Building a home is like nurturing a dream and transforming it into reality. But constructing that dream brick by brick is a tedious and long process that requires careful planning and thorough research for successful execution. Home construction in India falls into three main categories: pre-construction, construction, and post-construction. This blog will take you through the step-by-step process of home construction in India, from planning, designing, layout, foundation, and the final structure.
1. Pre-Construction Stage
The pre-construction stage is crucial as it defines how the final structure will be laid out. For smooth beginnings, it is important to involve initiation, land survey and soil testing, design and specifications, and approvals from authorities.
Initiation
Initiation translates to setting the foundation for your home. Begin by asking the following questions to determine your idea and vision-
- What kind of house do you want?- Craft what you envision- a single-storey home with a terrace, a multi-floor house, a traditional design or a contemporary one? Detail out the features you want to include, such as balconies, verandahs, garden and the like.
- How much is your budget?– Set a clear budget plan, keeping in mind the size, materials, design, fixtures, interiors, government fees and finishes. It is advisable to keep a contingency budget for extra expenditure and add-ons that you may include during the construction. Try the JK Cement House Construction Cost Calculator tool to get an idea of the Home Construction Budget.
- What will be the location of your house?– The location of your construction determines the design, carpet area allowed, the number of storeys allowed and the direction of the face of the house.
- Will you hire an architect or a contractor?– Hiring a contractor, engineer, or architect makes the process easier and efficient. Professional advice provides clarity on what features can be included or are feasible and to assess safety compliance.
Land Survey and Soil Testing
Before construction begins, a land survey is conducted to determine access to the roads, the boundaries of the property, and the availability of utilities such as water, sewage, and electricity.
Soil testing is performed simultaneously to evaluate the soil’s load-bearing capacity. The strength of the foundation and the construction materials used is determined by the type of soil the structure is being built.
Design and Specifications
Design and specifications include a detailed blueprint by the architect and structural engineers that provide calculations of the load and materials, ensuring stability.
The key considerations in this stage are- the main structural design or the facade, floor plans and elevations, electrical layouts, plumbing anticipations, ventilation and access for natural light, and most importantly, compliance with local building codes.
Approvals from Respective Authorities
Before breaking ground, it is imperative to get necessary permissions approved from local authorities to avoid legal issues and costly delays.
The key approvals that must be obtained include-
- Building plan approval
- Environmental clearance
- Water and electricity connection approvals
- No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from municipal corporations
- NOCs from neighbours to ensure no damage will be done to their facade.
- Commute of vehicles carrying the materials within the colony/neighbourhood
2.Construction Phase
Site Preparation
Once the plans and approvals are in place, here is where the real work begins, starting with preparing the site and getting the land ready for construction. This involves clearing any debris, trees, bushes, rocks and levelling the land to ensure a clean and stable foundation.
Then the exact boundaries are marked based upon the approved design. Detailed considerations such as pipelines for water, gas and electricity are laid out to make the structure feasible and well-planned. The construction phase reveals problems such as water logging and faulty lines, which can be countered in this stage.
Laying the Foundation of the Building
The foundation of a home is the most critical component, as it supports the entire structure and lays the base on which everything rests, literally. For the construction of houses in India, a pile foundation is created that goes deep into the ground- trenches are dug and steel bars are reinforced, after which concrete is poured to create a solid foundation.
Laying Beams, Slabs & Columns
Once the foundation is in place, the next important step is laying the plinth beam- this beam is placed at ground level to help distribute the weight of the structure evenly and prevent cracks from occurring due to soil movement over time.
A Damp Proof Course (DPC) is applied at this stage to stop moisture from seeping up into the walls, protecting the building from long-term dampness issues.
With the base ready, now comes the structural skeleton of the house. Columns and beams are constructed, steel reinforcement bars (rebars) are tied together, and concrete is poured over them to create strong vertical and horizontal supports. Once laid, proper curing is essential to ensure maximum strength and durability for the concrete.
Masonry Work or Brickwork
After the structural framework, the next step is constructing the walls.
The bricks are held together with mortar, a mix of cement, sand, and water, which binds the structure and ensures stability. Precision during bricklaying is crucial to maintaining straight walls and avoiding future cracks or structural issues.
Lintel and Roof Construction
Next, the lintel beam is installed- it is a horizontal support beam placed above doors and windows that creates a base for the structure above and distributes the weight safely. After the lintels are installed, roofing is the next big milestone. Whatever the roofing type, proper waterproofing is essential to prevent water seepage, leaks, and long-term weather damage, ensuring your home stays strong and dry through every season.
.
Electrical and Plumbing
Before plastering begins, the concealed electrical wiring and plumbing systems are laid out through the walls and floors. While plumbing lines are installed for water supply and drainage, the electrical conduits are installed to connect fans, lighting and switchboard placements. Getting this step right precedes functionality and safety and ensures there are no faults in water and electrical circuits.
Flooring Work
Flooring is a very important step in the construction of a house as it creates the aesthetics and interiors of the house for the post-construction phase. Flooring materials such as tiles, wooden flooring and cement or stone are placed with clean finishing to ensure a smooth surface.
3. Post-Construction Phase
Interior and Exterior Finishing
This is the final phase that involves smoothening the edges of interior and exterior spaces. While the finishing of the interior spaces includes plastering of the walls, waterproofing of the terrace and balconies and installation of a false ceiling as required, the exterior finishes include weatherproof coating, priming and painting to withstand harsh weather conditions and enhance the aesthetics.
Furnishing
Now comes the exciting part! Furnishing a house is the stage where the structure feels like home. Furniture such as fittings and fixtures, beds, modular kitchen and cabinets is set to extend functional convenience to the house. Doors and windows are installed to enhance the aesthetic value. Furnishing is all about blending your creativity and personal style to make sure that every corner of the house is enjoyed.
Quality Checks and Final Inspection
Before officially calling it a home, this last and final step is imperative to ensure you don’t face any surprises. This is why final inspection of the entire property is a must. Only after passing quality checks on structural strength, water and electricity supply, reviewing fittings and floorings, and no gaps in painting and furnishing, the home is considered complete and ready for occupancy.
The home construction process in India is a well-planned journey that needs to be meticulously conducted. From conceptualising and designing to laying the foundation, executing the process and finishing, every step requires careful planning. If you are planning to construct a home, you must ensure you have the right guidance from professionals.
JK Super Cement’s Build Xpert service offers a one-stop solution for constructing a home, through every stage of construction, helping you make informed decisions. Contact us today.
