Before investing in a residential property, there’s a lot to know about. It doesn’t matter whether the real estate agency in Mohali you have chosen is very reputed or not. You need to be on top of everything because you never know when things go haywire and you become a victim of real estate fraud.
One such thing to know is in which earthquake zone the residential property you are planning to buy falls. This whole process of mapping out earthquake zones will let you know whether the 2BHK flat in Kharar you are buying is built accordingly or not.
What is an earthquake zone?
To understand more about earthquake zone, it is necessary to learn what an earthquake is. When there is a sudden and violent shaking of moving plates beneath the earth’s surface, this phenomenon is known as an earthquake. This movement leads to seismic waves that hit the topmost surface of the land affecting your home and shaking its fundamental slab.
The earthquake zones are technically seismic zones based on seismic zoning. Based on scientific inputs, India is divided into four earthquake zones or seismic zones.
Different types of earthquake zones
Interestingly, in India, no cities fall under Seismic Zone I, and in a way, you can understand that many places in India are prone to earthquakes. So, it is indispensable to map out in which seismic zone your residential property falls.
The four seismic zones in which Indian cities and regions are divided are –
Seismic Zone II: The area under this falls in the category of the low-damage risk zone. It means the chances of having an earthquake are lower in these areas.
Seismic Zone III: All the areas falling under this category are known to be in a moderate-damage risk zone. However, in comparison to Seismic zone II, the chances of an earthquake are higher in the region falling under this zone.
Seismic Zone IV: It is considered a high-damage risk zone and the areas under this have to follow certain rules and regulations related to the construction of earthquake-resistant structures.
Seismic Zone V: This zone is like a red alert area for earthquakes and has the highest risk of damaging earthquakes.
In which zone falls the Tricity?
Chandigarh and its adjoining regions like Kharar, and Mohali all lie in seismic zones IV and V. This makes Tricity vulnerable to earthquake hazards and this is a matter of serious concern for all those looking for a house for sale in Mohali.
Things to Consider Before Buying a House in Tricity
Earthquakes are considered one of the worst natural calamities all across the globe as they can neither be predicted nor prevented. So, what can you do? You can opt for your home and office that are earthquake-resistant. To ensure whether the building in which you are booking a 3BHK flat in Kharar is robust or not. Here are some of the things to consider before making a final call.
Take a Look at the Construction Plan of the Building
Before passing a construction plan, the government body like Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) in Mohali and Kharar ensure that the building is planned as per the earthquake region in which it falls.
Check the Diaphragms
Diaphragm – Typically, a diaphragm is a structural element that transmits lateral loads to various vertical elements of any building. It distributes weight throughout the house and so in an earthquake-prone zone, it should be built with earthquake durability in mind.
Check the Trusses
Trusses – These are diagonal support columns in a building that reinforces vertical and horizontal elements of a building’s frame. It should have the additional load-bearing capacity in any property for sale in Mohali or Kharar.
Check the Walls
To save money many builders choose half-bricks, of 4½-inch-thick load-bearing walls in the apartments. The same is true for many 2BHK apartments in Mohali, which make the structure unsafe by using small piers in between openings that are catastrophic.
Regular Health Check
Usually, RERA (Real estate Regulatory Authority) calls for examinations regularly. You can check whether the apartment in Mohali undergoes regular health checks from the concerned authorities or not.
Final Thought
Even if you are looking for 2bhk apartments in Tricity, do not forget all the above-mentioned points. You need to determine whether your house is built keeping in mind the earthquake zones in which it falls. Apart from this, you can also opt for house insurance that takes care of such things.