How to welcome new year from an incomplete house

You can usher in the new year from your incomplete home. Do not wait to have everything in place to warm the house.

Muhammad Nsereko, a construction expert with 3M Design and construction says as long as the house is habitable, you can occupy it.   

However, he says, it should have a strong foundation, beam and roof.  The windows and doors should be secure as well.

Darwin Mukiza, another expert with Dawinci Impressions advises to ensure that the most important rooms the family needs are useable. The rest can wait.

You can usher in the new year from your incomplete home. Do not wait to have everything in place to warm the house. (Photo by Ritah Mukasa)

Most importantly, the home should have a water source. This can be tapped water, borehole, spring or harvested water. You will need gutters and a tank.

Work on the toilet and bedroom first

Nsereko says, every functional home should have a toilet, which also works with a plumbing system.  This includes the water and sewage pipes, fixtures and septic tank.

If you are limited on funds, at least, put up a pit latrine.

Away from that, Nsereko suggests finishing the bedrooms more so, the master bedroom first because it becomes difficult to work on it after moving in. You have to keep shifting furniture and other things as builders work. In the process, privacy is compromised.

“Do all the plastering, tiling and if possible, paint the room(s) before working on other spaces,” he advises.

Seal the holes

Nsereko advises to ensure the home is secure. It should also be burglar proofed. Windows and door openings should also be closed off with metal grilles and temporary shutters.

In the same way, the holes in the walls should also be sealed. Some people use iron sheets to seal off the big ones.

In addition, work on the floor. Use concrete or screed to mitigate dust, fleas and mites. The house will also appear neater.

You can also use trampolines to cover the dusty floor. On top, add mats or rugs and cushions.

Winnie Namumayi a builder with Divine Construction Company advises to close all water entry points and other openings especially the ones used for supporting the scaffolds.

Clear the site of any hazards

Namumayi says it is prudent to inform the neighbours of your presence because they might be handy in case you need help, especially with security. She says neighbourhood watch is very important.

Also, if it is a storeyed structure, ensure the slab is dry.  

Clear all debris that contains construction materials like nails and offcuts, which might cause accidents. In the same way, give water direction to avoid stagnating.

Meanwhile, it is important to work on the compound to enable outdoor hosting.

What can wait?

Mukiza says, some works can wait until you get funds. For example, perimeter wall or fence, gate, plastering the outside walls, painting and tiling. In addition, plumbing and electrical fixtures such as taps, bathtubs, showerhead and lights can also wait.