With over 26 years of experience in construction, we have learned that the quality of a project is always a formula, not luck.

It is knowledge of theory and systematic work on construction organization, team training, and control of each stage.

In this article, I would like to share some of my observations about five systemic mistakes that are made over and over again in construction. And each of them not just a technical detail, but a source of real losses and problems.

1. Ignoring foundation preparation

Here is the quality formula I have derived:
Formula for 100% quality =

50% — proper foundation preparation
25% — quality of the next material applied
25% — quality of the material itself

This formula shows that no matter how expensive and reliable the material is, if you skip the base preparation stage, you can forget about the expected result.

And, unfortunately, it is at this stage of construction that people most often cut corners and rush.
Preparing the base is where quality begins.

It is work that is “invisible,” but it determines how well the material will adhere and how long the result will last.
Most construction projects do not pay enough attention to this stage.
The result is material delamination and rework.

 

2. Disrespectful attitude towards concrete

I constantly see concrete and its pouring being treated as something secondary on construction sites, something to be gotten rid of as quickly as possible.
In fact, concrete is a noble material.
It requires respect and precision:

precise dosing of components
correct laying
proper care of the freshly poured mixture

Concrete that has been treated with respect will serve for decades. Otherwise, it will be characterized by low strength and cracks.

 

3. Saving on waterproofing

Perhaps the most insidious mistake:
You can't see the waterproofing, so you can save money.
Let's buy beautiful tiles instead of spending money on what's underneath.

This is a false economy.
High-quality waterproofing is not money down the drain.
It is insurance against mold, leaks, fungus, odors, and damage.
Tiles can always be replaced.
But if moisture gets into the base, the consequences can be irreversible and expensive.

4. Internal insulation is a direct threat to health

Many people think:
“To insulate a wall from the inside, just stick on some regular insulation.”
This is one of the most dangerous mistakes. With this approach, moisture appears between the wall and the insulation.
And where there is moisture, there is mold, mildew, allergies, and health hazards.
The only correct way is to use capillary-active or diffusion-open systems
specially designed for internal insulation.

5. Forgotten waterproofing of brick walls

When it comes to waterproofing, two methods of moisture protection are usually mentioned:

external waterproofing
floor waterproofing on the ground

But very often, capillary moisture rising through brick walls is forgotten.
This is what causes dampness, stains, odors, and masonry deterioration.

There is a separate technology for this — horizontal wall waterproofing.
Injection sealing allows such waterproofing to be restored in an already erected brick wall.
It must be taken into account in any restoration or reconstruction project.

Conclusion

These are just five of dozens of technical errors which are made not with malicious intent, but due to ignorance or haste.

But they all come at a high price: in rework, lost reputation, and lost nerves.
Our goal is to prevent such mistakes and share our knowledge.
If you want to discuss your task and avoid risks, write to us.

We not only solve problems, but also explain and provide support.
Describe your task to us, and we will tell you where the risks may lie and how to avoid them.

Our technologies in this article