In reinforced concrete, steel, and light steel construction, the quality of building materials is paramount above all else. Just as material quality is critical across every industry, construction is no exception. In the same way that Volvo dominates the automotive sector through durability and Mercedes through design, every material used in construction must work in harmony with the others to form a coherent and reliable whole.
Building materials are, quite simply, the foundation of any construction project. Most tradespeople are well acquainted with the leading brands for the materials used in their particular trade. That said, the fact that a tradesperson prefers a certain material does not automatically make it the best choice. Tradespeople will often gravitate towards materials that require less effort and fewer hours on site, or will recommend the method that is easiest for them rather than the most technically appropriate one for the job. So what can be done about this? My first recommendation to fellow professionals is straightforward: always carry out thorough research into both the materials and the methods applicable to every item of work. Contractors, employers, inspectors, and homeowners commissioning renovation work should all take care to research their materials properly before proceeding.
To bring this to life with a practical example or two before outlining the key points to bear in mind: suppose you are having ceramic tiling carried out and you have agreed terms with a tiler. If you ask the tiler to use tile spacers, they will find a hundred reasons why they are unnecessary and will convince you that they can produce a perfectly acceptable result without them. In another scenario, you have agreed terms with a plasterer and, having done your research, you have decided to purchase a good-quality branded plaster. The plasterer will almost certainly request a different brand, one they find easier to work with. The reason is simple: if a particular plaster takes them two days to apply, but their preferred brand takes one, the choice is obvious from their perspective. Time is money for the tradesperson. For the employer or client, however, quality at the right cost is what matters.
When monitoring the materials used on site, the following points deserve particular attention.
- Quality building materials
- Fair and appropriate pricing
- Correct application and workmanship
- Timing and scheduling
- Skilled and reputable tradespeople
Pay close attention to all of the above, and the result will be work you can be genuinely proud of, even years down the line.
