know what to check for? Don’t worry we have got you covered. We have designed this blog to help you check a house before purchasing it. These tips will help you to asses the construction quality of a house.
Tips to assess the quality of a house before purchasing it
Its not that you purchase houses on a daily basis. However, it is a one time investment which demands proper analysis, calculated investment, and many other points. Apart from that, when you want to ensure that quality of house, you should look for these points:
1.Foundation and structural strength
You can consider foundation as the backbone of a building. However, a weak foundation can lead to a disaster which yields a structure failure over time. In order to check the foundation quality, here are some of the points that you need to check:
- Pay a visit to the construction site at the early stage of its construction as you would get the chance to inspect the materials used for the foundation.
- Make sure to check the soil type and load bearing capacity align with the building’s design.
- Next you have to look for any kind of signs of uneven settlement in existing homes such as tilted floors or cracked walls.
Apart from these, you have to check the building’s structural framework. Make sure to check the quality of steel and concreate used. Some of the other points that you have to check are building code adherence, guarantee that house can endure seismic activities and extreme weather.
2.Wall integrity
Wall plays major role for providing the overall strength and durability to a house. Here are some of the points to help you check their quality:
- First you have to knock gently on the walls, if you hear a hollow sound then it indicates poor plastering or voids beneath.
- Check for any cracks, especially in corners, windows or near load bearing beams. These are some of the signs for structural issues.
Check if there are any discoloration or damp patches. These indicates water leakage through the walls and can weaken them over the time.
For checking wall, you need to examine the quality of brick and mortar. When you see uniform laid bricks with proper mortar application then it signifies good construction practices.
3.Concrete quality
- You can check for any uneven surfaces, excessive honeycombing or large voids in concrete. These are some of the imperfections that weaken the strength of the house.
This is a non destructive test that measures the compressive strength of concrete. You can even get professional help for accurate results.
4.Doors, windows and fixtures
The next up point that you need to check is windows, doors and fixtures. These are some of the areas that are often overlooked but they play crucial role in functionality and security of a house. Here are the points to check:
- You have to ensure that the doors and windows are perfectly aligned and open or close smoothly.
- You also have to check the quality of wood or metal materials quality. If they have used substandard materials then they can wrap or corrode over time.
- Next you have to inspect the durability and smooth operation of hinges, latches and locks etc.
Fixtures such as faucets, electrical sockets and switches are needed to be checked for their reliability and proper installation.
5.Flooring and tiles
Flooring and tiles are important part of the house. They play major role to influence the aesthetics and usability of the home. Points to check:
- You can use a spirit level or even a simple marble to check for slopes or uneven areas.
- Make sure that the tile joints are evenly filled and free from any gaps.
- This is the important point as you have to check for the quality of tiles, wood or stone flooring. If they have used poor quality of flooring then it is more prone to cracks and wear over time.
When you use high quality of flooring and tiling then it enhances the home’s appearance and long-lasting usability.
6.Paint and finishing
One of the thing that plays to build a house’s character and protection is paint and finishing. However, paintwork is something that protects walls from moisture and weathering. In order to check paint and finishing, here’s what you need to do:
- Make sure that the paint is weather resistant especially for external walls that are exposed to harsh climate.
- Check for uniform paint application and absence of bubble or peeling.
- nsure that external walls have priming underneath as they provide better adhesion and durability.
Apart from these, good finishing also includes plastering, carpentry work and aesthetics of molding or trims.
7.Plumbing and drainage
The next up check point is plumbing and drainage systems. These plays critical role for a comfortable and hygienic living environment. Here’s what you need to check:
- You have to check the taps to look for water flow, pressure and leakage.
- You also have to check for water pipes as you have to check that they are made of corrosion-resistant materials such as CPVC or UPVC.
- Pay a visit to bathroom and kitchen sink drainage to check for clogs or slow water flow.
When your house has a poorly designed plumbing system then it can lead to leaks, water drainage and long-term repair costs.
8.Electrical wiring
It is one of the essential system for a modern lifestyle, efficient and safe electrical system. To check:
- You have to check for the electrical sockets and witches for functionality.
- Make sure to test the proper installation of circuit breakers which helps to prevent the overload and short circuits.
- Move further to check for the quality of wiring used and make sure that it meets the standard specification.
Poor wiring is one of the thing that can lead to major fire hazards.
9.Ventilation and natural light
Ventilation is one of the most important things of a house. It makes your house inviting and creates a refreshing environment by allowing ample of natural light and air to fill your space. Here are the points that you need to check:
- You have to ensure that windows are strategically places to allow cross ventilation.
- Also make sure to check for the natural light in important areas such as living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms.
- Moving ahead, you have to verify that developer have incorporated design features such as ventilators in bathrooms.
When you have a good ventilation in your house then you save on artificial lighting and air conditioner. This saves up energy for long-term.
10.Compliance with building codes
It is important to ensure that your house adheres to local building codes. Here is how to confirm:
- Make sure to ask for the certifications and approvals from local municipal authorities.
- Then you have to check for records of quality inspections during construction.
- Don’t forget to inquire about the seismic and environmental standards followed in construction.
When you fail to comply with these codes, it can lead you to penalties and unsafe living conditions.
11.Third party inspections
When you are living in a house, it is important to ensure your peace of mind. This is why it is important to consult a professional civil engineer or construction quality inspector. They will help you with:
- Make sure to conduct comprehensive checks by using advanced tools.
- They will offer you a detailed report on areas that needs improvement.
- They will give you unbiased advice related to house safety and longevity.
This might require you to spend some additional money but it is worth it.
It is important to be well-prepared for a site visit. You need to prepare some checklist and questionnaire which will help you make informed decision and save you from future headaches. You can use this guide as a starting point as it will ensure your house isn’t just a structure but a long-lasting high quality sanctuary. There are many of the points that you might need to check before you buy any property. As you are going to make your dream come true, you might need to put some extra efforts into it. This step can help you to save yourself from a big fraud, disaster and connect you with a durable long-lasting dream home.
