Dos and don’ts in home Building

Real Estate

BY Ibrahim Careys

Building a home is an arduous task that requires a lot of determination and money.

Hard work is key for anyone aspiring to build a good home. It is why many get up early and return home late in their attempts to make ends meet. For others it means shuffling between two or more jobs. With enough savings to put a roof over your head, consider the following:

Do a detailed research: Many fall prey and rush to put up the foundation without considering the entire cost of the house. Do you have enough money that will cater for any extra costs that might arise?

Do a feasibility study: Gather all the information you might need on homebuilding, finances, the proposed site and the size of the house.

Houses under construction. Plan well before starting construction. PHOTO: Jeniffer Wachie/ STANDARD

Get an expert’s opinion: This will help you know the requirements, specifications and housing needs like rooms, window shape, main doors and all other functional and non-functional needs.

This will help you to use the space available well. It will also help you plan for recreational and any future building needs. It is also important to know the Government and environmental building terms.

Don’t pay just yet: Even after you see the mock model, with a detailed description of all angles and spacing, it is not time to pay. Let the designer show you a complete structure that is a replica of the desired home. This helps you make adjustments and avoid costly blunders.

Know the Details

Know the timeframe: Ask building timeframe — starting and exact finishing time. This helps you have an idea of estimated expenditure per given time and you can spread your income accordingly.

Supervise regularly: Consistent inspection and supervision is needed at every step of the way from the ground breaking, drilling of structural pillars and every other work.

Don’t rush to rent out or occupy: Let the wind blow in and on it for faster drying.

Moreover, this gives a stable structural, configuration and organisational phasing.

Carefully inspect: The erected walls and the firmly fixed shiny roofing may be deceiving. Inspect all these with the help of an authorised expert. Finally get fit-to-live in consent. It is a legal requirement.

The writer is management information systems advisor

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