Construction: DIY vs Expert

Construction is one of the most abused professions in Nigeria, a fact I can confidently attest to based on my personal experience and numerous accounts from colleagues.

Take law as a profession for example, no one will say because he/she has engaged a lawyer on several occasions can now defend his case in a court of law. Some rules guide the profession. Also, there are peculiarities in every case. The way you defend a case is different from the other.

So also is the construction profession but the difference is that Nigerians think they can construct their buildings independently without engaging professionals throughout the project's lifecycle.

Quacks using experience as an excuse

 The issue begins with the bricklayers, carpenters, and other tradespeople we hire. Rather than collaborating and learning from professionals, they often rely on their perceived experience, claiming 'I've been doing this for years, so I know best.' But I ask them:

1. Do you truly grasp the underlying principles of the task?

2. Are you formally trained and certified to make informed decisions?

3. What's at stake for you if your approach fails?

4. Can you provide scientific evidence to support your chosen method, beyond just relying on years of experience?

 When Clients Become Builders: The Dangers of Assumed Expertise

On the client side, some individuals mistakenly believe that having built multiple houses qualifies them as experts in the field, often boasting, 'I've built numerous houses, so I know what I'm doing’.

Let me set this straight,

In an attempt to cut costs, clients may absorb expert advice with the intention of DIY implementation. Unfortunately, this approach frequently leads to undesirable outcomes, forcing them to either accept mediocrity or revisit the expert.

 Beyond Sickness and Diseases: The Hidden Dangers of Poor Construction

 We often associate threats to our health with illnesses and diseases, but overlook the impact of our built environment. The truth is, that poorly constructed buildings can pose significant health risks. Let's explore some alarming scenarios:

1. Sick Building Syndrome:

Have you ever entered a building and suddenly felt unwell, only to recover upon leaving? Symptoms like headaches, irritations, and dizziness can be triggered by a building's design and construction.

In simple terms, a 'sick' building can literally make you sick due to factors such as:

• Poor ventilation

• Toxic materials

• Inadequate lighting

• Ineffective insulation

The construction process can have a profound impact on our well-being, making it crucial to prioritize building safety and health.

2. Dysfunctional building

Imagine investing millions in a hotel, only to discover that crucial areas like the pool, bar, car park, or reception are missing or inadequately designed.

Don’t skip the word ‘adequate’ I mentioned above because it is critical in every construction. You can provide a space or fittings but it may not function as expected. Consider a hotel kitchen that can only accommodate one person, or a washbasin so low that users must bend to use it. Such oversights can render a building unusable. Moreover, incorporating features that cannot be maintained is a recipe for disaster. I can go on with examples.

It's not just about providing space or fittings; it's about ensuring they function as expected. A dysfunctional building can be as debilitating as a serious illness, causing misery for its users. No matter how you try to cut costs, a dysfunctional building will make the user's life miserable just like Cancer can be to health.

3.  Ultimate loss of life- The Ultimate Tragedy

You're likely familiar with the frequent news of building collapses in Nigeria because they always appear every market day. These incidents not only result in financial losses, property damage, and displacement but also claim precious lives. The consequences of subpar construction can be fatal, making it essential to prioritize building safety and functionality.

Get it Right the First Time: The Importance of Precision in Construction

Construction projects involve complex, interconnected tasks where a single misstep can have far-reaching consequences. One overlooked task can impact up to five dependent tasks, leading to costly rework and delays.

For instance, failing to embed a pipe in concrete during casting can affect:

• Wiring

• Fittings

• Circuitry

• Lighting

A professional builder understands these dependencies, leveraging their expertise to make informed decisions, control the process, and minimize costly changes.

But can you do that?

To wrap up, understand the constraints of DIY and know when to seek professional help to avoid costly mistakes.

Why Choose MNO Construction?

Our team of experts brings your vision to life while meeting industry standards. With us, you can:

• Avoid costly rework and delays

• Ensure precision and quality

• Benefit from our wealth of knowledge and experience

 Partner with MNO Today!

For construction, interior, and renovation projects, trust us to deliver exceptional results.

Contact Us:

Email: [email protected]

WhatsApp: +234 81 2884 2622

Call: +234 80 2942 4558

Social Media: @mno_construction or @buildmno