There Is A Need For Skilled Applicators Of Construction Chemicals In India, Says Pandey Of RachTR Chemicals

Ascertaining the construction quality of your new home can be a tough task. Many homebuyers overlook or are unaware about how to select a property based on the quality of construction, the material used, the soundness and strength of the structure, etc. To understand the changing dynamics of construction material being used and how a homebuyer can be sure of the quality of the structure, Surbhi Gupta of PropGuide got into a conversation with Ramakant Pandey, founder & director, RachTR Chemicals.

Gupta: How the usage of construction chemicals has changed over the past few years?

Pandey: In the past few years, there has been an increased awareness among consumers regarding the benefits of construction chemicals' usage in increasing the longevity of buildings. However, at present, wide disparities remain among people in the metro cities as compared to the Tier-II and Tier-III cities in terms of adoption of newer products.

Additionally, with the sector becoming more organised, there has also been a rise in the understanding of the concept and the value addition that can be offered to the end-user by using the right construction chemical during the construction process.

While the availability of skilled labour for executing the installation and application of the construction chemical has improved in the recent times, there's still a gap between the skillset of the applicators in India as compared to those in the west.

Gupta: What homebuyers should keep in mind while choosing construction chemicals?

Pandey: The most important consideration while choosing the right construction chemical product is price. While looking through the options, one may come across varied price points, it is not always advisable to consider the cheapest options. What is more important is the lifespan and value that you will obtain from using a particular product. Buying cheaper products might result in having to replace or repair them frequently which ultimately ends up being more expensive. So, it is necessary to choose the product that will serve you well for a longer period and end up being more cost-efficient.

Some construction chemical products last longer than others and are more resistant to weather effects, decay and other environmental hazards depending upon the environmental conditions, construction stage, construction conditions, usage of construction, etc. It is imperative to choose appropriate materials as per consideration of above-mentioned factors and ensure that the products used are long-lasting.

While selecting the right construction chemical, one should consider the installation or application process. Depending on the product you select, you may need to hire specialised personnel for complicated installations, and this will become an additional cost. Hence, it is advisable to buy products that are easier to apply or install.

Gupta: How can buyers judge the construction quality of the property?

Pandey: Observe the exterior closely and check for any visible cracks in the outer walls. Any minor cracks are signs of usage of the inferior quality of construction material.

The buyer can try to drive a nail into one of the walls and measure the ease by which that could be done. If you notice, any chipping or cracks in the wall, it will give you a clear idea of the quality of the concrete used in the construction.

Check if all the fittings and fixtures used in the structure are in working condition. One must also check the quality of hinges used on doors and windows by noticing any creaking noise while opening. Additionally, ensure that all the electrical fittings are certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

Gupta: How can buyers increase the life of their home by using right construction chemical?

Pandey: The use of right construction chemicals enhances the capabilities, performance, functionality, chemical resistance and longevity of the construction materials. It minimises the project completion time and the need for regular repair, thereby reducing the overall average project and repair cost in the longer run. They also add value by augmenting the look and feel of the building.

There are many structures that are old or built using sub-standard construction materials. These buildings face the danger of collapse. Furthermore, the climatic conditions in certain parts of India cause serious damage to buildings, which can be eradicated by the use of construction chemicals.

Gupta: How the cost of construction chemical impacts the total cost of construction?

Pandey: The overall cost of a real estate project depends largely on the prevailing labour costs, land cost and construction material cost. 

The addition of construction chemicals during the construction phase increases the overall cost of the real estate projects. However, construction chemicals roughly comprise of five to seven per cent of the total project value. So, the total prices of construction chemicals do not significantly alter the overall project cost and because of this reason people tend to ignore the need and quality of the right products.