SIX THINGS TO PHYSICALLY INSPECT BEFORE PURCHASING A BUILDING IN UGANDA

If you are looking to invest in an already built property in Uganda, there are several factors to consider as you zero in on a particular building to purchase. After you have considered the market and finances, it eventually comes down to assessing the physical condition of your preferred property. A careful physical inspection may strengthen your position at the negotiation table and ultimately determine whether you go ahead with an investment or decide it's not worth it. In this article, we examine six things to physically inspect before purchasing a building in Uganda.

1.      STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY

Components like foundations, structural frames, support walls, ceilings, and roofs form an integral part of the building. Damage to any of these parts is always a significant concern because it poses a direct risk to the occupants. It can be very costly to repair, yet if discovered, it will be an element you can not neglect. Before purchasing a building, hire a professional building inspector with specific experience and expertise to uncover such defects. You need to request a detailed report with pictures from the assessment to back up your findings when you engage the seller. It also helps to be present during the investigation to ask questions and have all relevant components checked.

2.      BUILDING ENVELOPE

The building envelope consists of all the items that form the external cover, including roofs, walls, windows, doors, gutters, etc. They play an essential role in keeping the elements from penetrating the inside of the building. Before purchasing a property, you want to ensure the current roof has a useful life. The windows and doors should still function as intended, keeping rainwater outside the building. A physical walk-through with an experienced inspector and specialised tests, such as water tests, will reveal any issues that must be addressed.

3.      BUILDING SYSTEMS

 Building systems comprise air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing systems. For the air conditioning and electrical system, the age and condition of the various components are critical factors. The sizing of the system also matters because, in case you plan for a change in use of the building, you need to be sure that the current system will be sufficient to serve the new purpose, or you need to plan for a new system. The maintenance records of the HVAC system will also inform you whether it is likely to be in good condition. The plumbing also requires an inspection to determine whether the materials are in proper condition and meet the current requirements. The fixtures and draining capacity of the system are also paramount to its correct functioning. All these need to be assessed before you go ahead with the purchase.

4.      SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Future occupants of the building will need to be safe; therefore, as an investor, you must ensure that the building you purchase has already considered this. Fire detection, sprinkler systems, emergency exits, and security alarms are essential considerations for building safety. Although many developers may ignore this, we recommend you go for developments where the designers were safety-conscious. This will save you from lawsuits and financial loss in case of disaster.

5.      ADHERENCE TO REGULATIONS

Sometimes developers may neglect standards and guidelines during the construction phase. This may happen after they have obtained the necessary approvals from the authorities. In some cases, what is eventually built is very different from the plans approved by the authorities. Developers may neglect parking requirements and disability access provisions, such as elevators and ramps. Such omissions could turn out very costly in case, in the future, you are compelled to make retrofits. Doing this investigation with qualified personnel will help you identify such loopholes.

6.      Technology infrastructure

Technology is a significant component of building functionality in today's fast-changing world. Properties have in-built telecommunication and smart-building systems that run the way occupants operate. If you are going to invest, you would want to invest in a building with the latest technology to be attractive for the final occupants.  Some buildings may not be updated with technology because things change so fast, but at least the provisions should be available for you to make these improvements. Otherwise, you may be required to spend significant funds to update these systems. Inspecting the building with a specialised professional will help determine how much you need to adjust.

Purchasing an already built property can be a daunting experience, especially because you can not be sure whether the developer did a good job during the construction phase. However, working with a team of experts will help you build confidence in your decisions. Engaging an experienced partner like Baros Group Limited to do the physical inspections will enable you to confidently go ahead with your purchase, knowing that you won't get any surprises that could harm the value of your new property.

To learn more about investing in Uganda’s Real Estate industry, visit https://www.barosgroupltd.com/

About the author;

Benard Sonko is a real estate investment manager and the founder of Baros Group Limited. For comments and inquiries, you can reach him at +256742140251 or info@barosgroupltd.com