How to Check the Construction Quality of a Building Before Buying a House

The collapse of a 6th-floor premium society in Gurgaon last year, resulting in the death of two people, has raised serious concerns about building safety among homebuyers. The incident has left many wondering how they can ensure that the building they are considering buying a house in is safe to live in. In this blog post, we will discuss how you can check the construction quality of a building, even without technical knowledge.

We will cover three types of buildings: under construction, newly built, and older buildings that have not been refurbished. Let’s start with under-construction buildings.

Under Construction Buildings

Most buildings today are built using RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) framework and load-bearing walls, known as MyOne technology. This is considered the latest and best construction technology in India. However, if you are considering a building made with red brick or ash brick, you should avoid it and opt for MyOne instead.

If you do get permission to inspect an under-construction building, here are three things to check:

1. Pillars: Ensure they are straight, not crooked, and even.
2. Plaster: Check for gaps in the plaster, as these will be filled with patchwork later, compromising the overall strength and quality.
3. Thumb Test: Press the plaster on any wall with your thumb or nail. A slight mark is acceptable, but if your thumb goes inside and the plaster comes out, the quality of the bricks and plaster strength is poor.

Newly Built Buildings

Developers often keep new buildings shiny, making it difficult to properly assess their quality. Here’s what to look for:

1. Exterior: Check for cracks or falling plaster on the exterior walls. This is unacceptable in a new building.
2. Thumb Test: As with under-construction buildings, use the thumb test to check the plaster quality.
3. Corner Test: Take a hard, full water bottle (not a plastic one) and gently tap the corners of the house. If the bottle breaks down completely, the construction quality is very poor, and such houses should be avoided.
4. Walls: Check the walls for smoothness, evenness, and any cracks or chips, especially next to doors that may slam shut due to wind.
5. Balconies: Inspect balconies thoroughly, as they are often the first place where plaster starts to fall and cracks appear. Check the roof above for an even finish and any mismatches or gaps.
6. Windows: Ensure there are no gaps between the wall and the window frame, allowing sunlight or air to pass through.
7. Wiring: Ask the developer about the wiring used and check the wiring at the fuse box or inside a socket. Poor quality wiring can lead to fires.

Older Buildings

When considering an older building, perform all the tests mentioned for new buildings, along with these additional checks:

1. Exterior: Look for broken portions or exposed cracks, especially in common areas, ledges, and balconies. Also, check for large water patches or seepage patches on the outer walls, particularly where pipes run.
2. Nail Test: If buying a resale property, look at existing nail holes to see if they are smooth or if the packing is filled with a large hole before the nail is applied. This indicates the quality and strength of the bricks.
3. Water Test: Check the water flow in the balcony and bathroom to ensure it drains easily and doesn’t get stuck, which could lead to future seepage issues.
4. Walls: Check the walls outside the washroom or balcony where the pipes are located. If they are cold or moist, there may be a water leak and potential for future seepage.
5. Paint: If the house has been recently painted, look for color mismatches, especially around the bathroom or kitchen, which may indicate waterproofing work or an extra layer of paint to hide seepage.
6. Basement: Ensure there is no waterlogging or seepage in the basement, as this can weaken the building’s structure.

Remember, while issues like seepage or uneven walls can be fixed, structural problems or poor quality bricks cannot be easily remedied and will cause ongoing tension in your life. Such houses are also difficult to sell in the future, and their resale value is not very good.

It is crucial to evaluate the construction quality of a building before making an emotional decision to purchase a house. Use the checklist provided in this blog post to assess the property yourself, and if needed, hire a professional for a more in-depth evaluation. Don’t compromise on the safety and quality of your future home for the sake of a good deal or attractive offers.

I hope you found this information helpful. If you liked this blog post, please share it with your friends, family, colleagues, and on social media. Stay tuned for more informative content on real estate and home buying.