Beware of Crooks: Part 2

In the previous part of this article, we dealt with the steps to be made before a land was to be bought. In this we will see how we go ahead with building a house in the plot we have and what we must do and keep in mind.

We can build a house engaging a full time contractor or on the basis of labour contract, allotting each job on piece or hour rate basis with penalty clauses or entrust the job to a contractor and an architect under our supervision. In all these methods, we have both advantages and disadvantages. While we can avoid day-to-day headaches for being bothered on every requirement and restrict our presence to mere supervision specifying time limit for completion of each job as well as cost of construction involved in the method of engaging a full time contractor we cannot vouch for the quality and standards of the materials used by the contractor. In addition, every now and then, there will be demand for releasing funds in advance.  In the case of labour contract where we buy all materials ensuring quality, standards and as per our taste and supply from time to time to the contractor we can, not only ensure use of good materials as per our choice but also control expenditure on them. However, we have to toil a lot here and there is a chance of rejection of materials by the contractor on flimsy ground.  If we engage an architect along with a contractor, we can ensure a good design for our house with proper standards as well as the expertise of both. Further one will be watching the job of the other to enable us to decide correctly the right one we need.  On the other hand the building cost will be more and we may have to mediate at times in case there is difference of opinion between them, delaying the completion of the building. 

Image by Concrete Forms via Flickr

After deciding over the entrusting of job to a suitable person or persons, it is necessary to test the soil and water available in the plot. The water should be potable as well as fit for construction purposes. Since for every work you need a plan, for constructing your own house you should have a good plan, which needs to be discussed well ahead immediately after a decision to construct the house on the plot was taken. The architect may be approached to prepare the plan. Nowadays there are software packages using 3D that may be useful in seeing the house after completion in advance. It is advisable to get the plan for not only the immediate requirement but also for future requirements like extra bedrooms, floors, sit outs etc and where to and how to locate them  Mere plan will not do. This needs to be approved by the municipal or corporation authorities or town planners as the case may be. The approval is necessary since you can extend the height of the building later by constructing the number of floors approved or make alterations as admissible.  Send only the plan for the present construction for approval. If allowed you can apply for additional approval ahead for the extension part also. Remember here that the building needs to be not only airy but also should have enough natural light in all rooms. Thus, you need to plan the position of doors and windows. You must also note that you should make use of the floor space to the maximum extent as such provisions are to be made to store unwanted things in a concealed manner so that they do not eat away unnecessary floor space. The idea being that you should make use of the construction to the best possible way as to your convenience in all respects.