Queries and reply-House Construction

Extension to existing house

QUOTE

I am having a one storage house and I would like to add one more storage.My house is of 1200 sq feet and I would like to add the staircase from inside the house.I like to have two bedrooms and a hall.Is it possible for you to give me details about the maximum expenditure that I have to put on

I do not have the plan with me now as i am in Pune.Is it possible for me to know how much will be the maximum expenditure that i have to put according to the market today.I will see whether i could get the plan.

Anul Ramesh

My reply

Lack of awareness on House construction related matters make you think that some one qualified and experienced may be able to give cost indication with the information provided by you.House construction or extension is not that simple

In fact it will be very difficult to assess or estimate expenses that can be expected for a modification/extension work as defects in construction of the original building will be known only when we attempt to do extension work.

A site visit,preparation of drawings of existing and proposed modification and preparation of Engineering Estimate will give you some idea on expected cost.Basically you have to first decide whether the extension planned is essential.Get expert advice on feasibility and usefulness of extension you are thinking of.May be an expert can guide you better on this.If you feel that the extension work is essential and viable after consulting a professional,you should not delay the work.Tomorrow cost can only go up making your plans un reachable

Building House in farm land  at Mala

QUOTE

Have plot in mala. Interested in building house of 1500-2000 sq. ft. Can
you give me ideas as to cost and designs.  For 2 people, no children,
to be used on part time basis. Large rooms desired and small 2 bedrooms
for guest. Even a small plunge pool, 10-12 ft. on back deck. Live in us
in architect designed house and love it.  Can you help? Await your
reply. 

Everette Crotts,

johns island, .
USA

UNQUOTE

I have visited this plot in an interior location away from Mala.There is no proper road reaching the plot even from a small panchayath road.About 30 cents of land with lot of Jathi trees reaching high yield condition.USA based Mr.Crotts has spent money and purchased this land about an year in the name of a school teacher  staying nearby.For all practical purposes the local teacher is using and having land as his own.According to neighbour he will get about Rs.80,000/- per year from Jathi trees.
Mr.Crotts who spent for purchase of land has no legal right on the land as per records.So I advised him not to spent any more money in the land.Place is not ideal for use to put up a vacation house.Cutting down Jathi trees in plot for construction now will be foolishness

So I advised him to sell the property at higher market value prevailing if his local teacher associate is willing to co operate and hand over proceeds of sale to him

Changing Flooring of the house

QUOTE

We have been living in our twenty year old house and its flooring is done with red oxide. Now I am planning to put tiles on the floor and the total area comes around 1000 sq.ft. I am looking for a medium budget plan. Can you give me the cost of ceramic tiles and granite tiles separately for my house? According to your opinion which one is best suitable for my house.

  Also can you give me the cost per square feet for chipping the floor, cost for laying tiles and the material cost(means cement, sand etc.) separately?

Waiting for your reply.

Regards,

Harikumar

My reply

There is no need to chip off existing floor.You can use tile adhesive instead of cement sand mix(mortar) to fix tiles.It is better to use anti skid tiles with better  strength,elegant colour and finish costing about Rs.70 per sft.Both NITCO and Johnson are manufacturing these tiles now.NITCO is calling it as Naturoc tiles

Construction queries and replies

LOW COST HOUSE

QUOTE

Dear Mr.Thomas,
 
II have a 5.5 cents plot of land near Mangalore. For the past couple of years, it has become an obsession to build a small traditional type house  of 1100 to 1200 sq.ft on a small budget - 8 to 10 lakhs at the most - using durable but cheaper building material.. Red oxide or Kadappa flooring instead of granite , use of lime mixture instead of concrete etc. I  accidentally came across your blog when I was doing research on the net to realise my dream. Could you advise me if it is possible to build such a house within the budget I have mentioned?

Thanking you in advance,
 
Best regards,
Vishwanath

My reply

Many people have this thinking that by changing flooring material cost of construction can be reduced.Most important cost reduction can be achieved only if you can get most appropriate plan of the house meeting your requirements,budget,avoiding wastage of space and with proper engineering and professional guidance from beginning to end of construction at every stage.

Yesterday I went to visit a house under construction at Thiruvalla.Plan of the house is simply hopeless with wastage of space, improper planning and everything done in a hopeless manner.Plumbing and Electrical work are done by some one who do not know anything about latest technology in these areas ..No professional guidance and every bit of work is done in a manner resulting in colossal waste of money producing inconveniences improper quality and much more.No body can do anything to improve that house construction which might have spent more than a crore.Owner of the house has called me to suggest improvements at this final stage.I said I am helpless to do anything or suggest anything at this stage .

All these simply because owner of house did not bother to get a qualified experienced person to get most appropriate plan of the house and professional guidance during construction.A contractor who have taken up the work on square feet basis has done the work with a simple objective of making profit.No proper structural or architectural design,No plumbing ,electrical expertise used.Finally entire money on construction is simply wasted resulting in a house about which man who spent money can only cry for ever.

If you ask him probably he would not have paid anything to an Architect or Engineer.Square feet cost  contractor would have given that attractive offer of free plan and no professional charges.By saving those pennies he lost pounds in plenty.

Unless I know what exactly you need in the house,prepare the plan of the house there is no way to predict cost of house.If you have only Rs.8 lakhs with you let your Architect decide what you can get with that Rs.8 lakhs.If your requirements for the house cannot be met by spending Rs.8 lakhs ,you should be willing to arrange house loan.Postponing construction due to lack of funds now will only lead you to a situation where construction simply will not be possible due to continuous price rise.

MINIMALISTIC DESIGN

QUOTE

My queries are on Minimalistic Designs.

I am staying in Bangalore, and here i had a chance to visit some of the apartments. I saw the usage of Glass walls, Ceramic fritted glass splashes and glass shower enclosure
Are these available in Kerala?
What is the estimated cost?

I liked it as it makes the room modern and spacious.Especially when it replaces the walls around kitchen, dining room and main hall with glass fitted partitions.

near Kannur i am constructing a new house.

I have found a design from internet and modified a bit. It does not have the details but would like achieve something like that
I am attaching it.
For the partitions i am looking forward for glass walls or stuffs like that.
Please send me an update about the design.
I have a land about 14 cent.

Sharmila

My reply

As a professional with experience in the field I cannot recommend or support your piece meal attitude like taking plan from a website,modifying it by yourself and enquiring about interior part House construction is not that simple can give proper guidance and suggestions only if I can visit site and study the matter in detail

I can give detailed report after visit

It will be difficult for me to advise you without studying the case in detail

Partition walls can be done with material other than brick or similar material.Again this has to be decided by the Architect to suit the work after considering every related aspects.Hence I cannot comment on suitability of different type of materials for partition walls in your case

BUILDING APARTMENTS

QUOTE

Hi Mr.Thomas,

My name is Robin and I am planning to build a house/few apartments.. The Plot is 20 cents in Kattappana.Within 2 KM. May I know whether I can build 6 apartments in 3 floors in that plot..Otherwise I may have to think about building a house ..

Pl let me know..Robin Thomas

My reply

See,I cannot give a proper answer just by reading few lines sent by you.I have to visit site,study site conditions and about your budget limitations if any.Then only a reply  can be given

Queries and replies -House construction

ROOF CRACKING AFTER TWO YEARS

QUOTE

Dear Mr Thomas,
 
I am Col.Ganapathy retired from the Indian Army and recently got a old house in a village called Aylur next to Nemmara. I got the roof done and this is my second year and it has developed two cracks. Can you suggest the best method by which I can seal this leakage. This is a independent house, not attached with any village houses.
 
Thanking you
 
Col.A.R.Ganapathy

My reply

Concreted roof developing crack after two year  can only be due to improper reinforcement work and improper laying of  reinforcement and concrete.Nothing much can be done to improve structural stability of concrete roof at this stage.As a temporary solution,injecting of chemicals to seal gap can be tried.Check whether agencies doing similar work available near your place

To comment on exact nature of the problem,I will have to visit site.What I have written above is based on my assumptions on problem faced by you and it cannot be a proper professional reply to your problem

CHECKING UP PLAN PREPARED BY LOCAL MAN

QUOTE

  I will introduce myself and my dreams. I am a computer hardware and software business man in UAE, having very nominal profits. I believe the concept of Nalukettu and the landscape will always provide positive energy. Because of that reason I finalized with this concept.

I am staying in a village known as Karikodu around 30 km away from Ernakulum town and I have 1.5 acre property lying in 4 cuts.  From the main road, one panchayath road towards down. If we come through that my plot is on our right side along with the panchayath road. This road is from north to south. I am planning to built my home facing towards the road (east) and it should be little far away from the road.

There is a local designer done the site visit and made a plan according to that. But its much expensive and not come up to my  views.

I like one economic plan similar to below mentioned which I am sending just  for your reference.

Checkout below mentioned plan, which I created with my ideas. According to this plan there is 2 car Porch. And in the upstairs I need 2 bedroom and balcony on top of the side car porch. 

SHIJU

My reply

Your local person may not be quite qualified and experienced.Preparing best plan of the house is the most critical part of house building

Builders prepare plan of the house mainly considering profitability and such a plan also may not be suitable or the best possible for you

In the plan sent by you there is a bed room at South East.As per Vasthu it is not good.Stair case is provided with old fashioned arrangement of U shape which creates wastage of space and it also avoid stair case becoming a show piece in the house.Positioning of stair inside also will cause darkness in the area, As per Vasthu there cannot be toilet at south West.Considering all these a revised plan is required for you.

PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE FOR AFTER STRUCTURE WORK

QUOTE

I am a NRI, working in Saudi Arabia.

Currently I am constructing a 2500 Square Feet, two storied residential house at Changanacherry Town near Railway Station. I had given a contract to construct the structure only, and the work is progressing well and is expected to be completed by the 1st week of March 2011.

I am looking for a professional (architect/designer) who can assist me to accomplish the remaining work which are listed below.

How can you help me? are you interested? please let me know by return email as soon as possible explaining clearly your terms and conditions.

Shaji Rawother

Saudi Arabia

My reply

I can act as consultant for the works indicated by you and also provide our workmen if you require our direct involvement for the work

It will be good if I can visit the site and assess work already done and suggest improvements/modifications possible at this stage.
I will guide you on work to be done and will give you options based on latest trends and technology at minimum cost

House renovation in Kerala for US based NRI

QUOTE

Hi Mr.Thomas, accidentally saw your website and was impressed. I  have a question for you. I have a house in Mavelikara that belonged to my father and the house is  in good condition. However there is some work needed on the house. We are settled in U.S. and do not have reliable relatives in Kerala to guide us. So your website seemed like a Godsend. If we proceed with you are you able to see and estimate the amount of work and budget needed to upgrade the house. This house sits on a very small plot and my only goal is to make it livable for vacations without much upkeep. Do you have regional subcontractors or branches that can help you complete the work  in Mavelikara? Hoping for a reply,

Elizabeth

My reply

I cater to mostly NRIs who have practically no one to take care of their building related affairs and I keep them posted with info and pictures through blogs specifically created for a particular client and site

I will have to visit your house at Mavelikkara, take measurements,study in detail.Then I will advise you how we can go about it.I can send workers and experts from Cochin if required for doing the work

Queries and reply-House Design and Construction

NEW HOUSE DESIGN

QUOTE

I’m looking for a four bedroom (2+2 up&down) home plans & elevations:
 
-          All b/rooms are with attached bathroom+dressing area.
-          Kitchen + W/A
-          Family living with Dining area
-          Between 2200 to 2500 Sq.ft
-          Budget Rs. 30 to 35 lakh.
-          Location: at Tirur – Malappuram dist.
 
I would appreciate if you could send me a reply immediately in detail, since I’m planning to start the works from April/May 2011. 
 
Shameer Babu

My reply

House design and construction require professional assistance and guidance.Plan will have to be designed specifically suiting your plot,requirements and Vasthu factors related to your plot.Just any House plan and Elevation will not suit your requirements and plot dimensions and other parameters peculiar to your plot

HOUSE CONSTRUCTION AT KOLLAM

QUOTE

Dear Mr. Thomas,
Myself, Lal, accidently come to your website. Can you please tell me about your office location and address in Kollam if available. Dou you construct home in Kollam district for 15 lakhs budget home?
Regards
Lal

My reply

We do not have office at Kollam.In fact such an office is not required as our Cochin office can handle work at Kollam
We can do design of house and if you can get local contractor we can give complete details and monitoring of work.At present cost level you can probably construct a two bed room house with Rs.15 lakhs

BUILDING A HOUSE AS PER PICTURE SEEN

QUOTE

Dear Thomas,

My name is Jose Rathappillil, residing in Florida, US. I am thinking of building a home in my ancestral property, which is located at Kalloorkad, Kerala. The kind of house I have in mind is a two storied, traditional with modern amenities, with 8-10 bed rooms & about 5-6000 sft. This house will be situated at the north - eastern corner of a 5 acre property. The home site will have about .75 acres & facing north. This site has road frontage on its northern & eastern sides.

I will be visiting Kerala in early May & would like to meet you & discuss about this project. If you are interested please let me know. I am also attaching a picture of a house which I have found in the news paper. I very much like the design of this house.

My reply

Trying to build a house similar to picture of house you have seen in a website is fine.But what if you can bet a still better design and better house?

Your requirements,budget and plot conditions need not necessarily match with the picture of house you have seen.Even Vasthu factors will change from place to place

Hence it is always better to design your house from beginning after a site visit by me

CHECKING PLAN PREPARED

QUOTE

Dear Mr. Thomas,
 
I am constructing a house in Kannur Dt.  The drawings are attached.  Plot 1 is our land in the sketch.  Your kind advise on the plan will be highly appreciated.
 
Saleem P K

My reply

On a quick check,I can make following comments
1.Car porch at South East is not good as per Vasthu
2.Bed room at North east not good
3.Stair case are light is covered with that outside toilet
4.One bed room alone at Ground Floor is not good.Keep the bed room at south west side
5.Spiral stair case and court yard will add to cost
6.Court yard open only to Sit out portion.It should be visible to living and Dining
7.Toilet near bed too small with 150 cm width
8.Ladies room is too narrow.Make it bigger convert to Family Living area
9.With that large sit out you do not have to waste space in front of drawing room.Merge it with living
10.With modern modular Kitchen you do not need Store.Add it to Kitchen
11.Bed room size too small for such a house
12.Dining room is far away from Kitchen.It will create difficulty
Over all I think the plan is highly improper and will lead to wastage of your money if house constructed like this.

I can give you a revised plan which will reduce cost and increase utility

CHECKING UP PLAN AGAIN

QUOTE

Dear Thomas,
Please see the attached drawing and the plot details.
 
I want to keep the house under 3000Sqft , so there is no car porch ,
The porch is planned to be built later beside the house.
Also, I had wanted all rooms to have good sunlight and air flow.
 
Do you think, the plan is a good one or require changes ?
 
Aji Kumar

My reply

Plan require not simply few changes but total revision
Even though drawing quality is good professional design and Vasthu compliance are missing.For a three bed room house,you do not require 3000 sft.By properly redesigning the plan,you can get better design with lesser cost of construction

COST INDICATION REQUIRED

QUOTE

As i emailed u before we  need a 2000 sq feet house , includes  car porch , veranda , lounge, dining area , prayer room (small), modern kitchen, working kitchen, store room, veranda out side kitchen , 4 attached bed rooms -2 in each floor

Upstairs 2 bed  room , a family space, balcony  , could u please tell me how much is the cost if u will design and build a house for us, waiting for your reply

Resmi

My reply

All that requirement cannot be made within 2000 sft plinth area.You will have to go for at least 2500 sft
Cost can be worked out only after preparation of plan of the house
Where do you intend to construct house?
First step in construction of house  is preparation of Basic Plan of the house
Site visit  before preparing plan will be better though plan can be prepared if you can give complete measurements of all four sides of plot, directions of each side and positions of roads near plot.
If you are interested, I can give you charges for site visit and Basic Plan preparation fees

Queries and reply-28,March,11

CHAIR USED BY KARANAVAR OF HOUSE

QUOTE

Hi Thomas, 
Went thru your knol... http://knol.google.com/k/kerala-architecture#
Very interesting. I wanted to know one thing..
 
Poomukham
It is where you enter the house climbing up steps in the front. Traditionally it has a slope tiled roof with pillars supporting roof. Sides are open. In the earlier days, the Head of the family called Karanavar used to sit here in a reclining chair with thuppal kolambi (Spittoon) by the side of chair. This chair will have long rails on either side where the Karanavar will keep his legs raised for comfortable rest
Can you please tell me if there is a name for this chair – any specific name and where can you buy it from. IF an online purchase is possible. Will be a great favour. Thanks a ton.
 
Regards,
Snimarjyot Kochhar

My reply

This reclining chair is used in almost all Kerala houses by the elderly. It has long armrests which can also be used as leg rest.Probably you can make a chair like this  and may not be available for buying from a shop

MINIMUM CENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSE

QUOTE

Mr. Thomas,
Could you please tell me the minimum size of plot for getting sanction to construct a new house (in cents)?
Thanks in advance!

Abhilash

My reply

There is no such minimum cents.You will get lot of concessions on building rules if your plot is less than 3 cents

COST FOR PLAN OF HOUSE DOWNLOADED FROM WEB

QUOTE

Dear Sir,

I have attached one Plan (downloaded form internet) almost what will be the cost of the house.

Walls : Laterites bricks

Floor :Red Oxide

Place of building is Kasargod.

Windows : Cement Frames etc.

Roofing RCC

I mean low cost.

Can you give your valuable advice and app cost.
--

Regards
Sean Mathew

My Reply

I do not know any method by which some one can tell cost of house just by seeing a plan downloaded from web

First of all plan downloaded plan may not suit your plot dimensions and Vasthu factors also

We can take Engineering Estimate using the plan and give approximate cost indication.But charges will be applicable for preparation of Engineering Estimate

HOUSE ABOVE 3000 sft PLINTH AREA

QUOTE

Sir,
I am vineeth planning to build a home of about 3400 sq.ft including 4
bed rooms with bath attached,2 living rooms,dining room,kitchen work
area,store...my estimated budget is 48 lakhs...is it sufficient for
this home..how i can reduce the cost..and one problem is my friend
told me that..if we build a home of more than 3000 sq.ft then there is
chance for income tax problems civil case...what all precautions i
want to take for avoiding this...

vineeth

My reply

There will be no income tax problem if you build house above 3000 sft.Naturally you will have to keep your accounts proper for income tax verification if any.

For building your house you will have to go step by step with professional guidance and assistance from beginning to end

HOUSE CONSTRUCTION WITHOUT COMPYING WITH BUILDING RULES

QUOTE

My house construction has been finished 12 months ago but I haven't got the house number yet as the work is not comply with KMBR. The contractor did not put enough space in the front and side yards. On one side it is only 70 cm and the neighbour complained to the authority; so the building needs some structural remodeling. Can this be possible at all please.
This house is 2000 sq.ft. 3 bed rooms. 2 floors.

It would be really helpful if you could advice me please.

Many thanks,
S. George
Manchester

My Reply

If you violate building rules,you may have to demolish that portion of building which violates rules at your cost.

When building your house why not go for professional services instead of depending upon non professional contractors whose only motive is making money.They will misguide you throughout construction taking advantage of your ignorance.They will promise low rates initially to get work and will compromise on critical work by saving both material and labour to increase profit.Finally you will be forced to spend more to get a house with all sorts of problems which you will be able to understand only after construction is over.Then it will be too late to do anything  to correct or modify

Queries and replies-House remodeling,construction

REMODELLING OF EXISTING HOUSE

QUOTE

Dear Thomas, I went through your blog and found you are providing advice for the above mentioned subject. I am from Chengannur, exactly Perissery, I want to renew my existing house. My plan is to convert the existing kitchen to modular one, to make a sitting out, to remove the 15 yr old mosaic flooring and to put tiles and other small associated jobs.
 
My main issue is I am not aware of any good contractors who can do this job perfectly and that should worth the money I spend. At present my father and mother are staying in the same house. I hope you can understand my needs, kindly give me advice and reference if available regarding a dependable contractor.
 
Thank you for your valuable time and waiting for the reply.
 
Thanks and regards,
Viju M Varghese.

My reply

All the work indicated by you can be done by us directly  with our expert workers.Best quality material for the work can be arranged from Cochin
If you require an approximate Estimate and my suggestions on the work to be done I can give it after site visit.

SLOPE SUNSHADE OR FLAT SUNSHADE

QUOTE

Dear Sir,

How are you? I got your ID from Facebook.

I am from Koottanad near Pattambi working at Qatar.
My house construction is under progress at native (a small one)
Give me suggestion regarding side concreting after Lintel, whether slop or straight is better. My Engineer given two designs for the roof side concreting. I am sending you the same.

hope you will give valuable suggestion

Santhosh MB
Qatar

My reply

Slope sunshade will give better look to the house.But it should be placed at 255 cm height from ground level of building
If you need i can visit site and give necessary guidance.

FARM HOUSE AT VISHAKHA PATINAM

QUOTE
Hello,

I am planning  to build precast farm house  ( 2 bed room )  in Visakhapatnam please  advise how u can  help me in this issue

Jetti

My reply

For your Vishakhapatnam property we can provide complete design details.For construction you have to engage local contractor.

NEW HOUSE AT KALLOORKAD

QUOTE

Dear Thomas,

My name is Jose Rathappillil, residing in Florida, US. I am thinking of building a home in my ancestral property, which is located at Kalloorkad, Kerala. The kind of house I have in mind is a two storied, traditional with modern amenities, with 8-10 bed rooms & about 5-6000 sft. This house will be situated at the north - eastern corner of a 5 acre property. The home site will have about .75 acres & facing north. This site has road frontage on its northern & eastern sides.

I will be visiting Kerala in early May & would like to meet you & discuss about this project. If you are interested please let me know. I am also attaching a picture of a house which I have found in the news paper.  
Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Jose Rathappillil

My reply

A house suited to your requirements,plot,vasthu factors environment around your land will have to be specifically designed.In fact there are much better elevations done by us as can be seen from Facebook pictures loaded
Before starting design of the house I would prefer to visit the plot
 
First step in construction of house  is preparation of Basic Plan of the house
Site visit  before preparing plan will be better though plan can be prepared if you can give complete measurements of all four sides of plot, directions of each side and positions of roads near plot.

CHECKING UP PLAN PREPARED

QUOTE

Dear Thomas,
Please see the attached drawing and the plot details.
 
I want to keep the house under 3000Sqft , so there is no car porch ,
The porch is planned to be built later beside the house.
Also, I had wanted all rooms to have good sunlight and air flow.
 
Do you think, the plan is a good one or require changes ?
 
Thanks,
Aji Kumar
Dubai

My reply

Plan require not simply few changes but total revision
Even though drawing quality is good professional design and Vasthu compliance are missing.For a three bed room house,you do not require 3000 sft.By properly redesigning the plan,you can get better design with lesser cost of construction

Queries and replies-Construction

CONSTRUCT AND SELL-PROFITABILTY

QUOTE

My name is David . I have two land in Kalamassery . I had been googling to find out details on prices of construction etc. . I came across your blog . So Had couple of questions if you had time .

1 . land one 8.9 cents next to Beeba villas new NAD ( each of the villas are around 75 lakhs and very NRI focused ) I was thinking of splitting that land into two and build two houses there to sell it . What would be the cost of constructing a 1600 sq. ft. there so that I can make a profit on sale .

2 . I have a land next to KINFRA about 28 cents . I was thinking what would be the cost of building a go down there .

Thanks anyways for your time and help . Definitely would keep you in mind if something materialize as my architect .
David J Sam

My Reply

1.If you construct a villa and sell in the present market conditions you can get as much as 100% profit if design and construction is done by a professional organisation like us.So you simply do not have to worry about loosing your money.If required we ourselves can sell the developed property
2.It will be better to put up an apartment building near KINFRA as due to GST introduction latest by 2012 April,godowns will have no demand

DOCUMENT SHOWING LAND AS PADDY FIELD

QUOTE

Dear Mr. Thomas
Further to our conversation today, please would it be possible to advise the
place at which information can be obtained to find the land that will be bought
is suitable for residential purpose (not agricultural). Is there any relaxation
for plots in cochin corporation. Would it be possible to advise regarding
the basic documents that will show that land is a residential property. For eg -
If it was a agricultural property in the past and is changed to residential now,
which documents will state these changes?
A reply to this is highly appreciated.
Kind Regards
Binu  

My Reply

For purchase of land in Cochin just because deed shows original land as paddy field may not have much problem.Read details on buying land by clicking on this link
http://www.keralaarchitecture.com/Architectural_guidance.aspx
If the land was used for years together as normal land,you may be allowed to construct house.But you will have to check up with concerned local authority before finalising purchase of land.

HOUSE REMODELLING

QUOTE

Hi
I'm Rahul,from Mavelikara. I'm planning to modify my house, single storied.
The first option was to build another hall, bedroom and a bathroom on its top. But we are not sure
the foundation is good enough to hold the weight... How can i know that if we can do this ?
The second option was just like bringing an antic look to house...  by some wooden works and
tiles..
Please check the attached pictures and send me some good suggestions... the pictures are pretty old...
The other pic I have attached is head of padmanabha puram palace.. anyway... its just  for giving u an idea...
I want something like that to be in top, whether that space can be used as a hall ,,
Please tell me approximately how much it costs to implement this ...
Thanks
Rahul

My reply

House remodeling/re structuring will always be a difficult process and it may cost more money than that may be guessed or estimated.Unlike in the case of a new construction,cost cannot be estimated that easily
If you are very particular about remodeling the house at whatever may be the cost,I can give you a proposal after a site visit.

TO CONSTRUCT HOUSE AS SEEN IN MY BLOG

QUOTE

.Hi My name is Mohammed Rafi am from Thrissur i want to know about your this attach file house design i like to make this house but i want to see the plan. please give your estimate i will contact you  later.

My Reply

I can send you plan of the house  on receipt of plan charges.But that plan may not suit your land,budget,requirements and Vasthu related to your plot

FARM HOUSE NEAR TRICHUR

QUOTE

Hi,
 
My name is Ashwin and I work for Microsoft.
I have bought 10 cent land in Kerala, please update me if I can afford to build a house with following requirements within 25-30 lacs.
 
1)      I need a 3 stored building with no ground floor.
2)      Basement can be used for , small get together place, gardening, area to play for kids, area to run around for pets, ample parking for 2 cars. But I don’t know how we can do It shouldn’t be dark there – Anyway?
3)      In total around 4-5 bedroom. 1 or 2 at first floor and 3 at top floor. Good balcony.
4)      Large Living room with Kitchen and Dining attached, I don’t want Kitchen to get isolated at one corner.
5)      Over the period of time possibility to renovate.
6)      How long it can take to build one like this.
 
Regards,
Ashwin

My Reply

As I told you over phone it will be better for you to construct a two storey farm house
I can start design work for the house after a site visit

HOUSE DESIGN FOR NORWAY BASED NRI AT NAGERCOIL

QUOTE

Hello,
My name is Shabuna.I live in Norway.I have a plot in Nagercoil,Kanyakumari district.We have thought to construct a house in it .The plot is located in t junction.Though the t junction is not a very busy road.we r worried about.i saw in your website You are  good in vasthu can u check the plot.the plot has roads on the southern side and the eastern side.the t road is coming and hitting in between the eastern and the northern side.i have enclosed a copy of the plan,,can u send me a good house elevation .And suggest me good plans.
                                     
Shabuna

My Reply

Thank you for your mail and your interest in having our services
Plan sent by you is not the most appropriate plan for the house.Most important document for house construction is plan of the house.Only a qualified professional with rich experience can design most appropriate plan of the house.Elevation depends upon plan.To get a good Elevation,plan will have to be  designed in such a way to get good Elevation.Deficiencies in the plan cannot be understood by you till house construction is over.A professional like me can visualise deficiencies in the plan

BUYING READY BUILT VILLA OR CONSTRUCTING HOUSE-WHICH IS BETTER?

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Dear Mr. Thomas,
I was impressed by the professionalism and thoroughness of your blog and wanted to briefly consult with you about building a house versus buying one already constructed. I have lived in the US now for over thirty years and would like to purchase or build a house in India to retire to in the next year or so. I am attracted to the Mysore area due to the mild climate and my family being originally from Bangalore. I can appreciate the advantage of having a house built to one's specifications, but am concerned about the time required for the permitting process and house construction, as well as the supervision of the construction from here. If it is not too much of an imposition, I would appreciate your advice on this matter.

Sincerely
C. Ravi

My Reply

Designing and building a house in your land will be a better option due to following reasons
1.You can have design of the house to meet your desires ,budget and interests
2.You can have better quality control
3.You can have flexibilities and choices in finishing works
4.There will be a remarkable difference in cost as ready built houses are built with  very little quality standards and at very high profit margins even at cost of quality
If you can get a builder to construct at your place we can give complete design,project monitoring etc..
We can also consider deputing our workers for the job if the size of the building is attractive for us to take up the work.You can also have local arrangement for structure work and finishing work by us
Simultaneously you can check up on any building projects coming up in Mysore which may meet your requirements to an extent if not fully.But you may have to pay more for a ready built house
 

CONSTRUCTION AT KOLLAM

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Dear Mr. Thomas,
Myself, Lal, accidently come to your website. Can you please tell me about your office location and address in Kollam if available. Dou you construct home in Kollam district for 15 lakhs budget home?
Regards
Lal

My Reply

We do not have office at Kollam.In fact such an office is not required as our Cochin office can handle work at Kollam
We can do design of house and if you can get local contractor we can give complete details and monitoring of work.At present cost level you can probably construct a two bed room house with Rs.15 lakhs