The Homes and Construction Virtual Expo entered its second day on Tuesday with experts in the housing sector discussing issues pertaining to architectural and artistic drawings and bills of quantities.

Abdu-Wahab Nyanzi, a chartered architect and a board member of the Architects Registration Board (ARB) emphasised the importance of carrying out soil testing prior to construction.

Abdu Wahab Nyanzi showing off an architectual plan during day two of the Virtual Homes & Construction Expo. (Photo by Moses Nsubuga)

He said testing determines the types of soil on the proposed site and measures its strength to support the desired building. This, then, determines the type of foundation one ought to lay as construction commences.

Nyanzi said setting up buildings on, say, sandy soil is not new, but the appropriate technique has to be used in that type of soil.

He emphasizes that without testing the soil or using the appropriate technique, the building will most likely develop cracks and is prone to collapsing.

Henry Sekanjako, the host for the virtual Homes & Construction Expo. (Photo by Moses Nsubuga)

Nyanzi said construction is more than just building. It takes into account the client’s lifestyle, the purpose of the building and practicality.

“An architect considers factors like sunrise and sunset. If the sun sets in the direction of your bedroom, the walls will retain the heat and emit it during the night, making it uncomfortable for you to have a good night’s rest.

“You do not need to climb onto your sofa to open your windows or squeeze through the doorway and washbasin to access your bathroom. All those are examples of things a plan addresses,” he says.

Dr Nathan Kibwami, president of the Institute of Surveyors of Uganda. (Photo by Moses Nsubuga)

He added that “A good architect should be able to visualise the house in their mind before they put it on the blueprint.”

He explained that all this activity is linked to budgeting for the project.

Relatedly, Dr Nathan Kibwami, a quantity surveyor and the president of the Institute of Surveyors says the budget, also known as the bills of quantities is dependent on the type of soil on the site. This, in turn, informs your finances and helps you prepare and plan.

Abdu Wahab Nyanzi With the host Henry Sekanjako and Dr Nathan Kibwami. (Photo by Moses Nsubuga)

“After drawing a plan, the budget guides you on how you will finance the construction. Even if you decide to get a bank loan, they will require proof of a bill of quantities drawn by a registered quantity surveyor.

“Cost control starts at the budgeting stage and the expert can adjust it to suit your finances,” he says.

Baker Ainebyona the country manager, Danube Home. (Photo by Moses Nsubuga)

Kibwami says surveyors are enlisted under the Surveyors Registration Board. “You can go to the Institute of Surveyors or reach them on 0772524952 at the Surveyors Institute. To reach the Architects’ Board, call 0753776231.

The Homes and Construction Expo continues this week until Friday, November 26. It is aired on all Vision Group TV channels, and streams live on the New Vision digital app starting at 9.00 am to 11 am.

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A look at Danube Home