Denis Fedosov
Expert in technical supervision and real estate acceptance
Do you live in the EU, the UK, or the US, and are you renovating a property in Cyprus? Learn from a practicing consulting engineer how to protect your investment and get a high-quality result.
Common construction defects in Cyprus and how to avoid/correct them
Cyprus has long attracted real estate buyers. Its advantages include a mild climate, attractive taxation and a stable economy. New buildings are actively developing here, you can buy from compact apartments to luxury villas by the sea. However, with all the external attractiveness, the quality does not always meet expectations.
Many buyers are faced with construction defects in Cyprus, which begin to appear some time after the purchase. In order not to get into this situation, it is important to know in advance what weak points to pay attention to, and how to fix them in time.
Why do construction defects occur in Cyprus?
There are several reasons for defects in the construction process. They are represented by:
- speed of construction – high demand pushes developers to accelerate the delivery date;
- seasonal weather conditions – hot sun, humidity and salty air affect materials and technology;
- lack of strict construction control – although there are norms and standards in Cyprus, their compliance is not always properly checked;
- insufficient qualification of workers – low-skilled work crews are used to save money.
As a result, the overall quality of construction in Cyprus deteriorates and dozens of defects appear, which spoil the comfort of living and lead to repair costs.
Common construction defects in Cyprus and how to identify them
Defects come in many forms. The most common are:
- Cracks in walls and ceilings. One of the most common problems. Flaws can be cosmetic, in places where the drywall is connected, or structural, for example, due to shrinkage of the foundation. Check the object should be checked before signing the documents. Particular attention should be paid to corners, joints of boards and external facades. – Corners, slab joints and external facades.
- Problems with waterproofing. Due to high humidity and proximity to the sea, roofs, balconies and bathrooms suffer. Signs are represented by mold, peeling paint, dampness, odor in pantries and closets. Inspection with a moisture meter is performed to detect it. It is necessary to carefully check the areas under the bathtubs, windows, joints with the roof.
- Poor installation of windows and doors. Improper installation leads to drafts, flooding during rainstorms, heat loss and rapid wear and tear of hardware. Sashes should be checked for tightness, airtightness, and the operation of all locks and handles. In the south of Cyprus, double glazing is particularly important.
- Uneven laying of tiles. This is not only a visual defect. Voids under the tiles lead to its destruction, delamination and creaking when walking. When checking should use a level. It is also necessary to knock on the tiles, a deaf sound indicates the presence of voids.
- Violations in electrical wiring. One of the most dangerous and hidden defects. Can lead to short circuits, power outages and even fire. It is manifested by flickering light, sparking, spontaneous disconnection of automatic machines. It is obligatory to invite an independent electrician during the technical inspection.
The best way to check the quality of construction in Cyprus is to order an independent inspection of the property. This is an informal but essential practice, especially when buying a new build.
Hinode offers an independent inspection service for new-build properties in Cyprus. Specialists will identify even hidden defects, check all construction and engineering elements, and prepare a detailed report.
How to avoid construction defects in Cyprus
Denis Fedosov
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