6 reasons why buildings collapse in Lagos and how to avoid buying one.
There have been reoccurring scenarios where a building under construction or completed building collapse all of a sudden killing either workers or residents.
How do we get here?
Buildings that are meant to stand strong for many years turning to rumbles in a tickle of eyes should raise serious concerns among engineers, investors, and developers.
Who do we blame?
Is it the government officials or developers?
The Chairman of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Lagos Chapter, Dr. Tony Aspire Kolawole insisted that government must begin jailing developers and government officials responsible for such menace.
The issue of building collapse could be avoided if proper planning, construction, and supervision are put in place.
6 major reasons why buildings collapse in Lagos.
1. Poor Foundation
Most parts of Lagos have swampy or waterlogged soil that requires special engineering techniques especially on Island.
And erecting a building on such poor foundation will later have adverse effect on the structure.
2. Use of Inferior Building Materials
Some developers try to cut building cost in order to gain more profit. They reduce the construction costs by using low quality building materials which weakens the structure and increases the risk of collapse over time.
The leading causes of building failure and collapse is the unauthorized reduction of structural element sizes during construction.
3. Lack of Building Plan Approval
A building approved for two or three floors may later be extended to four or six floors without redesigning the structure.
Adding more weight to what the foundation was designed to carry poses enormous stress on the building and increases the likelihood of collapse.
4. Bribery of Officials
Some developers deliberately cut corners to manipulate approval processes by bribering government officials in charge of building planning and approval.
When such building is completed there is high tendency of it collapsing. Which is why the Chairman of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) Lagos Chapter insisted on jailing the culprits.
5. Using semi-skilled Labour
Using semi-skilled labour or quacks all in the name of reducing cost often leads to mistakes such as improper reinforcement, weak concrete mixing, and poor structural connections.
Every stage of construction should be duly supervised by qualified professionals.
6. Lack of Professional Supervision
When it comes to building, a team work of professionals is highly important. Some property developers skip the services of architects, structural engineers, or skilled artisans in an attempt to save money.
Without professional supervision, critical construction errors may go unnoticed until the building begins to develop serious structural problems.
Unfortunately, this happens far too often. Contractors, artisans, quacks, and even some unscrupulous professionals alter structural members on site without consulting the civil or structural engineer who designed the building.Which is why buildings collapse in Lagos or other locations in Nigeria.
SEE: 5 Ways to Identify a Government Approved Layout in Lagos
How to Protect Yourself Before Buying Property
Before purchasing any property either in Lagos or anywhere in Nigeria, you make sure you:
- Verify all property documents.
- Request for approved building plans.
- Buy from reputable developers with a strong track record.
- Avoid buying property because they are cheaper.
READ: 5 Costly Mistakes That Lead to Property Demolition in Lagos
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However, most cases are preventable when developers follow professional standards and buyers carry out proper due diligence.
This is not applicable to developers alone, even if are building for yourself failure to use qualify artisans could result to such costly make.
Whether you are buying a home, investing in apartments, or purchasing land for future development, understanding these risks can help you make safer investment decisions.
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