Measurement of Construction Quality of a Project

While location, design and amenities are vital factors to consider when buying a property,

the quality of construction is the most important aspect. An inefficient construction system

results in making buildings susceptible to structural and safety malfunctions, posing a

danger to the inhabitants as well as to the people living in the immediate surroundings.

There are various ways to inspect the quality of construction. Field visits to the site, online

research and consulting a structural engineer can help you learn about the quality of

fittings, material used for construction, quality of plastering, wall paint, etc. Let's have a

look here.

Soil Testing

We are talking about the basic foundation - the soil. It is where the whole building stands.

It is the most important thing because if the foundation is not proper, the whole structure,

no matter how well it is built, could collapse. The quality of the soil depends on

composition, which varies from place to place. Builders must conduct a soil test before

starting construction. Ask for a copy of the results and get it inspected from an expert.

Structural Design Assessment

To make sure that everything is in place, get a copy of the design of the project created by

the project architect and consult an independent architect to get a complete and unbiased

assessment of the property. A third party audit can protect you against unwanted and

unpleasant surprises.

Material and Mixture Investigation

Ask the developer why he chose the cement he did. You can also search online for the

grade of cement to be used for construction. The concrete mixture is determined by the

amount of load that the whole building is going to bear. To ensure utmost safety, ask the

builder for certification of the concrete mix provided by the testing laboratory.

Testing of Quality of External Fittings

Always check the quality of external fittings such as bathroom fittings, electrical wires, etc.

used in the rooms. Bad external fittings can lead to breakage, leakage and can also be

dangerous at times. A building with cheap fittings means that builder is prone to cost

cutting despite providing quality materials. Also, always look for the ISO mark given by the

Bureau of Indian Standards on the fixtures for complete assurance.

Examination of Paint Quality 

Buyers should also investigate the quality of the paint used. Good paints enhance the look

of a house as well as increase the lifespan of the walls and wooden surfaces. Cheap

paints will wear out soon and won’t be visually appealing either. In case of doubt, ask the

builder about the paint brands used.

Investigation of Plastering

This is another important parameter to check. Check the quality of plastering on the

external walls. If the wall surface is uneven or there are cracks on wall plastering, this may

show bad quality of construction. Checking the plastering of the walls inside the house is

also important.

Getting Help from a Structural Engineer

Most reputed builders incorporate landscaping and open spaces in their projects.

However, there are many small time builders who do not value this aspect in order to

maximize their profits. Hiring a structural engineer is recommended to better assess the

quality of the inner and outer construction. He will be able to determine if the building

meets the green standards and is structurally safe.

Hence, in order for buildings to be safe and sound, remain inhabitable for a long time, not

face problems over time, not entail huge repair and maintenance costs and have good

resale value if selling the house, one must ensure that every single aspect is well taken

care of before construction commences.