The Importance of Using Quality Materials in Construction

Cutting costs on materials may seem like a smart move—until you have to redo a wall, replace rusted steel, or watch your roof leak after the first rains.

Using quality construction materials is not about impressing anyone. It's about building something that lasts and protects your investment.

Here’s why quality should always come first.

1. You Avoid Frequent Repairs

Low-grade materials wear out quickly. Cement with low compressive strength leads to weak concrete. Cheap paint peels fast. Substandard plumbing leaks after a few months.

This means:

• More repairs
• More labor costs
• More project delays

2. Safety Becomes a Real Concern

You may never notice poor materials until there’s a crisis, like when the foundation cracks or a roof collapses.

Structural safety depends heavily on:

• Strong steel reinforcement bars
• Certified cement
• Graded timber and concrete mix

Data: A 2023 NCA report linked over 60% of reported building collapses in Kenya to poor materials and workmanship.

If you’re building a home, office, or rental unit, ask yourself: Will people inside be safe?

3. You Save Money in the Long Run

Buying cheap materials feels like saving money—until you factor in the costs of fixing what fails.

With quality materials:

• You don’t redo work
• You avoid hiring extra fundis
• You pass compliance checks easily

Tip: Always check if a product is certified by KEBS. Most top brands have a mark of quality on the packaging.

Don’t fall for unknown brands just because the price looks friendly.

4. Your Building Passes Inspections Faster

County inspectors are now stricter. Subpar materials can stop your project.

What they check:

• Whether your steel bars meet the right grade (e.g., Y12, Y16)
• That your foundation materials meet the load-bearing standards
• That the electrical and plumbing fittings are safe

Failing an inspection means extra days, extra reports, and more money out of your pocket.

Isn’t it easier to use quality from day one?

5. Tenants and Buyers Notice Quality

If you’re building rentals or a house to sell, people see quality.

They notice:

• Flush doors that don’t warp
• Tiles that don’t crack
• Walls that stay smooth over time

Your buyers are comparing your unit with many others. What makes yours better?

6. Your Project Stays on Schedule

Substandard materials cause delays. For example:

• Cheap cement can take longer to cure
• Weak timber may not support roofing work
• Bad fittings lead to rework

Delays cost money. Workers demand more pay. You pay more rent while waiting to move in. That’s stress no one wants.

Build with the right materials. Keep your project on track.

7. You Build a Reputation You Can Stand Behind

If you’re a contractor, quality materials affect your name. No client wants to hear that their roof is leaking after six months.

Using trusted brands and certified products protects your name.

Ask yourself:

• Do you want your clients to refer you?
• Do you want to get repeat work?
• Will you feel proud of that project 10 years from now?

Your material choices say a lot about your work ethic.

8. Quality Materials Perform Better Over Time

Good materials hold up well under pressure, climate, and usage.

Kenya has diverse conditions—coastal humidity, Nairobi dust, and western rains. The wrong materials won’t survive long.

Example: Coastal builders avoid untreated steel due to rust. They use galvanized or stainless steel, even if it costs more.

Build for where you are, not where it’s cheapest.

Final Questions to Ask Before Buying Materials

• Is this product approved by KEBS?
• Does the supplier offer a delivery note and receipt?
• Have I used this brand before, or do I have a referral?
• Will I be proud of this material choice five years from now?

Conclusion

Using quality materials doesn’t mean being wasteful. It means being smart. You avoid regrets, prevent failures, and build something that lasts.

If you’re planning a project and want help sourcing trusted materials, Midfix can walk with you, honestly and professionally. Let’s build something that stands the test of time.