Common construction defects in buildings

The presence of structural defects impacts the usage of a building – home or office, posing safety risks for the occupants. Moreover, defects in a building can significantly lower the property’s value, making it difficult for the owner to get good returns when renting or selling the property. Building defects include faults in the construction, often referred to as structural defects. These may also include other issues related to insulation, ventilation, plumbing or electrical systems. Several homeowners may not be aware of such building defects that can deter potential buyers and renters. Thus, it is crucial for property buyers and sellers to have a fair understanding of the common construction defects in buildings.

Common structural defects in a property

#1. Foundation and structural damages

Foundation problems due to improper measurement and construction can lead to major structural issues in buildings unless addressed promptly. Some common foundation defects in buildings include foundation cracks, uneven settlement, shifting of materials over time, insufficient foundation depth and width, clayey soil containing a high amount of sulphate, soft spots in soil, and inadequate support to the foundation from the landfill. These issues can cause cracks in walls or floor slabs, misalignment of doors and uneven flooring. Usually, structural defects result from wear and tear, poor maintenance and overloading.

Solution

Most structural issues can be prevented by implementing the exact design and planning details. It is essential to conduct a thorough site assessment before construction and use high-quality materials for the foundation, including concrete with suitable strength and reinforcement and the right materials for soil stabilisation.

#2. Cracks in walls, floors and ceilings

Cracks are among the widely encountered construction defects in residential buildings. These cracks pose risks to the structural integrity and serve as entry points for water seepage, which can result in further deterioration, such as erosion, mould growth, etc. Poor cementation of the under-surface often causes ceramic tiles to break off easily. Other reasons for cracks to develop in the structure are inadequate preparation of the subfloor, insufficient space between expansion joints and foundation issues.

Solution

To prevent cracks in tiles, one should identify the reason and consult an architect or a contractor for a solution. Small hairline cracks in a building, typically caused by improperly treated concrete or flexing underlayment, must be sealed to stop seepage.

#3. Uneven flooring and foundation

Cracked or broken tiles can create uneven surfaces. Foundation settlement resulting in floor cracks is the leading cause of uneven floors, indicating that the house needs proper foundation repair. Even small cracks can also create uneven surfaces, warping or other issues. The common reasons for flooring issues are the use of substandard material, improper installation or environmental factors.

Solution

It is necessary to ensure the subfloor is properly prepared before flooring materials are installed. This includes levelling the subfloor, tackling moisture issues and using suitable underlayment.

#4. Waterproofing and moisture-related issues

The use of substandard or wrong materials, improper surface preparation, poor installation, etc., are some common causes of waterproofing issues in buildings. These can reflect in problems such as water seepage through cracks in the walls, foundation or roofs and structural weaknesses. Moreover, persistent dampness can lead to the growth of mould and mildew, posing health risks.

Solution

Applying waterproof coatings, sealing the cracks or gaps in the structure, and installing proper drainage systems are possible solutions to these issues. Further, one can install dehumidifier to lower indoor humidity levels and moisture-related issues.

#5. Plumbing issues

Plumbing issues in buildings include leaking pipes, faulty installations of fixtures, clogged toilet drains and sinks, issues with water flow, gurgling sounds from drains, etc. The common reasons for these issues are poor construction materials, improper installation or inspection and structural flaws that can damage pipes and fixtures. An increase in the ground levels can affect the average standard of Damp Proof Course (DPC), resulting in water accumulation inside the building premises. If not rectified, it can result in major structural problems, including mould growth.

Solution

During the house inspection, it is essential to check if all the plumbing components are correctly installed. It is also important to use high-quality plumbing materials. One can consult a qualified plumber to find a solution for the specific problems.

#6. Drainage issues

Drainage problems in buildings can cause an accumulation of water, which can saturate the soil and lead to foundation damage, erosion and structural deterioration. Water accumulation could be caused by poor site grading, clogged or leaking pipes, and inadequate rainwater drainage systems, hampering the quality of the structure.

Solution

Proper site design at the time of construction with adequate grading to direct water away from the foundation can help prevent drainage issues. Existing drainage issues can be solved through proper maintenance. Integrated roofing, proper gutter systems, and ground-level distribution from the design stage are crucial. Nowadays, drainage description has become essential in contract procurement documents.

#7. Faulty electrical systems

Faulty electrical systems can pose safety hazards, including fire risk, electrical shorts, power outages and major repairs. Some frequently seen electrical issues in buildings are insecure wiring, overloaded circuits, dead outlets, tripping breakers, faulty wire length, flickering lights and improper installation of electrical components.  These issues may arise from using substandard materials, inadequate maintenance, improper installation of electrical panels or substandard wiring.

Solution

Electrical problems can be prevented using high-quality electrical components suitable for the building’s electrical load and intended use. One should work with an experienced electrician to understand the common issues and find the appropriate solutions.

Causes for the common structure issues

• Incorrect house design: Incorrect design of residential properties is a common problem in many cities. These could be due to miscalculations and improper space planning or structural analysis.
• Construction defects: These are often a result of poor workmanship, use of substandard materials and improper installation. More importantly, non-adherence to building codes can lead to structural problems.
• Overloading: Sometimes, structures are subjected to loads beyond their capacity, causing structural failure, cracks or other defects.
• Settlement: This happens when a structure sinks or subsides into the ground unevenly. It could be due to reasons such as soil compression, removal of underlying materials, etc. and cause uneven surfaces.
• Poor maintenance: Lack of proper maintenance, including inspections and repairs can result in structural deterioration or failure over time.

Implications of Construction Defects

• Safety hazards and structural failures: The presence of defects or poor construction in a building can result in structural instability, increasing the risk of building collapse.
• Electrical and fire hazards: Faulty wiring can increase the risk of fire safety issues in the building.
• Increased maintenance and repair costs: The problems caused by these defects create the need for extensive repairs and maintenance, resulting in significant expenses.
• Legal disputes and liability issues: These issues can be one of the reasons for reputational damage to the construction company or the developer. It can also mean disputes with the contractors and property owners at the time of property transactions.
• Reduced property value and lifespan: The presence of construction defects in a building reduces the property’s value and decreases the building’s lifespan. It could imply lower returns for the seller.

Importance of property inspections

Property inspections are a critical part of the property buying or selling journey. A property owner should conduct property inspections regularly for the following reasons:

• Prevents potential risks early on: Property inspections help detect structural issues at an early stage and help take action promptly to avoid huge repair costs later. It also prevents permanent damage to the property.
• Adherence to safety regulations: Conducting an inspection will help identify whether the building construction is in compliance with the building codes and safety standards.
• Enables smooth property transactions: By ensuring the property is free from major defects or problems through timely inspection, a property owner can remain worry-free about the selling or renting prospects. It increases the property’s value and convinces potential buyers and renters to choose the property.
• Scope for negotiation: Property inspections help understand the quality of construction of the building and bring to the notice any significant issues it may have. This allows potential buyers and sellers to negotiate pricing during property sale. If there is no construction defect, the buyer can sell it at a higher price.

Housing.com News Viewpoint

Neglecting structural issues can severely impact a property’s resale value and pose serious safety hazards for the inhabitants. It could also lead to legal troubles for the owner, developer and buyer. Hence, it is necessary to be aware of the common construction defects and conduct a thorough inspection. Hiring qualified structural engineers or professional inspection services can help property owners identify any hidden structural defects and take preventive measures.

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