What to consider before buying a house

By Ibrahim Careys

Many proprietors and home-owners don’t anticipate a lot when contemplating the future of the homes they wish to build. Here are some pertinent tips to consider before establishing your house:

Accessibility: Many home-owners do not consider distance and proximity before putting down the pillars of their dream home. Armed with capital and the land to build on, many people tend to rush to build their houses.

Before building a home, it is wise to consider how accessible it will be to you and others. Proximity to the road and the presence of State-recognised minor roads must be taken into account.

Security: This is another important factor to consider before mixing the sand and cement and erecting permanent pillars.

Right materials: Building a home is, for many people, a once in a lifetime venture hence the need to use the right materials and to observe international building standards. This saves money, time and effort in the long run.

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Family size: The home you intend to build or buy should be suitable for your family and take into consideration future expansions and extensions. It must have enough space for growth, gardening and enlargement in case the need arises.

Social amenities: Facilities like municipal sewage systems and garbage dumping and collection points must be put into account. A reflection of where you will throw waste is key. Accessibility to communication and health facilities, water and electricity are also paramount.

Climate: A tectonic and earthquake-related study is also vital before erecting any permanent structures. In earthquake-prone areas, homebuilders should put up strong and earthquake-resistant homes. It will be worthless to invest a huge amount of money into a home that will crumble at the slightest shake. When building a home, it is also important to avoid flat and flood-prone plains and swamps. It is also not advisable to construct permanent homes near mountainsides and steep slopes that can easily be eroded.

The Government, through the Ministry of Lands and the local councils, has a responsibility to examine and vet buildings before construction commences in order to save lives and create confidence in the buildings we live in.