Habitable Home Floors Must Not Be Mere Dirt: Here Are the Standards

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - A habitable home must meet several basic aspects, one of which is the condition of the building’s floor. The floor serves as the primary footing for occupants, so it must be strong, level, waterproof, and easy to clean. Quoted from the Habitable Home Handbook on Saturday (09/05/2026), floors are not permitted to be mere soil. Based on the minimum specifications for habitable homes, the floor must meet the following requirements: The choice of material is usually adjusted to the needs, room conditions, and the homeowner’s financial capacity. In addition to improving comfort, the use of permanent floors also helps maintain home cleanliness and reduces the risk of health disturbances due to dust or moisture from the soil. There are five criteria for habitable homes listed in the Habitable Home Handbook, covering building durability and safety; adequacy of occupant space; access to decent drinking water; access to decent sanitation; and good lighting and ventilation. Here is the explanation: The building safety aspect relates to the reliability of the home structure to ensure safety for occupants. The building structure must consist of sturdy components, from foundations, columns, walls, to roof frames. In addition, the materials used must be durable and not easily damaged. The building condition should also not be cracked or tilted. Habitable homes are not built in high-risk locations, such as flood-prone areas, landslides, or near dangerous routes. Electrical and water installations must also be safe and meet technical standards. The adequacy of building space aims to guarantee movement space, air circulation, and basic functions for occupant activities such as sleeping, eating, and daily activities.