Architectural Guidance

TOPIC 1-BUILDING YOUR DREAM HOUSE IN KERALA
We will explain here step by step how to proceed when you want to build your dream house in Kerala

Step 1: Selection of Plot
If you do not have land of your own either inherited or acquired, you will have to purchase land for constructing your dream house. While choosing land suitable it is better to avail professional guidance to check suitability on account of
a) Soil nature
b) Statutory clearances and other building rules compatibility
c) Vasthu considerations
d) Level of land whether plain or sloped
e) Other architectural and technical considerations including shape and dimensions of the plot
Step 2: Legal Verification and Documentation
You have to verify the legal title of the property with the assistance of a lawyer experienced in civil cases
You also have to make enquiries with local administration authorities whether the land is frozen for any public projects or any other objections in constructing a house in that land is prevailing
Proper drafting of deed of purchase of property will have to be done to ensure that your title of property is clear and without any complications.
Step 3: Preparation of Basic plan of your Building
This is the most important part in the construction of your dream house
A real good plan can make your house real good with most appropriate design, effective space utilization, substantial savings in cost, good appearance
An improper plan literally make you waste the money spent on construction with many inconveniences and problems which you will start realizing after you move into the house. But that will be too late to do anything to improve or correct the damages
Always get your house plan prepared by an expert experienced Architect.
Step 4: Preparation of engineering estimate for your Construction
Costing is not as simple as multiplying the square feet area of your plan with some square feet cost which a non professional builder or contractor may quote to you
There is no common square feet cost for a building. Each building is different in material inputs, work involved, specifications, choices of owner and many other factors
You need an engineering estimate giving detailed costing for each part of the work involved quantified in engineering terms
A proper picture of the expected cost of construction along with various options to control costs should be ready before you start construction.

Step 5: Proper selection of Woodden or other types of Joinery
Wood used for your Joinery (Doors and Windows) are going to be part of your basic structure. Care should be taken with professional assistance to select good quality wood or other type of joinery.
Step 6: Structural Design of the Building
Steel reinforcements and concreted parts of your building are extremely vital for the stability of your building. Never leave it to a nonprofessional labour contractor to do as he pleases. It can be real harmful to your building and its long term stability. Get the design done by a qualified Structural Consultant and ensure that your builder follows it correctly.
Step 7: Proper selection of material used for Construction
Do not go by the advice of material suppliers or traders on quality of material to be used for Construction. Get professional guidance.
Step 8: Electrical and Plumbing works
An Architect can guide you on Electrical and Plumbing lay out for the building along with material to be used and proper installation of electrical and plumbing, fittings and equipments. Even while selecting fittings you need professional advice to choose the best within your budget among various options available.
Step 9: Painting
Painting is now an important part of Construction. It can change the appearance and inner good feelings as well as outer appearance of a building to great extent. Colour consultants are now available to guide you on colour selection. Your architect can guide you effectively in this.
Step 10: Flooring
We now have several options for appropriate flooring for your building. Depending upon your budget the best option for you can be selected with the assistance of a professional. Proper laying of the Flooring material is also equally important to obtain the best results
Step 11: Interior design and Interior work
A Proper Interior design can make lot of difference to utility, appearance and even the
moods and comforts of the inhabitants of the building. Get a professional Interior design and go for traditional Kerala hand carved interior woodden work if you can afford it.
Step 12: Compound wall, gate and other outside works
Compound wall need not be just a compound wall. It can be a designer compound wall adding value and beauty to your house. Even the gate, gate pillars can add value to your house if properly designed and done. Car porch Floor and drive way can be done with designer tiles.
Step 13: Landscaping
Landscaping deal with designing your outer space around the house in the most appropriate manner giving utility and appearance adding value to your house
Step 14: Other services
You have to keep the services of an Electrician and Plumber on call basis to meet any emergency requirement. It is preferable to have the same professional agency who have done your building as they alone will know details of the connections

Our Blogs on Kerala Architecture, House construction, interior design,
Completed works
http://kerala-houseconstruction-irinjalakuda.blogspot.com/
http://kerala-houseconstruction-cochin.blogspot.com/
Work in progress
http://kerala-houseconstruction-vyttila.blogspot.com/
http://kerala-houseconstruction-nilambur.blogspot.com/
http://kerala-houseconstruction-ranni.blogspot.com/
http://kerala-houseconstruction-josephneroth.blogspot.com/
http://kerala-houseconstruction-sunny.blogspot.com/
http://kerala-houseconstruction-cherthala.blogspot.com/
http://kerala-houseconstruction-elamakkara.blogspot.com/
http://tamilnadu-houseconstruction-ootty.blogspot.com/
Blog and Knoll on Kerala Architecture
http://knol.google.com/k/thomas-viruvelil/kerala-architecture/
http://kerala-architects.blogspot.com/
Blog on Kerala life,Politics,travel and on Kerala Architecture
http://kerala-life.blogspot.com/