Tips for Proper Construction Practices
Surface Cracks in New Apartments
Surface or hairline cracks in newly built apartments are generally considered normal. They are often caused by the natural settling of the building and the shrinkage and expansion of finishing materials during the curing process. These cracks are typically cosmetic and do not affect the structural integrity of the building.
Moisture Issues on Stair Treads
One of the common issues we encounter is moisture buildup on stair treads caused by washing and cleaning. One effective solution is installing the stair tiles using proper professional techniques, which helps prevent water accumulation and minimizes moisture-related problems.
Use Curved Corners Instead of Sharp Angles
Small details make a big difference. At Al Bait Al Areeq, we pay attention to every detail, and we prefer using curved wall corners instead of sharp angles. They add a refined aesthetic touch and, more importantly, enhance safety by reducing the risk of injuries from hard edges.
Kitchen Window Sill Design
Attention to detail is what makes a kitchen design stand out and enhances its overall appearance. For this reason, we prefer finishing the interior kitchen window sill using tiles that match the kitchen wall or floor tiles.
This approach maintains visual consistency and avoids introducing an additional design element—such as a stone or marble sill—that may not complement the overall kitchen design or color scheme.
A Common Plastering Mistake
One of the most common mistakes during the plastering stage is installing the guide marks ("wad'at") and applying the bonding coat on the same day. When this happens, the guide marks are not properly secured to the wall.
For best results, the bonding coat should first be applied as a rough base layer and allowed to cure properly. After at least one or two days, the guide marks can be installed. This ensures they are firmly anchored and helps prevent many common plastering issues later on.
Bathroom Waterproofing at Al Bait Al Areeq
Bathroom waterproofing at Al Bait Al Areeq is handled with special care using multiple protective layers to ensure maximum protection against leaks. This prevents water from seeping into lower units or structural elements, which could weaken concrete and steel and cause serious damage.
We will share more details about our waterproofing process in upcoming videos.
Rain Groove (“Rain Drip” Detail)
At Project (7) – Radio Street, we highlight the rain groove detail on the window sill marble. This important feature prevents rainwater from reaching the wall, reduces moisture and mold problems, and acts as an additional protective barrier beyond the waterproofing installed beneath the sill.
البيت العريق . . عراقة التفاصيل
Fixing Tile Settlement Issues in Terraces
One of the recurring problems is tile settlement in terraces. At Al Bait Al Areeq, we take extra precautions to ensure, God willing, that no future settlement issues occur. This is demonstrated in a front terrace of Project (7) – Radio Street, ground-floor apartment.
Important Notes on Grouting Work (Kahleh)
It is essential to follow all the grouting (kahleh) notes we highlight, as this stage is one of the most important finishing steps. Proper execution significantly reduces water and moisture issues and helps protect the quality and durability of the project.
Proper Skirting Installation and Its Impact on Moisture Protection
Correct installation of skirting is one of the key elements in any project, as it directly affects the entire wall system. That’s why we follow a series of steps to ensure full protection of the wall beneath the skirting. We start with proper rough and fine plastering, followed by cement-based waterproofing applied according to standards. Then we install the skirting using high-quality adhesive materials. We also apply an additional step—water glass treatment for the skirting, similar to the stone waterproofing process—ensuring full protection of the wall system and significantly reducing future moisture problems.
Simple but Important Advice Before Buying Land
A very important tip before purchasing any land: always consult a qualified engineer first to determine whether the land is suitable for construction—don’t ask after you’ve already bought it.
Also, the “administrative price” does not necessarily reflect the real value of the land. For example, in the land shown in the video, the actual price was half the administrative price, yet it was still not suitable for purchase.
At Al Bait Al Areeq, our engineers are always ready to provide free consultation before you make any land investment decision.
One of the Most Critical Stone Layers in the Project
The stone layer beneath the tiles (foundation stone layer or the stone course shared with ground level) is one of the most sensitive and critical areas in any project. It can become a weak point where moisture may enter, either moving downward due to gravity, rising upward through capillary action, or spreading behind the wall through hydrostatic pressure.
For this reason, this area must be treated with extreme care. Before installing the screed layer beneath the tiles, all required waterproofing and preparation works must be completed properly according to approved standards.