The process of building and construction in Nairobi is not a walk in the park. It is a process that involves millions of shilling and this means that careful consideration of multiple factors is necessary to guarantee, project completion, save costs and develop quality projects. Some of the factors to consider include careful planning, choosing qualified professionals and adhering to regulations.
Understanding the operations of the National Construction Authority (NCA) is also critical to ensure that your construction project is carried out within the limits of the law, ensuring quality and also safety. This is a step-by-step guide that will highlight to you what you need to expect when you have a building and construction in Nairobi.
1. Land Use Factors
The first step of building and construction in Nairobi is ensuring that you have viable land for your project. This is done by first of all determining the use of the land either for commercial or residential purposes. In some areas, only residential projects are allowed while in others only commercial projects are viable. Failure to consider these two aspects may hinder your project from being approved by the National Construction Authority.
- Check Zoning Laws: these are laws in the county government that stipulate proper land use and are based on its classification into different uses.
- Carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): which is necessary to examine the potential impact of your project on the environment,
2. Engineering Survey in Nairobi
An effective engineering survey increases the chances of success of the projects. It includes:
- Land Surveying: this includes mapping the land for boundaries, topography, project setting and other important aspects.
- Soil testing: This involves the examination of the soil to determine the nature of the foundation that the project will require.
- Mapping utility: which includes the identification of necessary utilities (electricity, water or sewage)
3. Architecture Designs in Nairobi
Architecture designs involve bringing to life the vision of your project. As much as you would like the project to look beautiful, it has to comply with NCA regulations and building codes. To do so the architectural design will need to consider:
- Functionality of the Structure: This includes designing spaces that will meet the needs of the owner.
- Aesthetic appeal: This includes a focus on culturally relevant designs and making sure that the project bears a modern touch.
- Regulatory Compliance: It has to ensure that the project adheres to zoning standards, environmental safety and other legal requirements.
4. Choosing Registered Contractors, Supervisors, and Workers
It is a legal requirement by the National Construction Authority for all supervisors, contractors and construction workers to be registered and accredited and this is to ensure that there is:
- Quality labour: This includes professional handling thereby encouraging quality building and construction in Nairobi.
- Accountability: By registering these personnel, the construction industry is structured with a sense of accountability and responsibility, therefore, raising the standards.
- Legal Compliance: It ensures that the project is protected from legal and regulatory issues.
5. NCA Registration
All of the building and construction in Nairobi and all of Kenya is regulated by the National Construction Authority which is the legal body for regulating projects and ensuring that they comply with legal requirements:
- Get your project registered by NCA: This includes submitting necessary documents such as architectural designs, engineering surveys and contractor information.
- Obtain an initial compliance certificate: This will allow you to commence the project before the final certification.
- Final Compliance Certificate: This is confirmation that the project meets all the required standards and is thus legally approved.
6. Professional Bill of Quantity
The success of the project will depend on planning and how prepared you are. An important tool to guarantee this success is having a professional bill of quantity. This is a document prepared to outline different factors such as labour, materials and the overall cost of the project. This document is critical for sourcing materials for the project as well as for budgeting.
7. Sourcing Materials Locally
With a bill of quantity and a budget, the next thing is to source the building and construction materials. A budget and a bill of quantity will help you buy these materials in bulk earning you a discount as compared to buying material in small portions. Some of the materials include:
- Ballast, sand and cement: These are for the walls, slab and foundations.
- Timber and Steel: For reinforcement and fabrication. And also for roofing.
- Tiles and Gypsum: These are for finishing the project including interior designs.
8. Foundation
The foundation is the most important part of the project because is where the project will sit. Setting up of the foundation includes:
- Excavation: the digging of the trenches according to the engineering survey and architectural designs.
- Laying of the Foundation: This includes the construction of the foundation with stones, sand, cement and reinforcement by steel.
9. Walls
The walls are considered the easiest and fastest to build. They are usually laid upon an already built and robust foundation. It involves laying bricks or stones (machine cuts from Ndaragua) or any other options.
10. Slab (For Storeyed Buildings)
In a multi-storey building, a concrete slab is constructed above the walls and becomes the floor for the next section of the building. The slab is constructed by a mixture of concrete, motor, and reinforced steel.
11. Roofing
The roof represents the highest part of the building and protects the structure from elements of the weather. There are multiple options for roofing and they include metal sheets considered more for their cost effectiveness, durability and ability to be used for rainwater harvesting. Another important option is roofing tiles that are long-lasting and have a more aesthetic touch to them.
12. Metal Works and Fabrication for Windows and Doors
Apart from the reinforcement of the structure of the building, a lot of the metal works go towards the fabrication of windows and doors. This includes metal fabrication of different frames that have to fit the architectural designs. The metal fabrication also has to come up with windows and doors that are strong and aesthetically pleasing, offering both beauty and security.
13. Plumbing Before Plastering
The construction project has to have proper drainage. This includes piping for water supply, and drainage systems for waste from different sources. A critical aspect of plumbing is that it has to be done before the plastering process. The pipes, therefore, have to be concealed inside the walls.
14. Wiring
Apart from plumbing, another important activity that needs to be done before plastering is the electrical wiring. They will provide power to the building. Running wires, therefore, have to be laid throughout the walls and the ceilings. Power outlets and switches also have to be placed strategically in the building for access and functionality.
15. Plastering
The plastering process creates a smooth finish for the walls and makes way for the painting and tiling.
16. Putting Tiles and Gypsum
The tiles are used for the floors and walls of different rooms in the house. They are predominant in the kitchen, washroom and other areas where cleaning is required.
The gypsum is a material that can be molded into different shapes enabling an aesthetic and appealing interior design.
17. Overall Finishing
Painting: This is the process of adding colour to the project using paint.
Landscaping: This involves the enhancement of space outside.
Furnishing: Adding of furniture, and other fixtures to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the finishing.
Conclusion
The process of building and construction in Nairobi is not an easy or a small process. It requires careful planning and preparation to ensure that you adhere to all legal requirements and have the correct inputs and manpower. Every step of the process has to be carried out meticulously to reduce the risk of delays, losses and legal implications of non-compliance. Partnering with experts and professionals can set a better pace for success. Leveraging the experience and expertise of organizations in the industry can set the difference between successful and unsuccessful building and construction in Nairobi.
Timely Architecture and Engineering Survey is, therefore, the best partner for you. We will help you navigate all the above processes including submitting all the legal requirements to the National Construction Authority, linking you to the best source of construction material, to ensuring that your construction project is handled with the best level of quality and safety.
Are you planning a building and construction project in Nairobi? Join the Timely Architecture and Engineering Survey today and allow us to ensure your project is built to last the test of time.i