Content
Introduction
We have talked in many previous articles that the process of selecting a property in Turkey in general and in Istanbul in particular is a delicate and complex process, and we can never be lenient during it if we want to obtain a satisfactory result, whether through owning a residential property or an investment property.
Since the idea of real estate ownership in Turkey began in 2012, that is, approximately 12 years ago, many investors who visit Turkey on an ongoing basis have gained good experience regarding the Turkish real estate market, but according to our daily observations, we notice that most purchases are made without realizing the real and complete advantages of each property even its flaws.
These investments can undoubtedly be successful, even if they are made without in-depth study, but do you want to risk your capital to obtain an investment that is not carefully studied?
I believe that everyone prefers to have a safe investment, and therefore you must learn the foundations and tools necessary to choose a safe investment property before examining the real and fake offers that you receive from dozens of employees of different real estate brokerage companies.
What construction materials are used in Türkiye?
In Türkiye, a wide range of materials are used in building construction. The materials used vary based on the type of building, architectural design and structural requirements. However, there are some common materials that are commonly used in construction in Turkey, and they include:
1-Concrete: Reinforced concrete is considered the basic material in construction in Türkiye. Concrete consists of a mixture of cement, sand, gravel and water, and is usually reinforced with iron bars to increase its strength and durability.
2-Brick: Brick is widely used in construction in Türkiye. Different types of bricks are available, including regular bricks, hollow bricks, and red bricks. Bricks are used to build walls, columns and partition walls.
3-Stone: Natural stone is commonly used in construction in Turkey, especially in buildings of a traditional and historical architectural character. Stone is used to create external walls, facades and columns.
4-Steel: Steel is widely used in metal construction and industrial structures in Turkey. Steel is used in the construction of columns, roofs, support beams and structural panels.
5-Glass: Glass is widely used in the facades, windows and doors of buildings in Turkey. Different types of glass are available, including insulated glass, tempered glass, and tinted glass.
6- Tiles: Tiles are widely used in Turkey in floor and wall finishes in buildings. Different types of tiles are available, including ceramic, porcelain and granite tiles.
7-Aluminum: Aluminum is widely used in facades, windows and doors of buildings. Aluminum is lightweight, durable and resistant to corrosion, making it an ideal material for use in construction.
8-Insulation: Insulation is important in construction in Turkey to achieve thermal and sound insulation and leakage resistance. There are many types of insulators used, such as thermal insulators, sound insulators, and water insulators.
9-Timber: Timber is used in construction for columns, ceilings, floors, doors and windows. Different types of wood are available, such as oak, pine and beech, and are particularly used in buildings of a traditional and rural architectural character.
10- Paints and coatings: Paints and coatings are used to beautify and protect the interior and exterior surfaces of buildings. A wide range of paints and coatings are available in different colors and finishes to meet your design and decoration needs.
11- Electrical wires and electricity systems: Electrical wires and electricity systems are used in Turkey to conduct electricity and supply buildings with electrical current. Modern electrical systems are used in lighting fixtures, sockets and various electrical appliances.
12-Cement: Cement is one of the main components of concrete and plaster. Cement is used in construction to bond other materials together and form strong structures. Cement is available in different types, such as regular cement, sulfate-resistant cement, and Portland cement.
13- Plaster: Plaster is used in finishing interior walls and ceilings and forming architectural decorations. Plaster is flexible and moldable, making it possible to create fine details and artistic designs within buildings.
14-Crystal: Crystal is a common material in Türkiye for finishing internal and external floors. Crystal tiles are available in a variety of colors, sizes and patterns, allowing for diversification of designs and decorations in buildings.
15-Galvanized metal: Galvanized metal is used in Turkey in metal structures, wall panels and roofs. Galvanized metal is coated with a thin layer of zinc to protect it from corrosion and rust.
16- Fiberglass: Fiberglass is used in many applications in construction, such as reinforcing concrete, strengthening structures, and insulating roofs. Fiberglass is characterized by its strength, light weight, and resistance to corrosion and weathering. It is characterized by:
Strength and durability: Fiberglass is characterized by its high strength and resistance to abrasion and shock. It has a high ability to withstand mechanical pressures and tensions, which makes it a strong and durable material for use in building structures.
Lightweight: Fiberglass is lightweight compared to other materials such as steel. This means that they do not add excessive load to the building structures and contribute to reducing the overall building weight.
Corrosion resistance: Fiberglass is resistant to chemical corrosion and environmental impact. It is not affected by moisture, chemicals, acids and alkalis to the same extent as other materials such as steel.
Thermal and sound insulation: Fiberglass is distinguished by its ability to provide thermal and sound insulation
17- Light bricks: Light bricks or autoclave bricks are used in construction to form the external and internal walls. Light bricks are lightweight and provide good thermal and acoustic insulation, making them popular in energy efficient construction.
18-Marble: Marble is one of the famous building stones in Türkiye. Marble is used in floors, walls, stairs and columns to give buildings a luxurious and aesthetic touch. Many types of local and imported marble are available in different colors and patterns.
19- Fiber reinforced concrete: Fiber reinforced concrete is used to increase the strength and durability of building structures. This material consists of a concrete mixture reinforced with fibers such as fiberglass or plastic fibers, which enhances durability and reduces cracks and thermal expansion.
20-Green construction: Interest in green construction is increasing in Turkey, as environmentally friendly and sustainable materials are used. Such as heat barrier insulators, natural ventilation, and renewable energy systems such as solar energy and sustainable water.
21-Earth bricks: Traditional earth bricks are used in construction to create walls. Earth bricks are made from clay mixed with water and sand and dried in the sun or in kilns. Earth brick is an environmentally friendly and durable option.
22-Smart technology: Smart technology is applied in construction in Turkey, such as intelligent control systems for lighting, heating, ventilation, and security. These technologies contribute to increasing energy efficiency, improving user comfort and building safety.
These are some other materials used in building construction in Türkiye. It should be noted that this list is not completely comprehensive and that there are other materials that may be used depending on the structural and design requirements of the project. Also, innovations and developments in the construction industry may lead to the use of new materials or the development of existing materials to improve performance and quality in construction.
Each of these types that we mentioned above has types and quality levels that differ from one project to another and from one manufacturing country to another.
It is not necessary to get everything at its best level, otherwise you will certainly find very high real estate prices, and this also does not necessarily mean that these high-quality properties are the best for investment.
At the same time, choosing the cheapest real estate in the market (which is a common case), especially if the goal is purely investment (because the investor will not live in the property), the investor will be surprised after less than 5 years with very high maintenance costs that were not taken into account, and also when a bad reputation is formed about the project itself, it will be Resale of the property is almost impossible.
So what is the solution ?
The solution simply consists of two points: first, choose a professional real estate consultant with real experience in the market, and second, carefully study the information he shares with you (until you make sure you choose the first point correctly).
We talked about the types of materials used in construction in Turkey, and now we will move on to talking about the resistance of buildings to earthquakes, and we start from:
What is the engineering code for earthquake-resistant buildings in Türkiye?
The engineering code applicable to earthquake-resistant buildings in Turkey is the “Building Code for Earthquakes and Seismic Design”, also known by the abbreviation “TS 500-2000”, which is part of a set of technical specifications approved in Turkey.
This code was developed to achieve earthquake-resistant buildings, ensure building safety and protect lives. The code includes many technical requirements and guidelines for the design and construction of earthquake-resistant buildings, and includes structural and mechanical aspects, materials used, and construction methods.
The code covers a variety of factors related to earthquakes, such as expected ground vibrations, seismic loading, and the effects of vibrations on buildings. The level of earthquake resistance necessary is determined by the geographical area and seismic classification of the site.
The TS 500-2000 Engineering Code is part of Turkey's ongoing efforts to improve the earthquake resistance of buildings and protect human life and property. The code is updated periodically to keep pace with scientific and technological developments and new seismic experiments.
Is this code applied to all buildings in Türkiye?
Yes, the Engineering Code for Earthquake Resistant Buildings (TS 500-2000) is applied to all buildings in Turkey. This code is mandatory and covers all types of buildings, including residential, commercial, industrial, government and public buildings.
Türkiye is located in an active seismic zone and has been exposed to several strong earthquakes in the past. Therefore, earthquake-resistant structures are vital to ensure the safety of residents and property. Respect for the engineering code is enforced at all stages of the construction process, from design to implementation and inspection.
The earthquake-resistant engineering code requires special building design and construction, including the use of specific building materials and approved construction techniques. The earthquake resistance of buildings is evaluated based on the level of potential exposure to ground vibrations and the seismic classification of the site.
Local authorities and regulatory authorities in Turkey follow up on the implementation of the engineering code, and conduct periodic inspections and examinations of buildings to ensure their compliance with the necessary standards for earthquake resistance. Legal penalties are applied to violators and necessary instructions and guidelines are provided to architects and civil engineers to provide earthquake-resistant and safe buildings.
Are there specific penalties for violators of the engineering code in Türkiye?
Yes, in Türkiye there are specific penalties for violators of the engineering code for earthquake-resistant buildings. These sanctions aim to enhance compliance with technical standards, ensure construction safety and protect residents.
Regulatory authorities in Turkey, such as the Ministry of Environment and Urban Planning, the Ministry of Interior and the local governorates, monitor the application of the engineering code and punish violators. After discovering the violation, the necessary legal and administrative measures are taken.
Possible penalties for engineering code violators include:
Financial fines: Financial fines are imposed on violators. The value of the fines varies and depends on the seriousness of the violation, the size of the building, and the type of violation.
Construction suspension or closure: Construction work may be suspended or the violating building may be closed until the violations are corrected and compliance with the engineering code is ensured.
Construction Removal: In the case of serious violations that pose a risk to public safety, an order may be made to completely remove the violating structure.
Legal penalties: In some serious cases, violators may be charged and legal penalties may be imposed, including additional fines and even imprisonment in some serious cases.
These penalties aim to make engineers, contractors and building owners aware of the importance of complying with the Engineering Code and encourage them to implement earthquake-resistant buildings in accordance with specified standards.
