KUWAIT CITY, Oct 29: Building a home is a dream for many citizens. Although the construction process may seem complicated, understanding the basic steps and structural elements and lots of patience can greatly contribute to the project’s success and help avoid common mistakes. To achieve a successful and stable construction, experts in the field stressed the importance of selecting the right engineering office to create precise internal and external designs and plans for the house. They also highlighted the need to consider the opinions of family members, including spouses and children. The experts advised families to choose high-quality materials for all construction needs, including electrical and plumbing installations, and to make the best use of available space.

They warned against contractor fraud, which may involve the use of low-quality materials or manipulation of costs for materials and labor to achieve illegal profits. The experts explained that building a “dream house” requires careful attention to detail and thoughtful planning. These precise steps can help citizens in Kuwait achieve their goal of creating a comfortable and safe home. The construction process involves multiple complex stages, starting with the location of the land and its level with the surrounding streets. Factors such as whether the land is flat or sloped, the dimensions and measurements of the plot, and its shape, whether rectangular or square, are crucial. The house’s facade poses a construction challenge, as it needs to consider its orientation (north, south, east, or west) to understand how wind and sunlight will affect the home. It is also important to take into account neighboring buildings and nearby public amenities, such as mosques, schools, and parks

Financial
Understanding costs, assessing financial capacity, and staying within the budget allocated for construction and finishing, as well as avoiding excessive debt are major challenges for those looking to build their dream home. It is important to consult family members, gather all opinions and preferences, and document all needs and notes. In this regard, the Vice President of the International Society for Value Engineering in the Gulf States Dr. Eng. Bader Al-Dhaidi shared several tips for those wishing to build a dream home. He advised the need to study the needs of the families, including those of children and spouses, and clearly define the desired functions of each element in the building before starting the planning phase. Dr. Al-Dhaidi stressed that understanding family needs is important, as they are the primary beneficiaries of a home.

He highlighted a study presented at a conference in which 88 percent of individuals who built their homes were dissatisfied because their requirements and needs were not taken into consideration beforehand. In contrast, only 12 percent reported satisfaction, which was mainly among those who learned from previous experiences and consulted a specialized expert. Dr. Al-Dhaidi urged individuals to be aware of their financial capacity and the budget allocated for construction and finishing, insisting that citizens should not overextend themselves, as this can lead to debt. He indicated that some people end up building at costs beyond their means, which can result in construction projects getting halted for years due to their inability to cover financial expenses.

By Mohammad Al-Musleh
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff