The expert called dangerous mistakes during construction and repair
During construction or renovation, the desire to optimize costs as much as possible is the norm. However, some savings methods can have serious consequences: expensive repairs and even a threat to the safety of residents. Artem Iskra, Managing Director of Renaissance Insurance, told Izvestia on March 29 about which structures and engineering systems it is risky to save money on and what this can lead to.
"The first thing you should not skimp on is the supporting structures and the foundation when building a private house. Saving money is dangerous here. Foundation problems go beyond local cosmetic defects and create a risk of damage to the house as a whole. The most common cause of foundation problems is incorrect calculation of loads and parameters without taking into account the actual characteristics of the soil on the site. Subsequently, this leads to excessive precipitation, misalignment and destruction of the walls. Therefore, during this initial but most crucial stage of construction, it is necessary to carefully approach both the choice of contractors and the selection of materials," the expert said.
It is equally important to ensure the quality of electrical work, since the emergency operation of the power grid, combined with violations during the installation of internal wiring, is the most common cause of fires. And such cases can cost tenants tens of millions of rubles.
"A high—quality cable with copper cores and nonflammable insulation, circuit breakers and RCD (safety shut-off devices), design and installation by a qualified electrician are required," Iskra explained.
Speaking about water supply and sewerage systems, among the frequent sources of problems, the expert identified errors in the installation of pipes and connections, which can be especially critical. Improperly installed floor drains and plumbing connections often leak in new homes. What you can't exactly skimp on is flexible eyeliner. This element should only be of high quality, but it should also be changed proactively every 3-5 years, even if there are no visible signs of damage externally. As for pipes and fittings, drain systems, faucets and faucets, reliable materials and professional installation are needed.
In addition, poor waterproofing in "wet areas" such as the bathroom or kitchen leads to systematic micro-leaks, which, although not immediately visible, over the years destroy floors, finishes and create a favorable environment for mold and mildew. This is usually not considered a sudden insured event, but it does lead to expensive repairs. It is important to use high-quality waterproofing materials and carefully apply them in accordance with the technology.
According to the expert, about 6-9% of appeals to insurance companies are related to illegal actions of third parties and theft.
"In particular, this risk affects the owners of private homes. Easily breakable windows and doors increase the possibility that intruders may enter the home. Entrance doors and windows must provide adequate burglar resistance and have reliable locking mechanisms," concluded Iskra.
Architect Pavel Matveev said on January 3 that in order to increase the cost of the apartment, its owner needs to work with the layout. Recalling the importance of observing the principles of the "golden ratio", he stressed that what matters to buyers is not so much the number of rooms themselves as their ratio to each other and to the total area of the purchased housing. According to him, in an apartment with an area of about 60 square meters, three small bedrooms may be less comfortable than two more spacious ones. The expert also urged people who intend to sell their existing living space in the future to avoid sharp corners and sloping walls, which can create inconvenience to a potential buyer.
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