Keep off a building nightmare

A dream is just a few important steps away from completion. Here’s your checklist of essentials

SAFETY

First and foremost, remember to take care of the safety of your workers. Make sure helmets and safety belts are used when workers are on the roof. Remember to get an agreement done with your contractor or the labour mestri (head of the labour group) on on-site safety. You must insist on a deal as this will later save you from unnecessary problems in case of any untoward accidents.

WATCH OUT FOR THE NEIGHBOURS

Meet your neighbours and give them regular updates on your construction. Listen to their issues as well because the noise and dust pollution arising from your project can cause them trouble for some time.

STOPPING THEFT

Acommon problem faced by many is theft of items. Ensure there’s enough security to prevent your materials from going missing.

PLACEMENT OF SOCKETS

Electrical work is extremely important. You must make sure sockets are placed straight and not crooked. If not fixed properly, once the switchboard is fixed, the work will look shabby. Also, make sure there are no joints in the wiring.

JOINT CRACKS

Take proper care and advice from your architect during work on the roof and brick walls. Also, do remember to have half an inch of groove in the wall, around the door, window frames and just above the flooring. It’s called skirting.

FLOORING

Make sure you cover and seal your flooring after it is laid as the carpenters may damage it or painters may spill paint on it. Also, have your verandahs and bathrooms two inches lower than the main rooms and take special care to have proper slopes towards the drain.