Regardless of whether it’s your first time buying a house or you’re accustomed to the process — the excitement persists. As property seekers, we always want our next purchase to be better than the previous one, and that isn’t possible without understanding what goes into developing a house and the number of quality checkmarks a structure ticks. So, here’s a comprehensive guide encompassing some ways to check and measure the construction quality of a house.
Few Simple Ways to Check and Measure the Construction Quality of a House
We know for a fact that buying a house is a little more convenient than investing in a vacant piece of land and start from scratch. In this era of mobile homes and prefabs, buyers are more interested in something that adds to their convenience. So, it is only natural to see that pre-constructed houses are every buyer’s priority. However, while investing in such properties, it is advised to make sure that the developer is reputed, and the construction quality is nothing less than excellent!
Being Pakistan’s most trusted property portal, we have taken this blog as an opportunity to compile a comprehensive guide that discusses simple ways to check and measure the construction quality of a house. Here’s what you should look for in an already built house:
- Soil Quality Test
- Structure & Design
- Construction Material
- Safety Features
- Interiors & Wall Paint
Soil Quality Test
As technical as it may sound, soil investigation is the first step for checking the construction quality and strength of a house, which means you cannot afford to overlook this factor at any cost. Buyers should be aware of the fact that soil quality differs from one area to the other, mainly depending on the weather conditions of that particular place. Additionally, the soil quality also determines if a specific type of structure is suitable for it or not. For instance, clay-rich soil is susceptible to weather and tends to shrink in a dry climate.
So, what if you miss the soil investigation test? Well, the quality and type of soil determine the sustainability of the structure, and it is too crucial to be at the end of your list. Not to mention that the soil quality also decides if the property will survive critical weather conditions and whether you can add any more floors to the property.
We understand that conducting a soil test is easier said than done, but checking the construction quality of a house isn’t something that can be skipped. So, how would you do that? You don’t have to worry at all, all builders conduct a soil test as an initial step of construction, and you have the right to ask for a copy of the results.
Structure & Design
Investigating the structure and design is another technical step in the process of checking the construction quality and strength of a house.
Novice buyers or investors will obviously find it difficult or almost impossible to test the structure and design of a house without prior knowledge of a house construction process, the thickness and types of walls, etc. You can, however, ask for the blueprint of the structure sketched by the architect. The next step is to take the assistance of an expert to determine the design and make sure that the structure is risk-free. You can also explore more about the structure by inquiring about its particular type. For instance, it is only logical for property buyers to opt for investing in earth-quake resistant homes in areas that are prone to such natural catastrophes.
Construction Material
Determining and deciding the type and quality of construction material is something that cannot be done later on. After all, the quality of the construction material will determine the life or longevity of a house. Since the house has already been built, the next best thing for homebuyers to do is to ask for an overview of the developers and builders. They can also update themselves about the type of construction material used during the most common house building processes. Even though verifying the claims made by a builder or developer is a tough ask, and buyers also find it a challenge to validate a builder’s reputation, this step shouldn’t be missed or overlooked in any situation.
On a side note, if you are thinking about constructing a house of your own, you would be glad to know that we have recently updated our blogs on the construction cost of 5 marla houses and what it costs to build the grey structure of 10 marla house. These blogs will definitely assist you in drafting your budget and give you a better understanding of the materials required to build a house.
Safety Features
Home is where you feel the safest – they are supposed to make us feel safe and secure, which is probably the word home is almost used as a synonym for safety. Besides checking the structural safety of the house, make sure that extra measures have been taken by the developer to offer a safe environment to children and adults alike. While you’re checking the construction quality and strength of a house and you’re especially concerned about the safety of your family and furry friends, opt for buying houses around the corner since living on the main road is not suitable for families with young kids and pets. Here’s a list of a few more things to determine the safety of a house:
- Emergency/alternate exit
- Wide stairways
- High-walled balconies
- Home security system
Interiors & Wall Paint
Homebuyers are especially advised to check the layering on the outer and inner walls by looking for cracks and uneven surfaces. It goes without saying that uneven walls and floors indicate a lack of attention to detail, and quite possibly, a lower quality of construction.
Pro-tip: when you spot an under-construction house that you want to buy, you should make a few unannounced visits to the location to understand the construction quality of the house better. It is not only one of the most effective ways to check and measure the construction quality of a house, but it will also help you in the long run in making the property transaction process smoother.
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