If yes, you might want to be sure about its structure and strength. But relying on the suggestions from neighbors and acquaintances is not enough.
Thankfully, the technology that will help you determine whether a home is in good condition is here in Nepal.
The technology known as "non-destructive test" is widely used by engineers in developed countries.
Non-destructive test uses x-ray technology to ascertain the strength and durability of a building. Vankatesh Engineering Associates, which has introduced the technology in the country, is currently carrying out non-destructive tests on houses in Pokhara.The beauty of this technology is that it determines the strength and durability of a building without causing further damage.
According to Suman Narsingh Rajbhandari, a civil engineer, such a technology can be useful in finding out not only the type and quantity of iron rods used in building a house but also the durability of cement.
The non-destructive test can also be used to verify the safety of earthquake-affected homes.
Report from the test helps people to decide whether they want to retrofit or demolished such homes, according to civil engineers of Vankatesh Engineering Associates.
"We imported the equipment for carrying out non-destructive test from the U.K.," said engineer Nawaraj Tripathi of Vankatesh Engineering Associates.
He informed conducting a test on one point of a building costs Rs 2,000, while test on whole building costs around Rs 20,000.
Basant Pradhan, who runs Laxmi Aadarsh Secondary Boarding School, in New Road, Pokhara, got his school tested through the non-destructive technology.
He said, "I was skeptical about the suggestions of the engineers who checked the school buildings earlier. But after getting the buildings tested using non-destructive test technology, I am satisfied."
"The report said there was no need for retrofitting," he added.
The use of non-destructive test technology is prevalent in Europe and the U.S, according to Tripathi.
People in the west, use such technology before purchasing a house.
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