The need for structurally sound housing in India

1. The nature of Asian continent (Seismic Zones)
2. Quality of Construction
3. Better Services
4. Relief from Disputes
5. The benefit of Budgeting  and Estimation
6. Abillity to get advice on structural requirements 
7. Green Energy
8. Structural Saftey
9. Save expenses down the road
10. Building material that are available and suits the location of the house.

Planning to build a house in any part of the world is a task that requires not only a good amount of money but also a generous amount of time & thought. This also applies to the Indian housing market. While most Indians prefer to come up with their own house plans or designs rather than professional architects, then they land up hiring a contractor to build their house with the best available knowledge which most often than not results in certain structural defects as they are not properly designed, analysed and constructed to last forever. A house is built more with a common practice followed by a contractor who is aware of building materials, like cement, sand, rubble, reinforcement, etc but not is not well versed with the science of building construction. Constructing a house involves multiple tasks but before the process begins at site they need to be vetted properly so that in even worst case scenarios, the house still survives and also doesn't cause damage to the residents. Recent example of Nepal Earthquake is a constant reminder to us as architects and to the plot owners in India to build more stable structures which are designed by professionals and not with team of labour with hands on work experience. Destruction of homes is not only a financial loss but an emotional and logistical nightmare. Below are ten reasons why Indians need to think of hiring professionals to plan and design their house.
 

1. The nature of the Asian continent (Seismic Zones)

While India is a beautiful country, it is prone to environmental and weather hazards that more often than not tend to destroy homes, leaving families homeless and distraught. If there is ever a reason for one to hire professional planners and designers of houses, the nature of the Indian continent ranks highest. The recent earthquake in neighbouring Nepal, the yearly typhoons and floods and many more hazards should be catered for by professional planners as they advice one trying to build a home. Professional planners have the ability to advice one on the kind of house they can build depending on where their property is located. This will prevent any tragic eventualities that affect builders without structurally sound plans.
 

2. Quality of the construction

Nobody likes to live permanently in a house of temporary quality. A house is a long-term investment for the builder. It is meant to withstand generations of habitation. Houses are a history unto itself, a good example being the Taj Mahal. It is, therefore, imperative that the second best consideration for a builder would be to put up a good quality structure that could be relied on for hundreds of years to come. A quality house plan can therefore not be a compromise.


3. Better Services

Most planning and design companies provide package services. Hiring house planners allows one to get other quality services by the same company or by their partners. The headache of having to scan through profiles of contractors is relieved, and one can focus on other issues. Besides, planners will have to produce a well-designed house plan as they are aware that their partners are in charge of the construction. So better quality drawings and details are produced before the beginning of construction at site, so all unexpected shocks are experienced and makes the plot owner aware of the overall investment he/she will have to incur for the house over the period of construction. This also helps in better financial planning for the house owner.
 

4. Relief from Disputes

Legitimate house planning and design can only be done on properly acquired property. House planning and design must first verify the standard building norms so that it helps one to ascertain that their property meets national building code requirements before any construction has started and can be sure of its life.
 

5. The Benefit of Budgeting and Estimation

Many an Indian home owners does come across this big headache when it comes to building a house as usually the overall budget shots higher up from what it was initially thought to be. This happens with and without a professional planner, but if the architect has prepared all the necessary drawings and a proper Bill of Quantities are developed then the same can provide better Cost Estimate from different contractors and this can be used for comparing there rates as well as to come to a reasonable conclusion about the Overall cost that the owner will have to incur to build the house. Apart from a well designed house plan, professional planning, and design breaks down the costs of the house the owner wants.


Many home owners end up either making unrealistically small budgets or failing to include all requirements in a budget and then struggle to finish the incomplete house or start cutting corners to fit it to there budget. This trimming of construction specifications do lead to wrong preference which at times doesn't maintain the structural stability of the house. 
 

6. Ability to get advice on the structural requirements depending on location of the house

While most prospective home owners know how they want their ideal homes to look like, the ideas might not be very sound on the ground. Professional planning helps the prospective owner to understand the nature of the terrain upon which they are building. This informs what they can or cannot do to produce a structurally sound building as well as what other structural alternatives are possible towards making their ideal home.


7. Green Energy

The world is moving to a phase where green energy is the preferred source of energy for homes. A well-designed house is structurally capable of maximizing heat from the sun and storing it for future needs. Only a professional planner would come up with structurally sound improvisations to adopt into making one’s house a green energy booster.

 
8. Structural Safety

Houses are built for human beings to live in. Safety is, therefore, an important measure when talking about structurally sound houses. A good house plan includes the needs of members who may be blind, paraplegic or with any other disabilities. A professional planner will ensure that needs of all members are incorporated in the structural plans. This goes a long way in saving the family money in case of injuries caused by poor planning and design of a house.

 
9. Save expenses down the road

A proper house plans importance cannot be underestimated especially in the long run. A structurally sound house will save the owner costs of repair as the years go by. Good planning and design prevent the occurrence of the typical wear and tear shown through cracks and leakages when the house can no longer support its weight.
 

10. Building material that suit location of the house

A design professional will tell you that a structurally sound house is all about the material used to put it up. India is a country with a varied mix of climate, so a good understanding of the same is critical for design process. An architect knows it well about this and will put up your house with building materials that is available locally and also right for the use on your plot.  A proper house plan will, therefore, point out what a home owner needs to know to inform them of what steps to take to build a lasting house.


Anyone building a house should ensure that they incorporate all the above ideas into building a house that can stand the test of time. Even better, professional house planning and design can produce the home of your dreams free of any encumbrances for future. A structurally sound house in India is soon becoming a necessity, not a luxury as it was considered before so plot owners now need to be moving ahead with time. Paying for a properly done house plan that takes all the above factors into consideration will be essential in making sure citizens of India live comfortably and safely. Besides, the cost of acquiring a house plan now is nothing compared to the cost of repair or loss of homes several years down the line. 
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