• Buying a house is a goal for many, and when you invest your hard-earned money in it, you desire nothing but the best. A few months ago, when the 6th floor of a building collapsed, it left both the owners and potential home buyers feeling frightened and bewildered. It is highly recommended to obtain checks by conducting a structural audit before purchasing property insurance. This is especially pertinent if the house is older rather than newly constructed. There are several choices available for home inspection companies that can assist with various types of audits, ranging from content to material to structural flaws. Older homes are more prone to damage, and when seeking property insurance, the insurer may decline to provide coverage or charge a substantial premium.

What is a Structural Audit?

• A structural audit is essentially a check-up for a building in which a certified and qualified structural consultant or auditor performs a performance and health evaluation. This process is conducted to identify risks and ascertain whether the premises and the building are safe for use. After a comprehensive analysis, suggestions are made regarding repairs and other actions that should be taken. This aids in enhancing the services of the building and minimizes the chances of accidents.

Why is a Structural Audit Needed?

In addition to property insurance, there are further advantages to a structural audit. Some of these include:
● To protect the building and human lives
● To assess the condition of the building
● To confirm compliance with all statutory requirements
● To identify areas that require immediate repairs
● To extend the lifespan of the building by recommending corrective and preventive actions such as retrofitting and repairs

The Sequence of the Audit

Typically, the following order is adhered to when conducting a structural audit:
● The building or apartment is examined from the ground to the top floor
● Terrace
● Inspection of the staircase from the top floor to the ground
● Lobby, porch, stilts, the facade of the building, etc.
● The pump room and other ancillary structures
● Kitchen, living room, and restroom
● Balconies and bedrooms

The Steps

• By having a structural audit performed, all new home buyers can evaluate the construction quality of the building and address any concerns regarding its structural integrity. The firms that carry out the structural audits employ licensed consultants who will inspect for problems in doors, windows, electrical fittings, plumbing, walls, ceilings, etc.
• In the initial step, the consultants will conduct a visual inspection of the property. If they identify construction-related issues or significant cracks, they will enlist structural auditors to examine the stability of the building’s structure. These auditors will perform a series of tests to evaluate the quality of the concrete and the steel reinforcement bars. Tests to assess the quality of concrete, such as rebound hammer, ultrasonic pulse velocity, cut and pull-out tests, etc. , are conducted. Carbonation tests and others are performed to check the steel reinforcement.
• Societies should adhere to the regulations set by local authorities and the national building code, and as a homeowner, you are required to make sure that these regulations are followed by the societies. It’s also necessary to verify fire safety and lift safety, and for this purpose, the society should arrange for inspections and audits.

• The claim will not be compensated under the property insurance when a building collapses, as was the case recently in Gurugram. However, if the building falls due to a storm, fire, cyclone, lightning, impact damage, landslide, acts of terrorism, riots, etc. , then the insurance policy will provide coverage. Since collapse due to general wear and tear is excluded from the policy, a structural audit is therefore recommended prior to purchasing a home insurance policy.

Buying Home Insurance

• As home purchasers, sufficient insurance is essential for both the contents of the building and its structure. A policy covers the cost of replacement, in which the insurance company will either pay or provide coverage for the amount required to rebuild or replace the damaged section. To determine the sum insured for the house, the construction cost per unit is multiplied by the carpet area. The construction costs differ from one location to another based on a variety of factors. Claims are typically settled only after the reinstatement has been completed. In standard property insurance policies, under the general content category, valuable items such as art, paintings, and jewelry are not included and require a separate policy. There is a specific category for insuring valuable content, and these items must be covered in that category. When purchasing home insurance, all of the aforementioned factors must be considered. A structural audit can assist in assessing the risk, deciding the sum insured, and making the decision to purchase a property. The construction costs vary by location, so it is important to carefully ascertain that. In addition to the above, all factors must be thoroughly examined before purchasing a home insurance policy. Different companies provide various rates, and coverage also varies alongside the premium. Therefore, the best course of action is to read through the terms and conditions and compare the policies to find the most favorable option. Due diligence regarding the building and the policy is necessary to secure the best property insurance for the building and mitigate risk.