Tiles, Ceramic & Porcelain
Tile types and international classifications, reading tile specs, slip and wear resistance, installation, and common tile problems.
Tile types: ceramic vs. porcelain and how to tell them apart scientifically
The real difference between ceramic and porcelain is water absorption, not the brand name. The international tile classification by forming method and water absorption, and how to read it in a manufacturer's catalogue.
How to read tile specifications: PEI, slip resistance, breaking strength and chemicals
A simple, accurate explanation of the key figures on a tile data sheet: the PEI abrasion rating, slip resistance R9–R13 and DCOF, breaking strength groups, and chemical and stain resistance.
Professional tile installation: coverage, joint widths and large-format tile
The most common tile failures (hollow tiles, cracking, debonding) come from installation, not the tile. The ANSI installation rules used worldwide for coverage, joints, offsets and large-format tile.
Common tile problems: hollow tiles, tenting and cracking, grout cracks, and white salts
The most common tile complaints have well-known causes: missing movement joints, poor adhesive coverage, or moisture. Each problem, its cause and its fix, based on guidance from the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) and the Tile Council of North America.
Yard and driveway paving: interlock, porcelain, stone and concrete, and why the layers under the surface matter more than the surface
Comparing yard and driveway surfaces: interlocking concrete pavers, outdoor porcelain and ceramic, stone, and concrete. From the ICPI construction guide: layer thicknesses, compaction, bedding sand, joints and slopes, and the mistakes that cause settlement, ponding and efflorescence.
Tile Adhesives, Grout & Waterproofing
Adhesive classes C1/C2, grout classes CG1/CG2/RG, and liquid waterproofing under tiles in wet areas.
Tile adhesive: what C1, C2, T, E, F, S1 and S2 mean and how to choose
The codes printed on an adhesive bag aren't random; they're the European EN 12004 classification. Every letter and number explained precisely, and when you need each type.
Tile grout: the difference between CG1, CG2 and epoxy RG in numbers
Grout protects joints from water and dirt and decides how a floor looks for years. The EN 13888 classification with its actual figures, and when epoxy grout is worth the cost.
Waterproofing under tiles in bathrooms and kitchens: the EN 14891 classification
Tiles and cement grout are not waterproof. Bathrooms, showers and balconies need a liquid-applied membrane under the tiles. Its types and requirements under the European standard EN 14891.
Construction Chemicals & Waterproofing
Concrete admixtures, bonding agents, repair mortars, roof waterproofing membranes and joint sealants — explained by standard, not by brand.
Concrete admixtures: plasticisers, retarders and accelerators under ASTM C494 — what they do and when to use them
Chemical admixtures are added to concrete in small doses and change its behaviour: they cut water, delay or speed up setting, or make it self-compacting. The seven types in ASTM C494, what the standard requires, and when they help in the Saudi heat.
Concrete bonding agents: the type you let dry and the type you must place onto wet — ASTM C1059
When placing new concrete or render over old concrete, a bonding agent improves adhesion. But the wrong type used the wrong way can act as a bond breaker. The two types in ASTM C1059, and the difference between acrylic, PVA and EVA.
Concrete repair: R1 to R4 repair mortars under EN 1504, and when a repair is structural
Spalling concrete cover and exposed rusty steel are among the most common problems in older and coastal buildings. The European EN 1504 system for protecting and repairing concrete, the R1–R4 repair mortar classes, and why surface patching is not enough.
Roof waterproofing: bitumen membranes, single-ply membranes and liquid-applied systems — compared with pros and cons
Roof leaks are among the most common home problems. A comparison of flat-roof waterproofing membranes: SBS and APP modified bitumen, TPO, PVC and EPDM single-ply, liquid-applied systems and spray foam — and where the thermal insulation goes.
Joint sealants: how to read an ASTM C920 classification and choose between silicone and polyurethane
Movement joints in tiling, around windows and in facades need a flexible material that tolerates movement. ASTM C920 classifies sealants by type, grade, class and use. What the codes mean and how to choose.
Paints
Paint types, VOCs, sheen levels, and paint problems: peeling, blistering and efflorescence.
Paint guide: water-based or oil-based, VOCs, and the right sheen for each room
How to choose the right paint: the difference between water-based and solvent-borne paints, VOC limits in EU legislation, and sheen levels from flat to gloss and where each belongs.
Paint problems: peeling, blistering and white efflorescence — causes and the right fix
Peeling or blistered paint is a message from the wall: usually moisture or an unprepared surface. The causes of peeling, blistering and salt efflorescence and how to fix them as explained by Sherwin-Williams, and why the moisture source is fixed before repainting.
Exterior finishes for facades and boundary walls: exterior paint, efflorescence and peeling, stone and exterior tiles, and what makes them last
A facade faces strong sun, dust, rain and salts. The causes of efflorescence, peeling and blistering in exterior paint from manufacturer sources, questions before choosing paint, stone or tiles for facades and walls, and why moisture is fixed before any finish.
Doors, Windows & Glazing
Window thermal performance (U, SHGC), double glazing, thermally broken aluminium, safety glass and window problems.
Windows and glazing in a hot climate: U-factor and SHGC, double glazing, thermally broken aluminium, and safety glass
Windows are one of the biggest sources of heat gain in a home. The thermal performance figures U and SHGC, the role of low-e coatings and gas fills, thermal breaks in aluminium frames, and where safety glass is required.
Common window problems: fog between the panes, dust and draughts, and water leaks
Fog between the panes of a double-glazed window that can't be wiped away means the seal has failed. Why insulated glass fails, the causes of dust and water getting in around windows, and when replacing the glass is enough instead of the whole window.
Protecting a house from solar heat: roof, windows, walls and shading — what actually helps, and in what order
Where solar heat enters a house and what to prioritise: roof insulation and protecting the waterproofing, low-SHGC windows and thermally broken frames, radiant barriers and their limits, and external shading. With figures from official sources and the limits of advertising claims.
Gates, boundary walls and doors: automatic gate and door safety, materials and fixing, sealing, and maintenance
An automatic driveway gate can endanger children if it does not reverse on contact. From an official safety alert: automatic reversing, the electric eye and its height, the reverse test and 30-day inspection, and where to put the wall button; then choosing, fixing, sealing and maintaining walls and doors.
Gypsum Board & Ceilings
Gypsum board types under EN 520 and ASTM, moisture- and fire-resistant boards, and their limits.
Gypsum board: types under EN 520, moisture- and fire-resistant boards, and when they aren't enough
Gypsum board is not one product. The European standard EN 520 defines lettered types (A, H, F, I, R…) each with its own use. And the common mistake: the 'green' board is moisture-resistant but not waterproof.
Cement board and fibre-cement: when to use them instead of gypsum board, and are they waterproof?
Cement board is a cement-based panel used as a tile backer in bathrooms and showers and for external cladding. The ASTM C1325 and C1288 standards, how it differs from gypsum board, and why it needs a waterproofing membrane over it in showers.
Wood
Moisture and wood movement, MDF and plywood, formaldehyde emissions, and termite protection.
Wood in the home: moisture and movement, engineered panels and formaldehyde, and termites
Why do timber doors crack or wood floors swell? The link between wood and air humidity, the difference between solid wood and engineered panels (MDF, plywood, particleboard) and formaldehyde emission standards, and how to protect a building from termites.
Building pests and termites: the signs, prevention through moisture control and keeping wood off soil, and when you need a pest control company
Subterranean termites reach wood through mud tubes from the soil. The signs, prevention steps around the house (drainage, trees, stacked wood, sealing cracks), control methods, and how to choose a pest control company, from U.S. EPA guidance.
Prefab & Dry Construction
Everything prefabricated or factory-made: ready-mixed and precast concrete, sandwich panels, gypsum board and cement board, AAC blocks, modular, ICF and light steel framing — with standards, pros and cons.
Tracking new building technologies: what they are, which are recognised, and what their performance shows — without recommending them for a specific building
Following modern building technologies, materials and methods: 3D printing, ICF, light steel framing, AAC blocks, spray foam, solar and radiant barriers. For each: its recognition status, what sources say about its performance, and its caveats, keeping technical news separate from recommendation.
Prefab (off-site) construction: modular and panelised, the benefits in numbers, the challenges, and a checklist before buying
Prefab buildings are no longer just 'portacabins'. The types of off-site construction — volumetric modular and prefabricated panels — what studies say about speed and cost, and when it is a smart choice.
Ready-mixed concrete: ordering and receiving it, the '90-minute rule', and why water must not be added
Most concrete for homes now arrives ready-mixed in truck mixers. What the US standard ASTM C94 says about delivery, what changed in the 2021 edition regarding the '90-minute rule', and what to check on the delivery ticket on pour day.
Precast concrete: boundary walls, hollow-core slabs and stairs — pros, cons and choosing a plant
Concrete elements cast and cured in a factory, then transported and installed by crane: hollow-core slabs, walls, boundary walls, stairs, manholes. Their advantages as presented by the US National Precast Concrete Association, their cautions, and what plant certification means.
Sandwich panels (insulated composite panels): core types, advantages, and the fire risks you need to know
Metal panels with an insulating core, used for annexes, warehouses, cold rooms and even housing. The core types (mineral wool, PIR, PUR, EPS), why they behave very differently in fire, and what insurers recommend.
Gypsum board: types under EN 520, moisture- and fire-resistant boards, and when they aren't enough
Gypsum board is not one product. The European standard EN 520 defines lettered types (A, H, F, I, R…) each with its own use. And the common mistake: the 'green' board is moisture-resistant but not waterproof.
Cement board and fibre-cement: when to use them instead of gypsum board, and are they waterproof?
Cement board is a cement-based panel used as a tile backer in bathrooms and showers and for external cladding. The ASTM C1325 and C1288 standards, how it differs from gypsum board, and why it needs a waterproofing membrane over it in showers.
Lightweight AAC blocks (autoclaved aerated concrete): insulation and less weight — and what to watch for
White lightweight blocks are known locally by several brand names. How autoclaved aerated concrete is made and why it insulates, its pros and cons compared with concrete block, and how it should be built.
Insulated concrete forms (ICF): a reinforced concrete wall insulated on both sides — benefits and cautions
Instead of timber formwork that is struck, walls are built with insulating foam forms that stay in place after the concrete is poured. The ICF system as presented by the US Department of Energy's Building America guide: performance, strength, and the termite and moisture issues.
Light gauge steel framing (cold-formed steel, LGS/CFS): a house on galvanised steel frames — what you gain and what to watch
Frames made from galvanised sheet steel, cold-formed into C sections and assembled into wall and roof structures. What the Steel Framing Industry Association says about its advantages, and the key technical points: corrosion and thermal bridging.
3D-printed buildings: how concrete walls are printed, and how they are evaluated
Huge printers build walls layer by layer from special concrete. A real technology spreading worldwide, but still new in evaluation criteria. The idea, the first international evaluation criteria, and the questions to ask.
Conventional or alternative construction? A full comparison of concrete and block, modular, sandwich panels, AAC, ICF and steel framing
One comparison table summarising building systems: speed, insulation, fire, durability, and when each system fits — with links to the detailed guides and sources for each point.
Car shades and privacy screens: shade regulations, the permit, and what to ask before installing
What do official bodies require for car shades? A summary of the Riyadh Region Municipality regulatory guide (shade height, projection, columns, prohibitions) and the car shade permit service on Balady, followed by technical questions to ask before contracting.
Concrete, Steel & Soil
Concrete strength and curing, cement, rebar, blocks, cracks and rebar corrosion, expansive soils and sabkha.
Before buying a building plot: documents and questions — title deed and survey report, building regulations, services, soil and water
Questions a buyer should check before paying for a building plot: are the title deed and survey report ready for a permit application, what are the building rules for the subdivision (setbacks, building ratio, floors), are services available, and what are the soil type, ground level and rain drainage. No remote judgement on a specific plot.
A guide to Saudi building codes, standards and regulations: which reference covers which work, and where to find it in the encyclopedia
A map of the binding and official Saudi references behind Binaaline's guides: parts of the Saudi Building Code (general, electrical, energy, plumbing), SASO regulations (energy efficiency, water saving, plugs), electricity and solar regulations, and Balady services, with a link to the guide that explains each.
Locating and checking a property: official maps, the Geospatial Real Estate Portal, the National Geospatial Platform, and what maps don't tell you
Before buying land or property: how to use official maps to learn about the neighbourhood, plots and nearby services, what the Geospatial Real Estate Portal and the National Geospatial Platform show, and why a map does not replace the title deed, survey report and municipal requirements.
Building your home from plot to occupancy certificate: the Balady building permit, engineering offices, contractor and insurance
A clear map of the stages of a residential building project in Saudi Arabia: before the permit, the steps to issue a building permit online on Balady as the official service describes them, then construction and supervision, then the occupancy certificate, with links to the guide for each stage.
Concrete for owners and supervisors: what C25/30 means, cube tests, and why curing takes 7 days
What does C30/37 concrete mean? And why does the engineer insist on keeping concrete wet for days after pouring? An explanation based on the European standard EN 206 and the US Federal Highway Administration's summary of curing requirements.
Ready-mixed concrete: ordering and receiving it, the '90-minute rule', and why water must not be added
Most concrete for homes now arrives ready-mixed in truck mixers. What the US standard ASTM C94 says about delivery, what changed in the 2021 edition regarding the '90-minute rule', and what to check on the delivery ticket on pour day.
Portland cement types: Type I to V and when you need sulphate resistance
'Ordinary' or 'resistant' cement? The American standard ASTM C150 defines five main types of Portland cement. The differences, and why they matter in soils and groundwater carrying sulphates.
Construction quality checkpoints for owners: what to watch, photograph and request at each stage from excavation to finishing
An owner is not a supervising engineer, but can know what to ask for. A list of observation, photo and document checkpoints by stage: excavation and soil, rebar before pouring, concrete placing and curing, blockwork, waterproofing and flood testing, services before closing up, and tiling.
Reinforcing steel: what Grade 60 means, and how to inspect rebar on site
The grade on reinforcing bars means a minimum yield and tensile strength. The common ASTM A615 grades, and what to check before pouring.
Concrete blocks: load-bearing vs. non-load-bearing, minimum strength, and insulated blocks
Not all blocks are equal. The strength requirement of ASTM C90 for load-bearing concrete block, the difference between solid, hollow and insulated blocks, and what to check on delivery.
Roofs and slabs: the roof layers from slab to tiles, waterproofing and insulation, cracks, and access for maintenance
A concrete roof in our homes is not one layer: a structural slab, then falls, then waterproofing and insulation, then a protective layer. The role and order of each layer in conventional and inverted roofs, when cracks are serious, and what to ask the designer; leaving loads, spans and openings to the structural engineer.
Cracks in concrete and walls: types, causes, and when they are serious
Not every crack is dangerous, and not every crack is harmless. The common crack forms as classified by the US National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, why concrete cracks in hot weather, and the warning signs that call for a structural engineer.
Rebar corrosion and spalling concrete: why it happens in our buildings and how to prevent it from the start
Flakes falling from the ceiling and exposed rusty steel are widespread problems, especially in coastal cities and on salty ground. How steel corrodes in concrete, the role of chlorides and carbonation, and what the US National Ready Mixed Concrete Association recommends for prevention.
The ground under your house: expansive soils, sabkha and the soil investigation report before you build
Foundations are only as good as the soil beneath them. In Saudi Arabia expansive soils cover about 37% of the country, and salty sabkha lines the coasts. The risks, and why the soil investigation report is the most important document before digging.
Water around the building: garden irrigation, AC condensate, roof downpipes, and why it matters for foundations and walls
Irrigation, AC and rain water pooling next to walls can cause rising damp and efflorescence, and on expansive soils or sabkha it can move foundations. Why it happens, what falls to use, and a checklist around your house.
Thermal Insulation
Insulation materials compared, roof insulation and inverted roofs, radiant barriers and spray foam.
Thermal insulation: EPS, polyurethane and mineral wool compared by the numbers
The key number for any insulation material is thermal conductivity λ. What it means, a comparison of common materials using values published in a peer-reviewed study, and how to work out equivalent thickness.
Roof insulation in a hot climate: layer order, the inverted roof, and mistakes that waste insulation
The roof is the part of the house most exposed to the sun. The order of layers in an insulated roof, why an 'inverted roof' with XPS boards is preferred, the difference between thermal and waterproof insulation, and common installation mistakes.
Radiant barriers (reflective foil): how they work, what they really save, and why they don't replace insulation
Reflective aluminium foil is sometimes sold with exaggerated figures. What the Building America guidance from the US Pacific Northwest National Laboratory says: how radiant barriers work, why they need an air space, and how much they actually cut cooling costs.
Spray polyurethane foam: excellent insulation, provided it's done safely — what the US EPA says
Spraying polyurethane onto roofs and walls gives a continuous, seamless layer of insulation, but it contains sensitising chemicals (isocyanates). The benefits, the health risks, and why the building must be vacated during and after spraying.
Protecting a house from solar heat: roof, windows, walls and shading — what actually helps, and in what order
Where solar heat enters a house and what to prioritise: roof insulation and protecting the waterproofing, low-SHGC windows and thermally broken frames, radiant barriers and their limits, and external shading. With figures from official sources and the limits of advertising claims.
Sound insulation between flats and rooms: voices, footsteps and pipes, and why a strong wall alone is not enough
Sound comes in two kinds: airborne, like voices and TV, and impact, like footsteps. We explain STC and IIC ratings, what the International Building Code requires between dwelling units, National Research Council Canada findings on block walls and flanking, and what works in new and existing buildings.
Roofs and slabs: the roof layers from slab to tiles, waterproofing and insulation, cracks, and access for maintenance
A concrete roof in our homes is not one layer: a structural slab, then falls, then waterproofing and insulation, then a protective layer. The role and order of each layer in conventional and inverted roofs, when cracks are serious, and what to ask the designer; leaving loads, spans and openings to the structural engineer.
Sound Insulation
Sound between flats and rooms: voices, footsteps, pipes and AC units, STC and IIC ratings, and why sound bypasses the separating wall.
Plumbing & Pipes
Pipe types, drainage and slopes, water heater safety, leak detection, water tanks and common plumbing problems.
Water pipe types: PPR, PEX, CPVC and PVC — temperature, pressure and correct use
Not every plastic pipe is fit for hot water. The common pipe types in homes, the application classes in ISO 10508, and when to use each type.
Home drainage basics: slopes, traps and venting
Repeated blockages? Smells from drains? Usually the cause is wrong slopes, a dry trap or missing venting. The rules as set out in the International Plumbing Code (IPC).
Water heaters: types and how to choose, the energy efficiency label, and a safe temperature between bacteria and scalding
Tank, tankless, heat pump and solar water heaters: how each works and when it fits. The mandatory SASO energy efficiency label, then setting the temperature between preventing Legionella and preventing scalds.
How to find water leaks in walls and floors: from the meter test to the thermal camera
An unexplained high water bill, a damp wall or a stain on the ceiling? Start with the free tests the US Environmental Protection Agency recommends, then the professionals' tools — thermal cameras and moisture meters — and their limits.
Common plumbing problems and fixes: sewer smells, banging pipes, low pressure and blockages
A sewer smell from an unused floor drain, a loud bang when a tap closes, or weak pressure. The causes of the most common household plumbing problems, their fixes, what you can do yourself and when you need a plumber.
Household water tanks: cleaning and disinfecting step by step, following the WHO guide
Ground and roof tanks are part of household health. A summary of the World Health Organization method for cleaning and chlorinating water storage tanks, how to calculate the tank volume, and safety precautions when entering a tank.
Basins, toilets and mixer taps: water saving under the Saudi regulation, access for maintenance, and common problems
How to choose water-saving taps and toilets. The flow table in the Saudi Technical Regulation for Water Consumption Saving Tools (grades A and B), U.S. WaterSense figures, dual-flush toilets, and why access to traps and valves matters for maintenance.
Home swimming pools: drowning safety, chlorine and pH, pool chemicals, and what to ask before building
A guide for owners before and after building a pool at home or in a rest house: a four-sided fence with a self-closing gate, chlorine and pH levels and testing frequency, rules for handling chemicals, and technical questions for the contractor on waterproofing, drainage and electrics.
Home and kitchen appliances: location, power, water, ventilation and maintenance — washer, dryer, dishwasher and cooker
Before buying or installing large appliances: which need a dedicated circuit, which need water, drainage or venting, how to lay out the kitchen and laundry for maintenance, and the role of the energy label and warranty. Organised by appliance function and location, for the whole household.
Electrical
Saudi voltage and plugs, breakers and RCDs, wiring, bathrooms, common faults and home solar PV.
Voltage and sockets in Saudi Arabia: 230 V and the three-pin plug
Why do some homes have 127 V sockets and others 220/230 V? The decision to unify voltage and plugs in the Kingdom, the SASO 2203 standard, and the safety features of the unified plug.
Circuit breakers: MCB vs. RCD, and B, C and D trip curves
An ordinary breaker protects the cable from fire; an RCD protects people from electric shock. The difference, the trip curve types, and the 30 mA RCD requirement in the international standard.
Electrical wiring: standard colours, common sizes, and how cable size is decided
Blue for neutral, green/yellow for earth, and black, brown or grey for line conductors — that's what the international standard IEC 60445 specifies. And why there's no 'one size fits all' cable.
Electricity in bathrooms: zones 0, 1 and 2, and IP ratings
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. The international standard IEC 60364-7-701 divides the bathroom into zones, each with requirements. And what IP codes like IPX4 and IPX7 mean.
Common household electrical faults: why does the RCD trip? Hot sockets, and protecting appliances from surges
RCD keeps tripping? A socket getting hot? Appliances damaged after a power cut? The most common causes as explained by the UK Institution of Engineering and Technology, what you can safely check, and when you need an electrician.
Rooftop solar in Saudi Arabia: net billing, allowed sizes, and the connection steps with the electricity company
Saudi regulations allow small solar PV systems from 1 kW to 2 MW to connect to the distribution grid. Based on the official documents of the Saudi Electricity Company and the Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority: net billing, application steps, capacity limits, and what to ask before contracting.
Outdoor lighting and electrics: IP ratings, RCD protection, and sockets in yards and on roofs
Yard, facade and garden lighting and outdoor sockets face dust, rain and sun. How to read an IP rating, why outdoor circuits need a 30 mA RCD, questions before installing, and common mistakes.
Earthing at home: the difference between the earth wire, the breaker and the RCD, and why you need all three
The earth wire does not disconnect power on its own, a breaker does not always protect against shock, and an RCD needs a sound earth to work as designed. The role of each in plain words, a worked example from the Electrical Installation Guide, and how to request a documented test from a professional.
Home and kitchen appliances: location, power, water, ventilation and maintenance — washer, dryer, dishwasher and cooker
Before buying or installing large appliances: which need a dedicated circuit, which need water, drainage or venting, how to lay out the kitchen and laundry for maintenance, and the role of the energy label and warranty. Organised by appliance function and location, for the whole household.
Warranties, spare parts and after the warranty: protecting your rights on appliances, materials and contractor work
In Saudi Arabia electrical appliance warranties are at least two years and extend by any delay in spare parts or repairs, and building hidden defects insurance runs 10 years. The types of warranty at home, what voids them, how to keep a warranty file, and what to do after they end.
Air Conditioning
AC efficiency and the Saudi SASO 2663 label, refrigerants, maintenance and common AC faults.
Air conditioners: the Saudi energy label, EER and SEER, refrigerants, and maintenance that saves electricity
The AC is the biggest electricity consumer in our homes. The Saudi standard SASO 2663 and its move from EER to SEER, test conditions for extreme heat, the refrigerant transition, and what the US Department of Energy says about the effect of filter cleaning.
Common AC faults: not cooling, dripping water, tripping, or noisy — causes and what you can do
Before calling a technician: many AC problems come from a clogged filter, a blocked condensate drain, or an outdoor unit choked with dust. What the US Department of Energy recommends for maintenance, and what a professional technician should check.
Split, central or ducted? Choosing an AC type for your home: distribution, ducts, humidity, filtration and maintenance
A practical comparison of ductless split units (single or multi-zone), central and ducted systems, and short-run ducted units: where each loses energy, why sizing matters, the filtration and humidity limits of splits, and maintenance. From the PNNL guide, with reference to the Saudi efficiency label.
Indoor air and dust at home: where dust gets in, humidity and odours, and MERV filters
Dust, odours and humidity indoors have three known remedies: source control, ventilation and filtration. From U.S. EPA guidance: MERV filter ratings, target humidity, the 24–48 hour rule against mold, and when to call a professional.
Evaporative (desert) coolers: how they work, when they help and when they don't, water and maintenance, and how they compare with AC
An evaporative cooler cools air by evaporating water, so it works in dry air and weakens in humid air. The principle, direct and indirect types, water and power use, the need for relief openings, and pad and sump maintenance, from the PNNL guide.
Renovation & Damp
Practical guides to renovating bathrooms and homes, checklists before contracting and at handover, and diagnosing damp walls.
A guide to Saudi building codes, standards and regulations: which reference covers which work, and where to find it in the encyclopedia
A map of the binding and official Saudi references behind Binaaline's guides: parts of the Saudi Building Code (general, electrical, energy, plumbing), SASO regulations (energy efficiency, water saving, plugs), electricity and solar regulations, and Balady services, with a link to the guide that explains each.
Renovating a bathroom step by step: the right order from planning to handover
Most bathroom renovation mistakes come from doing the work in the wrong order: tiling before testing plumbing, electrics in a dangerous location, or neglected waterproofing. This is the right sequence, with links to each detail.
Taking handover of a new building: a pre-signing checklist, the documents to request, and hidden defects insurance
Before you sign for a new house or apartment: what to check in each room, how to test water, electricity and AC, which documents and drawings to request, and what the mandatory 10-year hidden defects insurance covers.
Renovation checklist: before contracting, during the work, and at handover
A practical checklist for owners to use with contractors, and for contractors to organise their work: what to ask for in the quote, what to inspect at each stage, and what to collect at the end.
Construction quality checkpoints for owners: what to watch, photograph and request at each stage from excavation to finishing
An owner is not a supervising engineer, but can know what to ask for. A list of observation, photo and document checkpoints by stage: excavation and soil, rebar before pouring, concrete placing and curing, blockwork, waterproofing and flood testing, services before closing up, and tiling.
Damp walls: condensation, rising damp or a leak? How to diagnose before you treat
The wrong treatment for damp wastes money and brings the problem back. The UK Building Research Establishment classifies dampness into types, each with a different treatment, and warns against relying on a moisture meter alone. A practical diagnosis guide.
A preventive home maintenance plan: monthly, seasonal and yearly checks for AC, water, electrics and roofs
Small regular maintenance saves big repairs. A practical schedule of what to check monthly, seasonally and yearly: AC filters and drains, leaks and water tanks, the RCD, silicone, the roof before the rains, and when to call a technician.
Maintaining an existing building or apartment block: common areas, roof and tanks, leaks, gates, and a maintenance log for the building owner
An apartment block or existing building owner is responsible for parts everyone uses: the roof, tanks, pumps, drainage, gates and lighting. A periodic inspection plan for these parts, how to organise reports and a log, and when to call a professional, with links to detailed guides.
Before you pay for materials: a checklist for specs, place of use, warranty, quantity and samples
Most buying mistakes come from a marketing name instead of a specification. A practical list of what to ask the supplier before paying: the data sheet, the standard the product meets, suitability for the place of use, a written warranty, quantity with waste, and a sample; with examples from tiles, adhesives, pipes, paints, cables and AC units.
Warranties, spare parts and after the warranty: protecting your rights on appliances, materials and contractor work
In Saudi Arabia electrical appliance warranties are at least two years and extend by any delay in spare parts or repairs, and building hidden defects insurance runs 10 years. The types of warranty at home, what voids them, how to keep a warranty file, and what to do after they end.
Yard and driveway paving: interlock, porcelain, stone and concrete, and why the layers under the surface matter more than the surface
Comparing yard and driveway surfaces: interlocking concrete pavers, outdoor porcelain and ceramic, stone, and concrete. From the ICPI construction guide: layer thicknesses, compaction, bedding sand, joints and slopes, and the mistakes that cause settlement, ponding and efflorescence.
Indoor air and dust at home: where dust gets in, humidity and odours, and MERV filters
Dust, odours and humidity indoors have three known remedies: source control, ventilation and filtration. From U.S. EPA guidance: MERV filter ratings, target humidity, the 24–48 hour rule against mold, and when to call a professional.
How to read a contractor's quote and estimate cost without misleading figures: items, quantities, specifications and exclusions
A price per square metre alone is not enough to compare contractor quotes. How to read a quote item by item: quantity and unit, specification, what the price includes and excludes, schedule, payments and warranty; and how to estimate cost from quantities and real quotes instead of internet figures.
How to compare building materials fairly: same category, same criteria, manufacturer data versus independent studies, and whole-life cost
A 'which is better?' comparison misleads if the two materials belong to different categories or were measured differently. A practical method: the same use, uniform criteria (durability, maintenance, performance, safety, whole-life cost), and separating manufacturer figures from independent studies, with examples from the encyclopedia.
Car shades and privacy screens: shade regulations, the permit, and what to ask before installing
What do official bodies require for car shades? A summary of the Riyadh Region Municipality regulatory guide (shade height, projection, columns, prohibitions) and the car shade permit service on Balady, followed by technical questions to ask before contracting.
Water around the building: garden irrigation, AC condensate, roof downpipes, and why it matters for foundations and walls
Irrigation, AC and rain water pooling next to walls can cause rising damp and efflorescence, and on expansive soils or sabkha it can move foundations. Why it happens, what falls to use, and a checklist around your house.
Home swimming pools: drowning safety, chlorine and pH, pool chemicals, and what to ask before building
A guide for owners before and after building a pool at home or in a rest house: a four-sided fence with a self-closing gate, chlorine and pH levels and testing frequency, rules for handling chemicals, and technical questions for the contractor on waterproofing, drainage and electrics.
Building pests and termites: the signs, prevention through moisture control and keeping wood off soil, and when you need a pest control company
Subterranean termites reach wood through mud tubes from the soil. The signs, prevention steps around the house (drainage, trees, stacked wood, sealing cracks), control methods, and how to choose a pest control company, from U.S. EPA guidance.
Gates, boundary walls and doors: automatic gate and door safety, materials and fixing, sealing, and maintenance
An automatic driveway gate can endanger children if it does not reverse on contact. From an official safety alert: automatic reversing, the electric eye and its height, the reverse test and 30-day inspection, and where to put the wall button; then choosing, fixing, sealing and maintaining walls and doors.
A guide for rest house (istiraha) owners: pool, cooling, shades, outdoor lighting, water, pests and off-season maintenance
A rest house is used intermittently and exposed to sun and dust, so its problems differ from a home: a pool needing safety and chemicals, cooling for open spaces, shades and outdoor lighting, tanks that may stand stagnant, and pests. A guide gathering what matters to a rest house owner with links to details.
Exterior finishes for facades and boundary walls: exterior paint, efflorescence and peeling, stone and exterior tiles, and what makes them last
A facade faces strong sun, dust, rain and salts. The causes of efflorescence, peeling and blistering in exterior paint from manufacturer sources, questions before choosing paint, stone or tiles for facades and walls, and why moisture is fixed before any finish.
Commercial buildings and shops: shared services, documentation, maintenance, and assessing services before a change of use
A shop or commercial building differs from a home: higher electrical loads, services shared between tenants, and regulatory requirements that vary by activity. A guide for owners and tenants: what to document, what to check before a change of use, and how to organise maintenance, noting that official requirements come from the competent authority.
Do It Yourself
Small projects you can safely do yourself: painting, resealing silicone, fixing to walls — and when to call a pro.
Before you start: DIY safety basics (ladders, noise, cleaning chemicals, electricity)
Most home-DIY injuries come from falling off a ladder, mixing cleaning products, or touching live electricity. We summarise the key rules from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Washington State Department of Health, and turn them into a practical checklist.
DIY: painting a room step by step (prep, filler, primer, two coats and ventilation)
Painting a room is one of the easiest projects a homeowner can do, and the secret of a good result is preparation, not the paint itself. A practical guide with tools and steps, plus what the US Environmental Protection Agency recommends about ventilation.
DIY: resealing silicone around the basin, bath and shower (removal, cleaning, application, cure time)
Black, mouldy silicone around the bath or basin usually can't be cleaned — it has to be replaced. The right way to renew it, as the manufacturer recommends, and why silicone can't be painted.
DIY: drilling walls and hanging things safely (where cables and pipes run, choosing screws and wall plugs)
Hanging a TV, shelf or mirror looks simple, but a hole in the wrong place can hit a cable or water pipe. Where cables are expected under the British wiring standard BS 7671, why you can't rely on that alone, and how to choose the right fixing for the wall type.
DIY or call a professional? A decision table for home jobs
Not every home job suits an amateur. A table that sorts jobs into: you can do it, needs experience, and leave it to a licensed professional — with the reason for each and links to detailed guides.
Taking handover of a new building: a pre-signing checklist, the documents to request, and hidden defects insurance
Before you sign for a new house or apartment: what to check in each room, how to test water, electricity and AC, which documents and drawings to request, and what the mandatory 10-year hidden defects insurance covers.
A preventive home maintenance plan: monthly, seasonal and yearly checks for AC, water, electrics and roofs
Small regular maintenance saves big repairs. A practical schedule of what to check monthly, seasonally and yearly: AC filters and drains, leaks and water tanks, the RCD, silicone, the roof before the rains, and when to call a technician.
Before you pay for materials: a checklist for specs, place of use, warranty, quantity and samples
Most buying mistakes come from a marketing name instead of a specification. A practical list of what to ask the supplier before paying: the data sheet, the standard the product meets, suitability for the place of use, a written warranty, quantity with waste, and a sample; with examples from tiles, adhesives, pipes, paints, cables and AC units.
How to compare building materials fairly: same category, same criteria, manufacturer data versus independent studies, and whole-life cost
A 'which is better?' comparison misleads if the two materials belong to different categories or were measured differently. A practical method: the same use, uniform criteria (durability, maintenance, performance, safety, whole-life cost), and separating manufacturer figures from independent studies, with examples from the encyclopedia.