Construction Tips

Foundation

A strong foundation is essential for the durability and safety of any building. Some key points to ensure a reliable foundation are:

• Conduct proper soil testing before finalizing the foundation design.
• The foundation should rest on firm soil and reach a minimum depth of about 1.2 meters from the original ground level.
• The size of the foundation must be adequate to safely transfer structural loads to the ground.
• The exact location and dimensions of the foundation should be clearly marked before excavation begins.

Layout and Earth Work

Layout refers to marking the boundaries for excavation. Both layout and earthwork should strictly follow approved drawings.

• Carry out accurate surveying to prepare the layout plan.
• Mark trench lines according to the centerline of walls.
• Ensure excavation follows the required levels, slopes, and shapes.
• Compact the excavation bed by watering and ramming; replace weak soil with lean concrete if necessary.
• Support the sides of deep excavations with proper bracing to prevent collapse.

Anti-Termite Treatment

Termites can seriously weaken a building and damage wood. Preventive measures include:

• Treat the soil around the foundation up to plinth level with suitable chemicals.
• Ensure the chemical barrier is continuous and complete.
• Treatment may be carried out before, during, and after construction.
• Take care that chemicals do not contaminate domestic water sources.

Formwork (Shuttering)

Formwork is a temporary support structure used during concrete casting.

• It should be strong and rigid enough to withstand concrete placement and compaction.
• It should be leak-proof to prevent loss of cement slurry.
• Apply a releasing agent for a smooth concrete finish.
• Clean the formwork thoroughly before casting.

Concrete Work

Concrete must be mixed in proper proportions and used within 30 minutes of preparation.

• Use mixer machines for uniform quality.
• Maintain the correct water ratio; excess water reduces strength and increases cracking.
• Compact concrete using vertical vibrators.
• Do not pour concrete from a height greater than 1.5 meters to avoid segregation.
• Maintain proper levels and roof slopes to prevent water accumulation.

Masonry Work

Well-built walls provide strength and stability to a building.

• Bricks or blocks should be laid on a full bed of properly mixed mortar.
• All joints must be completely filled.
• Vertical joints should be staggered.
• Maintain proper height-to-length ratios and provide required bands and columns as per standards.
• Cure brickwork adequately to enhance strength.

Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) Work

Batching, Mixing, and Placing

• Use standard-sized measuring boxes for batching.
• Always use mixer machines.
• Place concrete within 30 minutes of mixing.
• Use only the required amount of water for workability.
• Compact using vibrators without over-vibration.
• Avoid adding water during compaction.
• Limit pouring height to 1.5 meters.
• Maintain proper roof slopes to prevent water stagnation.

Curing

Curing is the process of keeping concrete moist so it can gain strength.

• Start curing within 12–15 hours after casting.
• Continue curing as per recommended time, usually 14–21 days for slabs and beams.
• Use ponding for flat surfaces like roofs and floors.
• Wrap columns with wet jute bags after removing formwork and keep them moist several times daily for 2–3 weeks.

Concrete Mix and Material Requirements (Approximate)

For 1 cubic meter of concrete:

• M25 (1:1:2)
  • Cement: ~11 bags
  • Sand: ~0.40 cubic meters
  • Aggregates: ~0.80 cubic meters
  • Steel: ~80–120 kg

• M20 (1:1.5:3)
  • Cement: ~8 bags
  • Sand: ~0.42 cubic meters
  • Aggregates: ~0.83 cubic meters
  • Steel: ~75–115 kg

• M15 (1:2:4)
  • Cement: ~6 bag
  • Sand: ~0.43 cubic meters
  • Aggregates: ~0.87 cubic meters
  • Steel: ~70–110 kg

Reinforcement Bars

Steel reinforcement is critical for structural strength.

• Use the same grade and quality of steel throughout the structure.
• Prepare bar bending schedules in advance to reduce wastage.
• Use concrete cover blocks of proper strength.
• Fix reinforcement securely in correct positions.
• Maintain proper lap lengths and stagger laps.

Key Parameters for Reinforcement Bars

• Adequate tensile strength
• Uniform physical properties
• Good ductility
• Low impurity levels
• Easy bending during fabrication
• Strong bonding with concrete

Plastering

Plastering protects exposed surfaces and masonry joints while providing additional stability by binding bricks or stones together.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing protects the structure from moisture and leakage.

Common Leakage Issues and Remedies

• Water accumulation on roofs
  • Provide proper drainage and maintain slope.

• Poor construction materials
  • Use quality materials.

• Poor compaction
  • Ensure proper vibration during concreting.

• Capillary action in brickwork
  • Provide damp-proof course at plinth level.

• Leakage from water storage structures
  • Use appropriate waterproofing materials and expert guidance.

Construction Expenses (Approximate Distribution)

Construction costs vary based on quality and finishing. Typical cost distribution may include:

• Design and engineering: 3–5%
• Boundary wall and main door: 1–3%
• Layout and excavation: 2–4%
• Painting: 6–8%
• Flooring: 5–7%
• Electrical: 4–6%
• Plumbing and sanitation: 4–6%
• Bore well: 2–4%
• Shuttering and formwork: 2–4%
• Doors and windows: 5–7%
• Steel: 10–12%
• Stone and aggregates: 4–6%
• Bricks: 8–10%
• Sand: 3–5%
• Cement: 10–12%
• Electricity: 2%
• Water: 1%
• Concrete labor: 8–10%
• Miscellaneous: 3–5%

Total: 100%

HOW TO BUILD A HOUSE

In construction, it is important to prepare a detailed plan for every activity, starting from the cost of land to each individual construction item. Funds should be allocated according to the estimated budget, and financial institutions may be consulted if additional support is required.

Selecting the Plot Area

First, decide the location where you want to live and then begin searching for a suitable plot. Proper soil testing by experts is highly recommended before purchasing the land. Soil tests help determine the bearing capacity and identify any chemical or physical conditions that could affect the durability of the building.

Important Factors to Consider

• Distance from your workplace
• Proximity to transport facilities such as bus stops, railway stations, and airports
• Availability of basic infrastructure like roads, water supply, electricity, drainage, and sewage systems
• Nearby facilities such as schools, markets, hospitals, parks, banks, and post offices

Documentation and Vastu

Before purchasing land, verify ownership and examine all legal documents such as title deeds and land records. Ensure that the land has the necessary approvals and is designated for residential use.

Vastu is based on five fundamental elements of nature:

Earth | Water | Air | Fire | Space

Key Vastu Guidelines

• The plot should ideally be square or rectangular in shape.
• Plots extended towards the northeast or east are generally considered favorable.
• An east-facing entrance is regarded as auspicious.
• The slope of the land should preferably be from west to east or south to north.
• The northern side of the house should remain open and unobstructed.
• The main bedroom is best located in the southwest.
• Square or rectangular bedrooms promote harmony and comfort.
• The living room is ideally placed in the north.
• Kitchens are best located in the southeast or northwest.
• Prayer rooms are most suitable in the northeast, north, or east.
• Restrooms are commonly placed in the northeast or northwest corners.

Building Design

After finalizing the plot, consult qualified professionals such as architects or engineers for building design and drawings. Obtain specifications, detailed quantities of materials, and cost estimates from them.

Construction costs are generally distributed as follows:

• Material cost: 60%
• Labor cost: 30%
• Other expenses: 10%

Selection of the Contractor

Choosing the right contractor is critical. This should be based on market research, previous projects, and reputation.

A formal agreement with the contractor should clearly define:

• Scope of work
• Quantities and specifications
• Construction schedule
• Payment terms
• Safety measures and quality standards
• Legal and statutory compliance

Selecting Building Materials

To ensure a durable and high-quality house, it is essential to use reliable building materials. Common materials required include:

• Cement
• Steel reinforcement bars
• Sand (fine aggregate)
• Stone chips (coarse aggregate)
• Water
• Bricks or blocks
• Materials for doors and windows
• Plumbing and sanitary fittings
• Flooring materials
• Electrical components
• Finishing materials such as putty, plaster, and paint