When you learn how it is done, house construction can be quite interesting to watch. Houses being construction projects are as different as the projects themselves in terms of size, cost, choice, extent of work, method of execution and outcome. In all the processes of house construction, this remains the same for any construction. The process of building a house is a slow, sometimes bumpy, but generally uneventful one. However, with proper project management, you are equipped to make the right decisions throughout the planning stages through to the end. A clear understanding of every step in the construction of a house will enable you to have your dreams come true.
Since knowing the entire process to plan house construction in India may be challenging for you, this guide will classify all the phases of house construction.
Important Factors to Consider When Selecting a Construction Site
To build a house which will suit your lifestyle, you need to choose the right site to build it on. Location survey is the first process in the design and house construction in India to establish the best design. Several individuals struggle in this phase, most especially when they have no experience in site surveys. When you come to the site, it is not sufficient to just go there, you have to take time to study the environment you are to build.
Location
Knowledge of site location is paramount in this case. Collected information may include location, roads, signs, other features, and other access points.
Shape & Size
The size and shape of the site determines the design of the building in respect to the location. It should be big enough for future developments and the shape should be even so that construction can be easily done.
Access to Utilities and Raw Materials
Your construction site shall be ideally located in areas that are in close proximity to water, electricity, healthcare facilities and others. This will also cut off transportation costs of raw materials that are required to carry out certain processes.
Topography
Thus, the slope of the terrain can affect the design. When designing along a contour, this is quite simple, but in the case of sloping grounds the process can be more challenging.
Soil Type
The strength of your home’s foundation will rely on the ability of the soil to support the load. It is a fact that if the soil on which a building is constructed is poor, then the building develop cracks in due course.
Temperature
When building your home it is important to factor the climate. In regions where it is hot, the design should focus on not only reducing heat inside the house but also in the cold areas, the design should focus on how to get heat from the sun.
Steps for Designing a House
Constructing a new house involves a lot of consideration and hence there is need to plan for it. When it comes to gardens it is not only the size and the design of the plot that matters and the quality of the soil and the number of stories of the building. Here are the main steps:
1. Measuring the Land
It makes it easier for architects to design because they can have an accurate design layout.
2. Choosing a Designer & Architect
Your designer will be with you throughout the entire process from coming up with the concept to construction supervision. An architect should know your preferences while the structural engineers check if what you want is possible.
3. Fee Proposal
Tell your designer that you would like a cost estimate, including any sustainable design features for your area.
4. Concept Designs
Compare a number of concept designs for selecting the most suitable one to use. At this stage, one would look at construction systems and thermal comfort.
5. Final Design
Once it is completed, the design should not be changed at all, because this may lead to additional expenses.
6. Planning Approval
Hand in your final design to the local authorities and get the design approved by the local government. This includes offering services such as; land survey, soil testing, and structural reports.
Best Building Materials Used for House Construction in India
This article explains why using the right materials is important in constructing a good, long-lasting home. Here are the most common materials used in home construction in India:
- Wood: Wood being a strong material has been widely used in Indian construction industry.
- Cement: Used as a binder, it offers the structure strength and makes it last longer.
- Sand: Consequently for concrete, sand is vital as it acts as a strength provider to the construction.
- Brick: Bricks are a conventional material in India and the product has good thermal properties.
- Metal: Aluminum and steel are considered as the recurrent types of material for large scale construction.
Importance of Hiring a Reputable Contractor
Constructing a house could be quite a demanding chore though, to be finished on time you will need to involve a contractor, then you are going to have a list of subs, and it does not have to be expensive.
On-Time Completion
High professional contractors work on the schedule to meet the deadline even if there are some problems.
Large Network
General contractors have a database of qualified subcontractors who can easily help speed up the project time.
Budget-Friendly
They can go for the better deal in the market for the material and employment hence reducing on the expenditure.
Hassle-Free Process
From getting the permits to hiring the subcontractors, your contractor takes care of everything for you thus reducing your worries.
Insurance Coverage
It is important as the owner of the property because the contractors come with their insurance to cover for any accidents that may happen within the construction site.
Fully Customizable Service
A contractor will help you bring your vision to reality and will not construct your home in a one way that fits all style.
End-to-End Construction Process
Every construction project follows five key stages: There are five process groups namely initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closing. When constructing a house, these phases are typically grouped into three main stages: These are the pre construction, construction and post construction phase. Here is the whole process step by step.
Pre-Construction Stage
Initiation
The project starts when the homeowner defines what he or she wants to achieve in the house. Some of the criteria defining the owner’s needs are the location, number of rooms, open space, parking availability, the carpet area and number of floors. This is the legal process that initiates the construction journey and the builder commences work based on these plans.
Design and Specifications
Once the concept is finalized then the detailed structural and architectural design have to be developed. The last phase of this planning phase is the definition of the house layout and the material quality for construction.
Preparation of Budget
Construction is very costly and involves use of a lot of money and materials. The building estimator quantifies the project cost and determines the amount of materials for construction work when the plan and structure have been sketched. This leads to a budget for the whole project.
Approval
The following is a list of the permits that the local government must grant before any construction can take place: the zoning permit, the grading permit, the electrical permit, the plumbing permit, and the like. Such documents as the land survey, soil test results, architectural and structural approvals are tendered for consideration.
Initial Survey
Once a contractor is chosen; this is followed by a site inspection to identify any constraints, space for storage, access and egress, and water and sewerage systems. This is helpful in order to prevent schedule setbacks and unanticipated expenses which can occur when building.
Construction Stage
Sub Structure Work
Site Preparation
All the construction site is freed from roots, debris, or other obstacles, and the ground is prepared prior to construction.
Excavation and PCC, (Plain Cement Concrete).
The foundation excavation is done by the use of excavation machinery in order to create the foundation trenches and bases to the dimensions laid down in the layout plan. Before placing the reinforcement to the foundation, a layer of PCC (Plain Cement Concrete) is installed in the trenches.
Footing
After PCC, the footing reinforcing bars are placed and then concrete is placed. The footings are the first part of the building that is laid and hence need the most attention with regard to quality.
Backfilling
Once the footing has cured, the trenches are filled with soil and compacted, and this is done as described.
Plinth Beam and Slab
A ground beam formwork is concreted and construction of stone masonry continues above the plinth beam. The space beneath the foundation has been filled with soil to support the plinth.
Waterproofing
The structure should also be protected at the plinth level to avoid water seepage which if left to creep in may cause harm to the structure.
Super Structure Work
Column Construction
The structure of the building has columns and beams. The columns are then raised to slab level and the structure is then ready for the further construction work.
Brick Masonry Work
The first stage of masonry work employs bricks, fly ash bricks or concrete blocks in construction of internal and external walls. This is because a cement mortar is used to hold the bricks together.
Floor Slab
The construction of the slab structure is supported by the formwork. When the reinforcement bars are positioned on the slab drawings then the concrete is poured to create the slab.
Post-Construction Stage
Finishing Works
Walls
Exterior walls are the walls of the building which act as a barrier between the internal environment of the building and the external environment, while interior walls are the walls which subdivide rooms. All the door and window openings are omitted as per the design of the structure.
Plastering
A coat of plaster is put on the wall to offer a polished surface. It is usually enough to use one layer for interior walls, however two coats are usually applied in the exterior walls for additional protection.
MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) Work
After the plastering, the plumbing and electrical works are done in the house. Kitchens and bathrooms are water proofed so that they do not leak.
Flooring
Different types of flooring include concrete, wooden or ceramic tiling depending on the client’s budget and the preferred style of the house.
Plaster of Paris (POP) Work
POP is used on the interior ceiling and the walls to give the room a smooth finish. The thickness ranges from 12mm to 25mm depending on the design of the material to be used.
Exterior Finishing
In order to improve the stature of the building, external cladding or other finishing work is done.
Roof Finishing
It is recommended that waterproofing should be provided on the roof slab to avoid penetration of water. Terrazzo tiles are readily used to protect the roofs from weathering.
Internal Finishing
Internal Walls and Flooring
When the walls are plastered the floors are tiled and the walls are either painted or stippled for a more professional finish.
Woodwork and Fixture Fittings
Some of the other services include erecting structures, arranging furniture, fitting of kitchen and bathroom accessories such as plumbing fixtures and electrical switch boards.
Painting
Painting provides an aesthetic ornamentation to the building and also prevents the building from getting stained. This step in particular greatly increases the life of the building in question.
Final Stage
After the construction of a building, interior decoration is done. From here we advance to the business of elevating the house and beautifying it to a comfortable place to live as a home.
Conclusion
It is one of the largest kinds of capital assets and a home is a major lifetime aspiration for many people. Knowing the entire process, from the concept up to the finishing, enables the homeowners to make wise choices.
To ease the construction process that may largely be cumbersome and confusing, Walls and Dreams has a technologically enhanced solution. Being a construction company with its base in Bangalore, Walls and Dreams is among the leading entities in construction of homes, businesses and industries. Through efficiency and professionalism Walls and Dreams guarantees that all projects are accomplished effectively, with quality, performance and reliability. With the app homeowners can remain in touch with the team and track the progress of work at any given time.
House construction in India needs a lot of planning and the following of certain procedures to get the desired results.
