As a potential homebuyer, what are the things you consider before investing in a flat or an apartment? Chances are you consider the location, the space and layout, the facilities and amenities available, the reputation of the builder, and the costs involved. While most of us dream of owning an apartment in a high-rise, a home with a spectacular view, not many homebuyers closely examine the structural integrity of the building or the adherence to building codes. It is important for a homebuyer to learn more about building codes and verify the structural safety certificate of the building before investing.
What is a Structural Safety Certificate?
A structural safety certificate is issued by the governing civic body, such as the city's municipal corporation, where the building or property is located. For example, when a builder or developer in Mumbai applies for the structural safety certificate, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, or Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), undertakes an inspection of the building or project, and the certificate is issued by authorised structural engineers.
The structural safety certificate verifies that the building or the project plans, safety norms, and construction processes comply with the requirements mentioned in Part 6 (Structural Design) of the National Building Code of India, 2005. These regulations deal with the structural integrity of the building and safety measures that protect the construction from natural disasters such as storms, cyclones, and earthquakes. The certificate proves that the building or the tower is fit for occupancy and safe for the residents. In some states, the structural safety certificate is mandatory to register properties in high-rises.
Why is the structural safety certificate necessary?
According to a recent news report, Mumbai has about 77% of the tallest buildings in the country. The city has nearly 100 buildings that tower over 150 metres in height. Skyscrapers are increasingly dominating the city skyline, but this also brings concerns about the ability of these buildings to withstand natural calamities such as cyclonic storms and earthquakes. Procuring a structural safety certificate is proof that the soil, the materials used, the plans, and the construction processes have been verified and marked safe by the local municipal corporation.
Soil testing for real estate projects
Before issuing a structural safety certificate, the experts from the municipal corporation conduct soil testing, which is one of the primary and most important tests. Soil testing helps to determine the quality of the soil and the water level, which are critical elements in deciding the soil's load-bearing capacity.
Soil testing is important in determining the proper construction material for a building's foundation. Apart from gravity, moisture, density, and compaction tests, soil composition is tested to reveal physical and chemical properties that affect the structural safety of a building. For example, if the soil has a high sulphur content, it is crucial to use sulphur-resistant concrete in the foundation to ensure the building remains safe for several decades. Therefore, soil testing is an integral part of ensuring structural safety.
What must I know about structural safety?
When you are looking to buy a home, it is easy to be focused on the location, layout, amenities, and facilities that the residential project offers. However, you may not have the necessary resources to verify the safety compliances and structural soundness of the construction. Since the property will be the home you and your family live in, it is crucial to consider the design and structural integrity to ensure everyone is safe and secure. As a homebuyer, you must procure and verify the structural safety certificate from the developer.
Structural safety and RERA
As a homebuyer, it is also essential that you know your rights and prerogatives as defined by the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act of 2016, which has set strict quality standards and has introduced the concept of zero-defect liability. This means that if there are any structural defects in the building or construction due to poor materials, construction quality, or workmanship, the developer must repair them within 30 days of receiving a complaint and at no additional cost to the home buyer. This provision applies to all RERA-registered projects and can be availed by the home buyer for five years after taking possession of the property.
Conclusion
Purchasing a residential property in a big city such as Mumbai or Pune is a significant financial commitment. The property is an asset that will appreciate over time and offer you a great return on investment. However, this can only be possible if the building or tower's structure is sturdy and verified by experts. Herein lies the importance of the structural safety certificate.
