GharExpert recommends that you hire a full time architect. There are several benefits an architect would bring to the table and the article below discusses all those benefits. It will also tell you what you should expect from the architect.
Why an architect should be hired
2) Guidelines to hire a contractor:
Hiring a contractor is probably one of the most critical decision in your engagement? The article below tells you about the general negotiation guidelines and roles and responsibilities of each party. Understanding what can go wrong during the execution of the project and the basis on which the contractors charge can help you negotiate a better deals with the contractor. .
Through rate-contractor; guidelines for better relationship!
3) Detailed cost estimate can save you thousand of rupees during construction:
Delhi Metro and other projects have shown that if planned and estimated properly, the construction projects can be completed on time but these advanced techniques are usually not available to general users building their homes. Now GharExpert.com brings online detailed cost estimates. Send us your architectural plan and we will give you complete step by step cost estimate for your whole building. This will help you negotiate prices better, manage the funds, avoid wastage and theft of raw material by buying the required material at right time.
Detailed construction cost estimate can save you thousands of rupees during construction
4) Raw material procurement: It may be hard to believe that sand affects the quality of construction as much as the cement does, even though sand costs very less compared to cement. Find facts for all types of construction raw material including its quality, precautions for storage of material, purchasing guidelines and measuring criteria of raw material and the tricks vendors use to cheat a unsuspecting customer.
4.1) Purchasing bricks and cement:
Bricks and cement are very important for building construction. The strength of a building depends on strength of cement. Do you know how strength of cement reduces with storage techniques and it may cause cracks in building. Bricks quality is also much important for a strong foundation. The article below lists many factors that should be considered while purchasing bricks and cement.
Purchasing Guidelines for Cement and Bricks
4.2) Purchasing coarse aggregate and coarse sand:
Do you know how to measure coarse sand while purchasing it and how to check the quality of coarse sand? May be you are paying more for cheaper quality coarse sand and coarse aggregate. Read the articles below before purchasing coarse sand and coarse aggregate and check the quality of these materials to get more strength in building.
Purchasing Guidelines for Fine Aggregate/Coarse Sand
Purchasing Guidelines for Coarse Aggregate
4.3) Purchasing timber:
It is usually hard to determine timber quality if you do not check closely. Cracks in timber may be filled with putty and the vendor may color them so that they are hard to detect. At the time of purchasing timber you should check whether there are cracks in wood or not. Measurement of wood is another important factor that one may not know. The article below helps you to know the things you should check before purchasing timber.
Purchasing Guidelines for Timber
4.4) Purchasing marble stone and granite:
Are you purchasing marble stone and granite for your home? Before going ahead with your purchase, read the article below to know the defects of marble and granite that can not be found easily. The right measurement of stone can also save your lot of money. Click on the link below to read more.
Purchasing Guidelines for Marble and Granite
5) Water Proofing the Basement:
Are you unsure about building a basement because you are afraid whatever it will get damaged in rain due to the basement flooding? A better designed basement can reduce this problem. Read the article below that will help you to make your basement water proof.
Water proofing treatment for basement
6) Make your home weather resistant:
Building a comfortable home that is heat proof or cold proof is every one's dream and simple tricks can help you build a better home! The article below tells you how to maintain an optimal temperature in home during hot summer and cold winters. It will not only help you reduce your your electricity bills but will also make your home more environment friendly.
7) Skylights are beneficial in home:
Now a days, several new construction methods are emerging and Skylights are another method available. Though, architects have been using it for some time, it is a good idea that we all understand it so that we can shape our thoughts around it. Skylights will help you to reduce electricity, and will make your home healthy and bug free. Click on the link below to read more.
8) Cracks in building:
Cracks look ugly and may also be dangerous for the safety of your home. Even if you have provided best raw material for building house yet you may have cracks for various reasons that may or may not be in your control. Read the article below to understand the reason of cracks in house and the solutions to fix them if they occur.
Cracks - reasons and repair techniques
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