Delays, cost overruns and other unforeseen events are common occurrences when a private individual decides to build a house. Construction professionals Dany Vigoureux and Arnaud Oudin share their expertise on how to tackle this job with confidence and calm.

Things to consider as soon as you purchase your land

Dany Vigoureux is now a Project Engineer after working as an Assistant Engineer for 15 years.  A specialist in PPB pre-cast products (a French brand represented in Mauritius by UBP), this seasoned engineer has successfully completed numerous projects. Here he answers three questions, sharing his expertise in construction techniques and materials:

1.            What kind of land am I buying?

Consult an expert to find out if the land is in a flood zone, for example. They will then advise you on the appropriate structure, as it costs more to lay foundations on this type of land – and an inappropriate plan could cost you your building permit.

2.            Who should I trust with my plans?

It is very important to follow the law, which exists to protect you. The plans for any house over 150m² must be drawn up by an architect, while plans for any building over 2 storeys high must be drawn up by an engineer.

In both cases, be careful not to fall into the trap of "signatures of convenience" (plans signed off by a professional not actively involved in their creation), which has been common practice for a long time. Although the services of construction professionals can be expensive, they are there to ensure the quality of the building structure and to intervene if problems arise.

3.            Can I leave thinking about finishing touches to the last minute? 

Not if you want to avoid nasty surprises! Finishing touches (curtain rails, skirting boards, handles, etc.) are often the least of our worries. However, finishing touches are the most time-consuming stage and can be responsible for significant (often unforeseen) costs... At this point, the tendency is to choose the cheapest options, of inferior quality and durability, which then have to be replaced often.

Managing your site properly

Arnaud Oudin is a Project Lead at Espace Maison. His work focuses on contracting, where he is responsible for ensuring that each project meets its deadlines. A trained Quantity Surveyor, he knows all the tricks of the trade to ensure that this delicate stage of the construction process is as smooth as possible. He shares his top three tips with us.

4.            Is my budget right?

To answer this question, think about your construction from the ground up. The best option here is to consult a Quantity Surveyor: this construction professional will help you examine, compare, and enforce quotes, as well as ensuring the quality of the materials and that the work is carried out correctly. Above all, as the primary contact, the Quantity Surveyor will make sure that subcontractors do not exceed their budgets.

5.            Do I have all the necessary permits?

Before you start, it is very important to have all the necessary permits and documents, displayed in accordance with local regulations. Do your best to avoid any modification of plans during the work. Remember that a permit is only valid for your approved plans. Any unauthorised changes could result in the suspension of your permit.

6.            Who am I dealing with?

Don't hesitate to ask questions about the professionals you choose. Easy ways to do this include asking to visit finished jobs or requesting references from previous clients. It is always best to choose reliable companies with proven results.