For the contractor

Eliminate and protect against termites before building.

Good-quality, solid, uniform masonry bricks - the type the contractor proposes.

Effective sound insulation material.

Waterproofing and wall crack prevention are priority number 1 - done extremely carefully.

Wall bases and door frames (especially in bathrooms) get poured concrete for waterproofing.

Bathroom floor sloped 2-3% (per 1 m) - watch it from the moment of building.

Cure concrete for a full 28 days; protect walls for a few days after building; wet the walls before plastering.

Walls do not crack where 2 materials meet (e.g. concrete - brick).

Door edges plastered straight.

Floors and walls as flat and straight as possible.

Skirting boards flush with the wall, not protruding.

Durable, attractive epoxy grout: clean the tile joints very thoroughly before grouting.