Different stages of house construction in India

Understanding the different stages of house construction from excavation to finishing is vital if you want to ensure you are en sync with the construction process. In this article we will look over the 12 stages of house building in India - from the start of house construction to the moment you receive the keys to your new home.

1. Site Preparation
The start of house construction begins with the preparation and clearing of the site. If necessary you may also need to carry out some earth moment and levelling at this time. Once the site is clear, levelled and ready you and the builder will stake out the floor plan on site. This will be the first time you experience the floor plan in reality rather than on paper - a truly wonderful moment!

2. Floor Slab
The next stage of house construction will be to install the main concrete floor slab. Foundations will be dug, caged and poured as per your structural engineers specifications and any “in slab” plumbing will be laid out. Once the foundations and plumbing are ready the main concrete floor slab will be poured.

3. Framing - Walls & Roof Structure
After the slab is cured work will begin on the main structure of the house, this is one of the most exciting stages of house building. In India there are many different methods of construction available and this stage will vary slightly depending on your particular method of house construction: timber, brick, concrete, steel etc. However the basic principle for this stage is the same - you will see the walls of your house rise from the slab and appear for the first time in front of your eyes.

4. Roofing
Once the construction of the walls and roof structure is complete the roof will be installed and made waterproof.

5. External Finishes
Depending on your type of house construction method, the exterior walls will now be finished. If your house has a solid wall construction such as block, brick or concrete this will typically involve rendering and painting the external walls. If you have a light framed structure such as wood or steel this will involved cladding and insulating the structure with your chosen material such as wooden planks or grp panels.

6. Windows & Doors
Now that heavy site work has finished it is safe to install the windows and external doors. This makes the building fully watertight and protected from the elements allowing the builders to start construction on the internal areas of the building which now follow such as electrical work, plumbing and finishing.

7. Rough Ins
Electricians and plumbers will install the required electrical cables and pipes. This stage of house construction is known as “roughing in” as they wont connect the cables or pipes to live sources until later in the construction process. Once they return they will
connect switches, power outlets and lights, but for now they will leave the cables and pipes protruding from walls, ready to be completed later in the process.

8. Internal Finishes
Now that the cables and pipes are installed work will begin on the non structural internal walls, internal wall finishes and floor finishes. This will include plastering, painting, tiling and the installation of finished floors.

9. Carpentry
During this stage of house construction carpenters will work on the installation of any built in furniture such as kitchen cabinets and bedroom closets. Things like skirting boards and door and window trims are also added at this time.

10. FF&E Fit Out
Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment (FF&E as it’s known in the trade) is the last major stage of house construction. Your electrician will come back and install your chosen lights, switches and power outlets and make the system live. Your plumber will return and install any faucets, sinks, toilets, showers and other wet systems. Finally you will receive delivery of other large appliances such as fridges, cookers and washing machines which will be installed by your builder.

11. Practical Completion
We are now at the stage of “practical completion” where your house is essentially complete. You will tour the property with the builder and make a final inspection to ensure everything has been built as agreed and the builder has completed work as agreed in the construction contract. This is your final chance to discuss any issues and have them addressed by the builder.

12. Handover
This is the moment you have been waiting for! It will seem like a long time since the start of house construction. The builder will hand you the keys to your new home after addressing the issues you raised during the “practical completion” tour.

Conclusion
So there you have it, the 12 stages of house building in India. We hope you now have a better understanding of house construction from excavation to finishing.
Remember that this is a general guide to house construction. We are a big country and the stages of house building in India will vary regionally. The method and material of house construction,as well as the builders preference may effect the order of construction.