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How to buy a flat in an apartment?
Posted on: 22/Nov/2017 3:35:35 PM
Even though it is a very familiar advice, it is pertinent - it is better to check every aspect while buying a flat in an apartment building rather than complaining about the defects after the purchase.
Trust-worthiness
Above all, please check and confirm whether the apartment is built by a regular construction company with engineers or the construction is done by a single engineer who has undertaken the work.
In case the construction is done by an engineer, the engineer would be ready to explain the various intricacies in the technical aspect and you can judge his expertise with his explanations.
Whether it is a huge multi-storeyed apartment or a small multi-storeyed apartment, it is better to ascertain the complete details and trust-worthiness and standing of the construction company.
Ascertain the years of experience of the construction agent/company. They should have a minimum of 5 years experience. Also, ascertain the details about the previous construction work done by the company, if possible, visit the location of construction and get the direct feedback from the owners of those apartments. Also, seek the details of the last construction done and make a visit.
The Land of construction
It is better to get direct details about the properties of the land on which the construction is done. Whether there was an earlier building which is being demolished or whether the land is used for construction for the 1st time. If there was an earlier construction, the soil and the ground would have hardened considerably. If it is a fresh construction, the soil of the land would be softer. Ascertain the details of the soil-test reports done before the commencement of construction.
In case of multi-storeyed buildings, the soil-testing must be done from 6 different places from the land of construction. The soil test report will give the details of the density (of the land/sand) weight withstanding capacity, the depth at which solid strong layer is available, the type of construction to be taken upon this land, and the location and the number of pillars to be constructed, etc.
Even if we are not able to grasp the details of the report, it is still better to get the report and get it checked by the acquainted engineers.
Construction design
The report on construction design indicates the type of construction to be undertaken. The approval to go ahead with construction is based on this report. The report contains the technical details to be adopted based on the total weight of the construction.
For example, if the water-absorbing property of the soil is high, the suggestions regarding the type of technology to be adopted would be detailed in this report. The required depth of the pillars of the foundation, the type of technology to be adopted, the circumference of the foundation pillars, they type and the number of rods, the measure of concrete and gravel to be used, etc. will also be given in this report.
Legal Issues
Approval of the draft building map plan should have been obtained. It is also better to check whether this approval is still valid or it has expired. Aspects such as - whether the construction is as per the approved plan, the number of floors which have been approved, whether the construction is aper this approval, whether there have been any violations - have all to be checked. Please note that if the flat is bought without knowing about the violations, the legal issued will only affect the buyer.
Construction completion certificate
Once the construction is completed, a certificate from the local administration officials that there have been no violations and the building is fit for a residence. It is the duty of the buyer to seek and obtain this. The certificate that the construction is as per the approved plan will be given after proper inspection by the concerned authorities. Though this may sound a bit complicated, it is still very worthwhile to get this certificate before buying.
In the present scenario, mostly multi-storeyed buildings have been meetings the needs and demands of the city dwellers. So, it is all the more important to ascertain the experience of the builders, ensuring the proper licence is available, etc, Only if there had been no defects/mistakes in the construction right from the beginning to the end of the construction, the buyer can live peacefully after buying the proposed flat.
