1) Poor False Ceiling Works
Poor Ceiling works are often hidden away behind lighting or fan installations, so it will be overlooked more often than not. They only surface when you decided to change or remove the installation. Poor Ceiling works include poor cut edges, shoddy plastering and untreated internal walls.
All these could be prevented if your preferred contractor uses standard cutting tools and proper work sequences. Do monitor your contractor's work and check what type of tools they are using. Insist that they use proper tools and working sequences. Below is an example of good ceiling works with reasonably clean cut edges and proper wiring covers.
2) Un-primed (Exposed) Electrical Wiring, tucked Away Behind Appliance or Installation
Most of us will have missed this mistake as they are commonly hidden behind installation! Shoddy electrical work is a serious problem and it happens when electrical workers are rushing for time or sometimes just downright lazy.
Untreated electrical wirings not only pose as electrical-trip hazards at home, it may even cause flash fires that can become extremely dangerous.
Hence, before engaging any electrical worker, check their reputation and workmanship through past track records. Make sure they are well reputed and highly recommended by preferred websites like Renotalk, Renoup or Renopedia. Do check their work frequently and spot check on appliance installations thoroughly.
3) Poor Waterproofing
A very commonly overlooked problem is waterproofing as it is done by contractors at their own pace and covered up under tiles! The real mistake happens when applying the waterproofing membrane, tiling contractors (who shouldn't start work at all until waterproofing is done) step all over the waterproofing layer as shown above. This will result in less than perfect waterproofing works and incomplete protection which will result in serious repercussions later on! Below is an image of water leaking through the membrane.
Water has sipped through the waterproofing membrane and caused considerable damage to the wall, making it flaky, bubbled and beyond repair unless the whole tiled floor is hacked away and waterproofing membrane done all over again.
A normal preventive measure is to ensure that contractors apply 2 coats of waterproofing membrane. Also make sure that the tiling contractor DO NOT come in to work before waterproofing is done. This needs careful coordination, so do keep a tap on it.
4) Placement of Installations
Do practise regular discussions and coordination meetups with the contractors so that such unfortunate events DO NOT OCCUR!
5) Messy Work Sites
It is very important that all renovations are done in a clean and orderly fashion. Unkempt work sites are a safety hazard and susceptible to greater project mistakes and materials gone missing !
Insist that your contractors set up proper work areas to place materials, installations and tools. Also keep taps on their work progress and do regular spot checks on them.
