When it comes to home improvement, most people think that

it's has to do with painting the house from inside out

and forget about it.

But any architectural structure is much more than just walls

and ceiling. There are many systems working simultaneously

which keep the building under function.

Let's have a look at these systems one by one.

1) Structural System:

This includes the support system of the entire building, namely

foundation, columns, beams, slabs(in R.C.C structure).

The most commonly used structural systems is R.C.C. Other types

include steel and wood.

While renovating a building special attention must be given to

the structural support system. Slabs should be checked to be

leak proof. Columns and beams which are exposed to external

atmosphere must be checked for damage. R.C.C structural members

are always covered with plaster. This plaster must be without

damage.

In case of steel structures, anti-rust treatment must be applied

wherever necessary.

In case of wooden structure anti-termite treatment must be applied

wherever necessary.

2) Plumbing System:

All pipelines which carry water in and out of the structure must

be checked for leakage. The main are of possible leakage is

at the joints, hence must be carefully treated.

Water taps at the washbasins, inside bathrooms, kitchen sinks,

toilet blocks, should be checked for good and smooth operating

conditions.

3)Drainage System:

Drainage from kitchen, bathrooms, toilets should have an unobstructed

and shortest path to outside chambers. Any clogging of these lines

can cause overflowing of the chambers, hence should be checked

and cleaned.

4)Electrical Systems:

This starts with the main supply of the electricity from the

local authorities. The point of entering the main supply should be

checked for any excessive disturbance in voltage levels, which

might cause damage to electrical appliances inside.

All switch boards and switches in respective rooms should be checked

for proper and safe functioning. Security systems such as

earthing and M.C.B's should be checked for safe functioning.

5) Doors and Windows

These form an important part of any structure as far as safety

is concerned. Proper functioning of the doors and window

shutters is necessary. If your home has a security alarm system

installed, then it must be kept updated and in proper working condition.

Door and window shutter hinges should be applied with lubricants

for smooth operations. I case of sliding doors and windows, tracks

which allow sliding should be dust free.

6) Glass Panes

All glass panes used on windows and doors should be dust free.

Any broken or cracked glass panes should be replaced immediately.

If the building has a skylight, then it should be checked to be

leak proof and clean, to allow clear and unobstructed sunlight in

the interiors.

7) Flooring Materials

In most cases tiles are used for flooring. All tiles should be

checked for cracks and most importantly leveling.

In every home flooring has a natural slope to avoid clogging

of water if any such situation arises. Tiled flooring

must be checked at joints. Any cracks in joins must be

checked with proper bonding material.

In case of wooden flooring, extra care must be taken to keep

the flooring termite-free.

8) Wall Plaster and Wall Paint.

All external walls must be checked from outside for a proper

layer of plaster. Plaster prevents the rainwater to seep inside

the structure. If external plaster gets damaged, rain water

seeps inside causing dampening of walls.

All internal walls must be checked for scraping of paint.

8) Furniture and Carpentry Items.

All furniture items must be termite free and sturdy at the

joints. A coat of good quality wooden polish can add life

to the furniture pieces.

Other carpentry work includes door and window shutters, door

and window frames.

9) Other Accessories.

This includes small thing which matter a lot, such as all the

locking arrangement at doors, windows, towel rods in the

bathroom/wash basins, arrangement to dry washed clothes,

storage arrangements in kitchen/bathroom.

10)External Systems

This can include a solar water heater, electric pumps to push

the water from underground water tank to Overhead water tank.,

Cable TV antennas.

All these systems must be checked for proper functioning.

From the above discussion it is clear that proper functioning

of any architectural structure is dependant of many complex

systems which work simultaneously.

Hence all these must be given attention and respect. Any building

is just like a human body, with movable and stationary parts.

If dealt with proper care can give a very healthy living experience

for years to come.

I hope this article was helpful to everyone.

Copyright 2005 Shrinivas Vaidya