Sunday, December 16, 2012

Free Consultation,15/12/12

Construction Material

Query-1

Dear Mr. Thomas,

I was going through your site and found it as very helpful and interesting.

I wish to use sheet for roofing.Which is the better material to use for roofing. What are the things to notice when using sheets. Thank you very much for your time.

Priya

My reply

There is no point in seeking bits of information on different aspects of house construction from different sources and trying to take decisions on construction features and details yourself.It will be like trying to decide on medicines for your sickness by yourself

House construction is indeed a complex affair.Leave the decisions to experts.That will get you better features and will reduce cost of construction

Real Estate Assistance

Query-1

Dear sir

I am based out of Kerala.

I am interested in getting my properties sold as quickly as possible.

could you please advise me how you can help me in finding a proper customer and realise reasonable

Gopinath

My reply

Real estate scenario is a bit dull these days with lots of sellers and hardly any buyers.Real estate agents nearer to the locations of the plots may be able to help better

House Design

Query-1

Hello Thomas,
I happened to see your webpage http://architectkerala.blogspot.in/ I would like to appreciate the effort you are making in helping people in the area of house construction. All your replies have correct points and it helps people like me a lot. It reflects your inner quality and attitude towards the life. Simply awesome!
I am constructing a home at Trivandrum and have already entered into a building contract with a construction company. They are in the process of getting the plan sanctioned by corporation. What I need is a good Elevation plan for my home. My house plot is not a square plot and that makes be difficult to choose a plan. I read your reply where you have said, you should not copy an elevation from another home and try to fit into your house plot. I understand that clearly. I am attaching the location sketch of my plot I purchased. Please let me know if you will be able to help me in making a good elevation for my house. We have designed a home plan that I am attaching with this mail. I would like to hear your comments.
The plan I have attached is the final plan for me. It would be great if you have any advice.
Anil

My reply

Elevation for your house depends upon two important factors

1.Plan of the house.If you have to get a good Elevation,while designing plan this factor will have to be considered.Elevation is actually a projection of plan in the height direction.You cannot get a good Elevation with any plan

2.It also depends on what type of work concrete workers doing the work can do.If I simply draw something and if they do not know how to do it,what is the use?

Plan you have sent is definitely not the best you can use for your plot.As per Vasthu,east facing house should have car porch and gate at Northern half of front side.Here it comes at southern part.East facing house  can have Kitchen at North West.Here you are putting Kitchen at Front side and there are so many other defects in plan.We can do a totally different plan which will also give you better Elevation.

Query-2

Dear Sir,

Please send me the pictures of houses you constructed already, so that I can opt some choices from that.

Let me know the budget range for the same too

Sudarsan

My reply

A Plan of the house to be constructed has to be made to suit your plot dimensions,surroundings,Vasthu considerations specifically related to your plot,your requirements and budget limitations if any

Looking at pictures of houses we designed and built for somebody else is not going to help you in any way.Design of house starts with Plan of the house and definitely not from Elevation of house

I need outer dimensions of your plot in meters(all four sides) position of roads nearby,direction to which proposed house will face to start working on plan of the house.Only after Plan is finalised and soil conditions of plot is ascertained we can start working on expected cost of construction using Engineering Estimate methods.Going by guess cost is not going to help you in any manner

Construction Cost

Query-1

Dear Thomas,

My name is Samuel, I am always reading your blog in internet and I would like to ask you a query regarding house construction before I proceed with the same at Trivandrum.

total of 1681 sq.ft. plinth area. Double Story building. As I am in Gulf now I don’t know the exact rate per Sq.ft in Kerala.

Can you please advise me how much the current approximate cost per sq.ft in this area.

Your reply in this regard will be highly appreciated.

My reply

After reading my blog writing continuously you are asking me for square feet cost construction! I think I should stop writing in that case

Can any one tell cost of one single material after one and a half years? No.If so how can any one exactly predict cost of constructing a house which may get completed after one and a half years which involve hundreds of materials and different type of labour?

Cost of construction depends on at least following aspects

1.Design of the house: Different designs call for different quantities of material and labour.So Design can increase or decrease design.An experienced expert can help you by giving a cost effective design while giving better facilities in the house and minimum or no wastage of space

2.Location of the house:Construction materials cost less at some locations and high at other locations.For example almost all construction materials are comparatively cheaper at Cochin in Kerala.Some materials are cheaper in some other locations.

3.Soil nature:If you have a stable original land,your construction cost will go down as you may not have to go for costly designs for foundation

4.Controlling wastages while buying materials and proper planning of labour:For this you need assistance and guidance of an expert.People generally tend to buy construction materials without seeking help of an expert and it results in wastages and cost increase due to lack of material purchase planning.Improper labour planning may result in re work and dismantling during construction which will push cost upwards

Square feet cost is a term generally used by non professional contractors to get work from you.None of these contractors have completed construction within that promised rate.Builders quote very high square feet cost which has nothing to do with actual cost protecting their profit margins in spite of any input cost increase that may happen during project execution

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Free Consultation,5/12/12

Building rules,clearances required

Query-1

I am Joji  from Cochin I had some doubt regarding the house construction. I brought 5 cent land (square plot) . There is one pocket road in one side of my plot, so while making plan for the house I have to take a 3 M gap with the road. I would like to know there is concession for 5 cent plots? And Can you please suggest me the suitable size of the house (single floor with 3 bed attach) that can I make in 5 cent with these regulations..

My reply

There are relaxations in clearance space to be left while constructing house for plot area,3 cents or less only

Query-2

Please let me know the distance to be set apart from a river for construction

Additionally can we use the set apart area as car porch or outhouse or is it to left plain

Hari

Query-3

I have 3 cents of land one the side of river in Trivandrum only 6mts from the side of river. How to construct a building with clearances. Any Govt. exemption required for the clearances on all sides

Bhattathiri

My reply

As per CRZ Act,you have to leave 50M from river and lake for construction.Exemptions possible are having a building on the same line which existed prior to 1993 or a road in between.For exact details as may be applicable in your area,contact concerned person in town planning section of your local authority office

Query-4

Sir,
I've 15cents of plot at Trichur Corporation area. From the main road, there is a sub road having width of 3.200 M to the plot. I wish to build an apartment at there. Is 3.200 M accessibility is enough otherwise what papers has to submit to get relaxation. Pls. advice .
Regards.
jayadevan

My reply

Contact town planning section of local authority office(in your case Trichur Corporation) with Division No and Survey No of the plot.They are the competent authority to clarify your doubts as in addition to KBR provisions local authority can impose further restrictions and conditions

Construction cost

Query-1

I'm a Chartered Accountant, based in Kollam. I'm planning to built a
house on my plot of 7 cents. I would like have a simple single storied
house but spacious, with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.Before proceeding ahead with my plan i would like to have an estimate
of the cost of construction as per the standards now. I want only a
very rough idea of the cost so that i could make my plans accordingly

My reply

Rough idea of cost which some one may give on guess basis is not going to help you in any manner. Cost of hundreds of materials used for house construction and different type of labour is going up fast almost everyday.In this situation,once you have decided to go for construction go in to construction without delay with professional design and guidance from experienced professional from beginning to end of construction.If you do not have sufficient own funds,go for housing loan which will be financially a better option for you rather than delaying construction and spend more money later for the same house.

Query-2

I am planning to have a house at around 1000 sq., feet in two story. I want to reduce cost at all possible way without compromising quality. But, luxuries can be avoided. Most modern cost reduction techniques can be adopted wherever possible like, roofing, partition walls, staircase etc. Here I am quoting some suggestion to express My ideas. Car Porch can be built separately with corrugated sheet roofing on pillars,

Kindly let me know the cost approximately, to have a 3 bed house at Palakkad.

Girish

My reply

Guessing cost without site visit,without plan,without Engineering Estimate will be like telling a lie.House construction is not that simple to predict cost by reading few sentences on your requirements.Technology is never based on  guessing

Query-3

I am planning to construct a 1200 s ft. house at Haripad, in Alleppey district.
I am having 30 cents of land in road side. I want to know the approximate cost
to build the house. My plan is 3 bed room having 2 attached bath room and one
common bath room, One hall, sit out,car porch, one kitchen and a small store
room.In the the hall only we prefer vitrified tiles and in other rooms normal
tiles preferred to reduce cost. One room preferred in the up stair. What will be
the approximate cost for such a house.
Expecting a reply
Jagadeesh

My reply

Three bed room two floor house with reasonably large rooms and other living spaces cannot be 1200 sft.It will be more in plinth area.Any way only after finalisation of plan any one can exactly tell square feet plinth area.There is no fixed square feet cost of construction as you believe

Query-4

Dear sir,

I saw in the net regarding the Dream home , you are making very good plan and

designing also.

I will introduce myself my name is Ann from Dubai. I want to know some information regarding Dream home.

I am planning to buy one small plot  4 cent I don't have big budget.

If i want to make one house at least 1750/- sq.feet . Total how much it will come.

If you can give me some idea , I am planning to do , can you help me sir

My budget is maximum 15 lakhs to 20 lakhs this it will workout or not

please give me the reply.

My reply

It may be possible to build a house within that budget.Without any data no one can predict cost.Even the plinth area of the house will be known only after an experienced professional prepares a plan suited to your plot,requirements and budget constraints if any.Golden rule in house construction in Kerala is to start construction activities without delay once you decide to construct house.Obtaining professional design and guidance throughout construction will help reduce cost and will get you better facilities in the house at lesser cost.
Other issues

Query-1

Dear Mr. Thomas,

We have a flat in Kochi and when we finally move in, we would like to do some remodeling work of the interior. This is in the future but what has happened is that the person living in the flat below ours started some work in his flat and the person living below his flat stopped the work saying that he was getting disturbed. Now I hear that he is taking the matter to court.

I am sure that there must be some guidelines about the time when you can have work done; say from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm or something like that. Or is it dependent on the goodwill of your neighbors? Please advise.

Verghese

My reply

What you refer to is a legal issue and I am not competent to comment or advise you on it

Query-2

Sir,

I am a NRI plan to start a business in Kerala.Me and my friends are interested to start a construction firm.In this stage we only dream about this.Please advise us how to start a firm and what should we do and whether is there any scope in this field or any risk will come which we cant afford in any stage etc..etc..,We have investors with us.We need a good fame as well as career in this field.Our investors obviously need returns only.Here we have many contacts also.So pls help us how we start this and related to this...Waiting for a swift response.

Zesham.

My reply

Our Consultancy division can guide on this and help you set up your business from beginning guiding you on all aspects of commencing business including legal and statutory issues,providing marketing guidance also.Please write to

vhthomas@viruvelil.com

and fix up date and time for direct discussions

Monday, December 3, 2012

Free Consultation,3/12/12

1400 sft and 1200 sft houses with three bed rooms

1400 sft  three bed room house for client at Palakkad

MURUGADAS-14-11-12

1200 sft three bed room house for client at Edappally,Cochin

seetha-24-11-12

Building rules,Clearances

Query-1

I have 3 cents of land one the side of Karamana river in Trivandrum only 6mts from the side of river. How to construct a building with clearances. Any Govt. exemption required for the clearances on all sides.

Bhattathiri

Query-2

Dear sir . I already had two foot way for my home since 1970. but now i need 4 foot way .Is can i got it sir .and what is the authorisation of way for home.

Rahul Krishna

Query-3

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Building Permit":
Is there any exemption to crz rule for construction a house within 50 meters distance from a nilam,(kandam) which does not have any cultivation since 10 to 15 years.

Query-4

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Building Permit":
Sir,
I would like to construct a new house in my 4 cents land. Its a square plot with compound wall and panchayat road on its west and north.The road on the west side ends to river pumba(may be less than 75 meters from my plot) and my question is that do I need to leave 3 meters space on the west end side ?( My planned house faces west) Is it legal if I leave only 2 meters because that panchayat road ends to the river?
Your valued answer is highly appreciated.

Query-5

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Building Permit":
sir
I have a place 4cent (in 'adharam) ,but I scaled there is only 3.5cent. And there is a panchayat road is in front of my place.I got sanction from panchayath for construct a house in 580sq.ft. I keep 3mtr. distance from 'the edge of taring' of the road to my house.Now my house's foundation is ready(in pillar and beem).Now some people said that the distance may not be from the edge of taring, but may be the border of my place and the road. Is it true? They have any consussion from the side of panchayat? What will be I do?
Please replay to me immediately.

Query-6

Arun Raj has left a new comment on your post "Building Permit":
We are bulding a house in an area of 5 cents. It is nearing completion. I just want to confirm that is there any remedy if the side facing towards road is not meeting the 3 mtrs criteria. The average distance of the same side is more than 3 mtrs, only one portion of the wall is falling short of 3 mtrs. Please suggest any remedy

Query-7

Ranju Mukkala has left a new comment on your post "Free Consultation:21,July,2012":
sir,
we plan to design a commercial building we want to know about set back rules

Replies to all above queries

For finding out clearances required,it is better to approach town planning section of concerned local authority with specific details of your plot like survey No and location.I can only talk of general KBR provisions

Where there is a side with inclination average clearance should be okay

Clearance required is from your border and not from end of tar road.

CRZ rules are applicable for rivers,lakes and sea and not paddy fields

Nalukettu type House Construction

Query

Ann Joe has left a new comment on your post "Nalukettu type houses-Do we really need it?":
can you guide me how the courtyard is designed in nalukettu? what type of measurements are used for it ?I am an architecture student interested in Kerala architecture. What i have seen is that the Kerala measurement is different than the rest . I mean vasthu based measurements for courtyard. There is a typical procedure for designing a nalukettu.
looking for your suggestions

My reply

If you are an Architecture student ,you can meet me and clarify all your doubts after obtaining prior appointment by contacting phone 9388701702

Vasthu aspects

Query

Dear Sir

It is with deep worry i am writing to you....my name is sindhu and am from palakkad.

We have been living (my parents are staying there as we are stationed in uae) in our newly constructed house since 6 years and we have no problems till this time by the grace of god..and our house was constructed as per expert vasthu consultation too...

recently some visitor came and they raised some doubts..

Please if you can clarify my below doubts please

when we buy the plot (10 cents) there was a well on the north west side of the plot and as per expert advise we built a small wall extending from east to west to separate house from the well...is it ok ??

also the septic tank is on the west side more towards the south...

i attach a simple diagram of how it comes.

your personal reply will be of much helpful to ease my worries...

thanking you

sindhu

Query-2

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Vasthu compliance":
Hi I have a west facing plot/house..fully covered.i want to dig a tube-well, i no space inside the walls of the house..the only space i have is outside the walls/house/gate in the west direction to the left of entrance gate....please suggest


Query-3

Praveen has left a new comment on your post "#Kerala House Construction-Replies to your queries...":
Help Needed
ബഹുമാനപെട്ട സര്‍,
എന്റെ പേര് പ്രവീണ്‍ ജി നായര്‍ , പത്തനംതിട്ട ജില്ലയില്‍ വടശേരികര ആണ് വീട്. ഞാന്‍ MCA വരെ പഠിച്ച ഒരു കുട്ടി ആണ്. ഒരു ജോലിക് വേണ്ടി അലയാന്‍ തുടങ്ങിട്ട് 2 വര്ഷം ആയി.പല ജോലികല്ലും കിട്ടി എന്ന് ഉറപ്പിച്ചിട്ട് പോലും അവസാന നിമിഷം അതോകെ നഷ്ട്പെട്ടു..പലരെയും കൊണ്ട് നോക്കിച്ചു ചിലര്‍ പറയുന്നു വീടിന്റെ ദോഷം ആണെന്നും സമയ ദോഷം ആണെന്നും ഒകെ.ഞാന്‍ ജനിച്ചത് (10-10-83,10.05 am Delhi ) ആണ്. എനിക്ക് സര്‍ നോട്‌ ചോദിക്കാന്‍ ഉള്ളത് വീടിന്റെ ദോഷം കൊണ്ടാണോ ജോലിക് വേണ്ടി എത്ര അലിഞ്ഞിട്ടും കിട്ടാതെ? .പാതി പണിത കിഴക്കോട്ടു ദര്‍ശനം ഉള്ള ഒരു വീട് ആണ് എന്റെത് .വസ്തു വാങ്ങിട്ടു വീട് പണിതതാണ് .ഇപോ ഉള്ളത് Hall, sit-out,1-Bedroom,kitchenആണ് . ബാക്കി പണിയാന്‍ ആയിട്ട് തറ കേടിയിട്ടെക്കുവ.ഇനി തറ കേട്ടിയിട്ടെക്കുനത് തെക്ക് ഭാഗം ആണ്. bedroom,pooja room,bathroom ,അതായത് കന്നിമൂല ആണ് പണിയാന്‍ കിടകുന്നത് .കന്നിമൂല തുറന്നു കിടക്കുന്നത് കൊണ്ട് ദോഷം ഉണ്ടോ ? ഉണ്ടേല്‍ കന്നിമൂലയില്‍ ഒരു room മാത്രം ആയിട്ട് പണിതാല്‍ ദോഷം മാറുമോ അതോ തറ കെട്ടിയിട്റെകുന്നത് മൊത്തം ആയിട്ട് പണിയേണ്ടി വരുമോ?ഈ ദോഷങ്ങള്‍ ഒകെ പണിയാതെ കിടക്കുന്ന വീടിന്റെ ആണോ, ഒത്തിരി പ്രതീക്ഷയോടെ ആണ് ഇ മെയില്‍ അയകുന്നത് .കൈവിടില ഒരു വഴി പറഞ്ഞു തരുമെന്ന പ്രതീക്ഷയോടെ ............

Replies to above queries:

1.As per Vasthu there is only one position for well.It is at Esaana Konam,North East.Here also exact position can be marked by a Vasthu expert.If you have no other option but to keep well at some other position,try to cover well from getting view from the house.Septic tank should not be at North East,South West and South East corners

2.Will some body allow you to construct well outside your plot?

3.Just because of House construction your possibility of getting a job cannot be affected.Employers do not simply look for some one having a certificate of passing exams.They look for people who have capability and knowledge to do their job.It is called Employability of the job seeker.You have to improve your communication skills,personality and smartness.Before commencing left out construction portions of your in completed house,try to consult a Vasthu expert to guide on improvements to be done to make the house Vasthu compliant..I can visit your site,check Vasthu aspects of the existing structure and suggest suitable corrections for balance work.

All those who write to me to blogs without their email id will get my replies very late only through these replies.Write directly to me without hiding as Anonymous.Write to

vhthomas@viruvelil.com

Construction cost

Query-1

hi Thomas
appreciate if you could advice the cost to construct 3300 sqft house in trivandrum .
furthermore, can you pls advice which way to construct most cost efficient.
thanks and regards
robin cruz

Query-2

has left a new comment on your post "Free Consultation:21,July,2012":
sir, i wish to build a 3BHK house at ranni, having a budjet of 20 lakhs, if it may possible

Query-3

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Free Consultation,18,September,2012":

Dear Sir,
I have 4 cents corner plot in trivandrum within corporation limits. Can we build flats in small size land. My plan if this is possible is to build stilt + 4 levels. Each level with 2 x 2 bedroom apartments. Kindly advise budget requirements for this project.

Query-4

has left a new comment on your post "BUILDING YOUR DREAM HOUSE IN KERALA":

Hello Sir,

Iam nikhil. i want to make a house in kerala model and my budget is around 20-25 lakhs with 3 or 4BHK. multi storey. I have 20 cents of land. So can you please give me an idea about the design and costing.

Query-5

Ram Murthy has left a new comment on your post "Low cost house construction":
sir, I am in Hyderabad AP. here flats r very costly nearly 30lakhs this is minimum cost.I want to make flats of 10 lakhs for one flat which is affordable rate to the common people. will you guide me in this regard.
thank you very much.
K.Ramamurthy.
Ex-service man.

Query-6

Susheela has left a new comment on your post "Free Consultation,18,September,2012":
What type of low cost building can i construct for tourism in Kumily in a cardamom plantation

Query-7

Manu has left a new comment on your post "House Construction-Queries":
I have a query about construction business, there is my property and I would like to construct flats on it, and commercial property on it,I would like to know,which option would be better in terms of profit
1.)Building it as we make our individual house and then selling them
Or
2.)Starting a construction firm and making the commercial buildings through the company and selling it out.
Note:I have no liquid assets,so I would be mortgaging my property for any construction activity.

Query-8

Varghese has left a new comment on your post "Free Consultation #Kerala House Construction":
dear sir,
my name is Varghese now in Sharjah.i want to make a normal home @single floor ,3 bedroom,living dining hall,kitchen work area,sit out.my plot is square 13.5 meter width,19 meter length,can i make this with 7 feet gap in any side(left or right)width only 13.5 meter.
please give me a reply
Varghese

My replies

1.To Robin Cruz

Cost of construction is not simply dependent on possible square feet plinth area.Even the square feet area will be known only after a professional Architect prepares plan suited to your requirements and site conditions.Knowledge and experience of Architect can reduce your cost of construction by proper design

Cost of hundreds of input materials and labour going in to construction keep on going up everyday.No one can predict cost of a single material after about an year.Then how can any one predict cost of hundreds of materials and labour on completion of building construction which may take about an year?Each contractor does construction using methods convenient to him without bothering about Engineering or quality standards.All that they bother about is their profit.Term'” square feet cost” is simply a lie used by non professional contractors to get work from building owner.No contractor has ever completed construction of a building within the promised square feet cost.Extras and revisions in rates will be silently accepted by building owner who may not even bother to enquire about “square feet cost” on completion of building construction.

Reply to Anonymous persons

House construction is not a simple task.An ordinary person cannot design and manage construction properly.Professional expertise is essential for design and construction management.Fees which you may pay to the expert will not be an additional expense.It will actually save you lakhs of your money and will get you a better building which you can be proud of.Do not get carried away by sweet words of non professional contractors.You will be loosing money,better design,better facilities for building and better appearance for your reluctance to get professional assistance

All those who write to me to blogs without their email id will get my replies very late only through these replies.Write directly to me without hiding as Anonymous.Write to

vhthomas@viruvelil.com

Renovation of existing house

Chandra Mohan has left a new comment on your post "Free Consultation-8,August,2012":
I have got a house with arayum nilavarayum in perathumukku,Puthiyavila PO,Kayamkulam (Kerala) I want it renewed with hurting the religious sentiments.

My reply

To start with, I will have to visit villa to be remodeled and study work involved for remodeling/extension

After the site visit, I will give a report on what exactly can be done on the existing structure to meet your expectations/needs

After the site visit we will give you a report giving following details;

1. Whether the remodeling/extension considered by you is worth proceeding

2. Possible cost implications on a guess basis without going through Engineering Estimate methods

3. What exactly we can do for the work

Based on this initial evaluation of work, using measurements collected from site and your old drawings related to the house if any, if required we can prepare what we call a Basic Plan for the modified house which will show positions and dimensions of rooms, doors and windows of the remodeled house only. This Basic Plan if required can be revised without any extra charges to meet your requirement fully, subject to our acceptance of your change requests.