How to Evaluate the Construction Quality of a New Apartment?

While it's easy to get swept away by the prospect of owning a plush mini-abode, aspiring apartment buyers must look past the superficial and delve into the materials, techniques, and measures to make a property secure, liveable, and durable. While it might feel daunting for non-experts to gauge whether a home is safe and sound with high future saleability and minimal maintenance costs, here are some simple hacks. 

A Strong Foundation 

If this is your first hunt for a move-in-ready property, there is a checklist of tasks to get through, from assessing if your budget is triple the amount of the monthly rent to deciding your ideal location and identifying non-negotiable amenities that you can’t compromise on. However, before you get mesmerised by designer fittings, glossy kitchen appliances, stunning skyline views, and modern in-unit conveniences of a certain apartment, make sure you consult with real estate experts on the quality of construction before committing. For instance, prospective buyers need to look into the soil structure of the land to assess whether it can withstand the weight of a multi-storey building and allow for easy water drainage by obtaining the soil quality test results from the developer. Certain types of soil like clayey or black cotton tend to expand or shrink according to the moisture level, whereas loamy, chalky, and sandy soil provide a solid foundation for building. 

Structural Design 

The quality and integrity of an apartment complex’s design depends on a variety of elements. Along with asking the developer for a document detailing the tested concrete grade and confirmation of adherence to quality standards that will determine the building’s stability and load-bearing capacity, make sure to assess the viability of the overall design. For instance, evaluating the construction style and compliance with building codes is imperative as the structure needs to be able to withstand earthquakes of a certain magnitude. This should include the width and positioning of staircases, the optimal utilisation of space, sustainable building practices, and emergency evacuation exits. 

Solid Walls 

Many signs indicate underlying structural issues and new apartment buyers must pay attention to them. For instance, doors and windows that get stuck, sagging floors, overhead leaks, and flourishing mould are all indicators of a deficient structure. However, testing out the walls of prospective abodes for cavities, cracks in the plaster, water stains, and peeling paint should be a top priority when viewing an apartment. While vertical cracks are a natural result of house settlement, horizontal or diagonal fissures point to drainage problems and uneven settlement. Using good quality paint improves the appearance of the abode while also contributing to the durability of the wall. Additionally, the wall thickness can be tested by firmly tapping the wall to check for hollowness or by bringing in a construction expert for scientific verification. 

Optimal Functionality 

While you may be satisfied with an apartment’s large windows, high ceiling, ample balcony space, and open-plan layout, make sure you also examine minute details like bathroom drainage quality, the sloping or bounce of the floor, and space between the kitchen cabinets and wall that could indicate foundation damage. For instance, the alignment of the flooring can be checked by rolling marbles across different rooms to see if they move unevenly or roll towards one side. If you’re looking for a modern apartment for sale in Colombo, Sri Lanka, which delivers on its promise of value-added living, look no further than the likes of Prime Residencies. 

Fittings and Fixtures 

While foundation inspection is crucial in ensuring the safety and stability of a long-term residence, don’t forget to look into the finishing touches that will determine durability, comfort, and convenience. For instance, subpar kitchen fittings, faulty electric wiring, clogged or rusted plumbing or dysfunctional locks can severely impact the quality of life and resale value.