Introduction to House Construction
This must-have guide walks you through the entire house construction steps in India in a procedural manner, from planning to finishing, highlighting crucial precautions. By following these procedures, you can ensure timely completion, cost savings and quality construction.
To begin with
- Consult and outsource your complete house construction project on a turnkey basis to a good construction firm and get involved in the design phase to ensure the design is as per your requirement. This process does not require your complete time, resources and involvement, but timely monitoring ensures you are satisfied.
(or)
- Consult an architect/engineer to create a customized plan based on your needs, as this plan dictates costs and execution. Next hire a contractor—you can either opt for a full-service contractor (handling both materials and labour) or a labor-only contractor (where you supply materials). Meanwhile, ensure that you got your house plan approved from the concerned Government bodies. Always formalize agreements in writing, specifying payment terms and responsibilities, and prioritize work quality over low costs. This process requires your complete time, resources and involvement.
Technical:
- With everything in place, begin site preparation by cleaning, leveling, and marking the plot for excavation. Foundation pits should be dug to adequate depth, followed by a 6-inch thick PCC (Plain Cement Concrete) layer using M20 grade concrete (1:1.5:3 ratio) to create a level base.
- The foundation requires 12mm steel bars for columns (minimum four bars) with 8mm stirrups spaced 6 inches apart, all embedded in M20 concrete. Cure the foundation for 10–12 days. After the plinth beam (with 12mm bottom bars, 10mm top bars, and 8mm stirrups) is cast, start brickwork—9 inches for external walls and 4 inches for internal walls—using 1:5 cement-sand mortar. Limit daily brickwork height to 3–4 feet to prevent cracks, and add concrete belts for 4-inch walls at 3-foot intervals to ensure stability.
- Lintels over doors/windows and the slab come next, with a minimum 5-inch thickness (thinner slabs may vibrate) using M20 concrete and 10mm steel bars with 20mm cover blocks. Cure the slab for 10–14 days (ponding method) and remove shuttering only after 14 days. Before plastering, complete concealed electrical and plumbing work, using chicken mesh at joints to prevent cracks. Plastering thickness varies—6mm for ceilings, 12mm for internal walls, and 18mm for external walls—with a 1:4 or 1:6 cement-sand mix.
Post-plastering, focus on tiling: first install window/door frames and kitchen counters, then flooring, followed by acid washing (before fitting stainless steel elements to avoid corrosion). Finally, paint the walls after applying primer and putty, and install doors, railings, and fixtures. Complete electrical wiring only after doors are fixed to prevent theft. This way, you can ensure a durable, well-executed home.
Step 1: Hiring a construction firm (or) Architect/ Engineer
In case of hiring a construction firm for a turnkey project you will be availing professional services all through the project and you don’t have to give your full time for the project. In this case, step 3 shall be omitted. All other steps shall be helpful in understanding the process.
Step 2: Planning & Design
- Consult an architect or an engineer to create a house plan based on your needs.
- Decide room sizes, layout, and other specifications.
- The plan determines the overall cost and construction approach.
Step 3: Hiring a Contractor
Two types of contractors are commonly considered:
1.Material + Labour Contractor
- Handles everything (materials, labour, rentals, transportation, execution etc.).
- Charges per square foot (sft).
- Payment is made in stages as work progresses.
2.Labour-Only Contractor
- Except labour, you have to provide everything (this also depends on the agreement).
- More control but greater responsibility.
Step 4: Site Preparation
1. Cleaning & Levelling
- Clear and level the plot
2. Layout Marking
- Mark foundation pits based on the centreline plan.
3. Excavation
- Use a JCB or manual labour to dig foundation pits.
- Ensure proper depth.
- Avoid shallow pits.
Step 5: PCC (Plain Cement Concrete) Layer
- Purpose: Provides a level base for the foundation.
- Thickness: 6 inches.
- Concrete Grade: M20 (1:1.5:3 ratio – Cement:Sand:Aggregate).
- Important: Ensure the PCC is perfectly level for even load distribution.
Step 6: Column Footing & Foundation
- Steel Reinforcement:
- Use 12mm bars for columns (minimum 4 bars, up to 8 for larger columns).
- Stirrups: 8mm bars at 6-inch spacing.
- Concrete Grade: M20 (minimum).
- Vibrator Use: Essential for compacting concrete and removing air gaps.
- Curing: Water for 10-12 days.
Step 7: Plinth Beam
Construct brickwork up to 1-3 ft height before casting the plinth beam.
- Steel Details:
- Bottom bars: 12mm
- Top bars: 10mm
- Stirrups: 8mm
- Shuttering: Use plywood (not bricks) for a smooth finish.
- Curing: 10-14 days.
Step 8: Brickwork (Superstructure)
- Wall Thickness:
- External walls: 9 inches
- Internal walls: 4 inches
- Mortar Ratio: 1:5 (Cement:Sand).
- Precautions:
- Soak bricks before use.
- Limit daily height to 3-4 ft to prevent cracks.
- For 4-inch walls, add a concrete belt at 3 ft height for strength.
Step 9: Lintel & Slab Work
- Lintel: Provide over doors/windows (full lintel where needed).
- Slab Thickness: Minimum 5 inches (thinner slabs may vibrate).
- Concrete Grade: M20.
- Steel: 10mm bars with 20mm cover blocks.
- Curing: Water for 10-14 days (ponding method recommended).
- Shuttering Removal: Only after 14 days.
Step 10: Electrical & Plumbing Concealment
- Complete all electrical conduits and hidden plumbing before plastering.
- Use chicken mesh at joints to prevent cracks.
Step 11: Plastering
- Thickness:
- Ceiling: 6mm
- Internal walls: 12mm
- External walls: 18mm
- Mortar Ratio: 1:4 or 1:6 (Cement:Sand).
Step 12: Tiling & Flooring
- Fix window/door frames and kitchen counters first.
- Complete flooring, then perform acid washing (before installing SS fittings).
Step 13: Painting
- Clean walls thoroughly.
- Apply 2 coats of primer + putty.
- Use high-quality branded paint for a polished finish.
Step 14: Final Steps
- Install doors, SS railings, and fixtures.
- Complete electrical wiring after doors are fixed (to prevent theft).
Tips:
- Always sign a written agreement with specifications, payment terms and responsibilities.
- Don’t just go by the pricing. There may be lot of pitfall en route.