Experiences

How to Easily Calculate Construction Costs Per Square Foot in India

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 18:19:00 +0530

When planning a construction project in India, one of the first and most important considerations is understanding the construction cost per square foot. Whether you're building a house, an office, or any other type of structure, estimating construction costs helps in budgeting, planning, and ensuring that the project stays within financial constraints. But how exactly do you calculate construction costs in India? Let’s dive into the details.

What is Construction Cost Per Square Foot?

Construction cost per square foot is the price of building one square foot of the structure. It includes all the expenses related to labor, materials, equipment, and overheads required for constructing a building. This cost can vary significantly depending on various factors such as location, quality of materials, labor charges, type of structure, and other influencing variables.

Factors That Influence Construction Costs

Before calculating the cost, you need to consider several variables:

Location: Urban areas like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore have higher construction costs due to the availability of labor, transportation costs, and land prices. On the other hand, construction in smaller cities or rural areas can be cheaper.
Type of Construction: The cost per square foot will differ based on whether you’re constructing a residential house, a commercial building, or an industrial facility. Luxury homes or buildings with high-end finishes will obviously cost more.
Material Quality: The quality of materials used for construction will affect the cost. Premium quality materials such as high-end flooring, expensive tiles, or imported cement will increase the cost.
Labor Charges: Labor costs depend on the region and the skill level of workers. Skilled labor costs more than unskilled labor, but skilled workers may work faster and with greater efficiency.
Architectural Design: The complexity of the design, such as number of floors, the inclusion of elevators, fancy interiors, and structural features like skylights, will drive up the costs.

How to Calculate Construction Cost Per Square Foot in India?

To estimate the construction cost per square foot, you need to follow a simple formula that accounts for both direct and indirect costs. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Break Down the Total Cost

The total construction cost generally includes:

Material Costs: This includes the cost of cement, steel, sand, bricks, tiles, plumbing materials, electrical fittings, etc.
Labor Costs: This includes wages of the laborers, electricians, carpenters, etc.
Architectural and Design Fees: If you hire an architect, their fee must be included.
Overhead Costs: Miscellaneous costs such as transportation, permits, and project management.

Step 2: Add Up the Total Costs

Sum up all these costs. For example, if you have a total construction cost of ₹30,00,000 for a house with a total built-up area of 2,000 square feet:

Material Costs: ₹15,00,000
Labor Costs: ₹8,00,000
Design Fees: ₹2,00,000
Overheads: ₹5,00,000

The total cost of construction is ₹30,00,000.

Step 3: Divide by the Total Built-Up Area

Now, divide the total construction cost by the total built-up area (in square feet). In this example:

$\text{Cost per Square Foot} = \frac{\text{Total Construction Cost}}{\text{Built-Up Area}}$

$\text{Cost per Square Foot} = \frac{₹30,00,000}{2,000} = ₹1,500$

So, the construction cost per square foot for this project would be ₹1,500.

Step 4: Adjust for Additional Factors

You might need to adjust the cost per square foot based on factors such as the quality of materials, labor charges, or specific location. For example, if you are building in a metro city like Mumbai or Delhi, you might need to add a premium of ₹200-₹300 per square foot due to the high cost of labor and materials.

How to Estimate Construction Cost Per Square Foot for Different Types of Buildings?

1. Residential Buildings

Basic construction in smaller cities: ₹1,200 - ₹1,500 per sq. ft.
High-end construction with premium materials: ₹2,500 - ₹3,500 per sq. ft.
Luxury homes in metros: ₹4,000 - ₹7,000 per sq. ft.

2. Commercial Buildings

Basic commercial buildings (office spaces, shops): ₹2,000 - ₹2,500 per sq. ft.
Premium commercial spaces with high-end amenities: ₹3,500 - ₹5,000 per sq. ft.

3. Industrial Buildings

Basic industrial structures: ₹1,500 - ₹2,500 per sq. ft.
High-tech or specialized industrial facilities: ₹4,000 per sq. ft. or more.

Research Images for Construction Cost Estimates

Graphical representation showing cost variations based on location and material quality.

Summary of How to Calculate Construction Costs Per Square Foot

To calculate the construction cost per square foot in India, follow these simple steps:

Estimate the total cost of your construction project (materials, labor, design fees, etc.).
Calculate the built-up area of the structure in square feet.
Divide the total cost by the built-up area to find the construction cost per square foot.

Remember, the cost can vary based on location, materials, labor, and the complexity of the design. It’s also a good idea to consult a contractor or an architect for a more accurate estimate based on your specific requirements.

Ready Mix Concrete vs. On-Site Machine Mix Concrete: Which Is the Better Option for Your Construction Project?

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Mon, 9 Sep 2024 17:19:00 +0530

Introduction

When it comes to construction, choosing the right type of concrete mix is crucial for ensuring durability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The debate between *ready mix concrete* and *on-site machine mix concrete* is a common one, as both options offer distinct advantages and challenges. In this article, we will explore the differences between the two, their pros and cons, and which one might be the best fit for your next project.

What is Ready Mix Concrete?

Ready mix concrete (RMC) is pre-mixed at a batching plant and delivered to your construction site in a truck, fully prepared for immediate use. This type of concrete is ideal for large-scale projects where consistency, speed, and quality control are critical.

Benefits of Ready Mix Concrete:

1. Consistency & Quality Control: The concrete is mixed under controlled conditions, ensuring uniformity in each batch.

2. Time-Saving: Since it's delivered ready for use, no time is wasted on-site in mixing, allowing for faster project completion.

3. Labor Efficient: Less labor is required since the concrete is pre-mixed, reducing operational costs.

4. High Strength: Ready mix concrete generally offers higher strength due to precision in mixing proportions.

5. Reduced Material Waste: Exact amounts of concrete are delivered, minimizing wastage.

Drawbacks of Ready Mix Concrete:

1. Transportation Issues: Delays in delivery or traffic can impact the work schedule, leading to delays in pouring.

2. Cost: The overall cost can be higher due to transportation and supplier margins.

3. Limited Flexibility: Once the concrete is mixed, there’s a limited window (typically 90 minutes) to use it before it begins to harden.

What is On-Site Machine Mix Concrete?

On-site machine mix concrete involves mixing all raw materials like cement, sand, aggregates, and water at the construction site. It is typically mixed using a portable concrete mixer, making it an adaptable option for smaller or more specialized projects.

Benefits of On-Site Machine Mix Concrete:

1. Flexibility: You can mix small quantities as and when needed, reducing the risk of concrete hardening before use.

2. Cost Efficiency: For smaller projects, on-site mixing can be cheaper since you can control the exact amount needed.

3. Immediate Use: Since it's mixed on-site, there's no risk of the concrete hardening during transport.

4. Customization: You have more control over the mix proportions, allowing you to adjust based on project requirements.

Drawbacks of On-Site Machine Mix Concrete:

1. Inconsistent Quality: On-site mixing can result in variations in quality, especially if the workforce is inexperienced.

2. Time-Consuming: The process of measuring, mixing, and preparing the concrete can take longer compared to ready mix.

3. Higher Labor Requirement: More workers are needed for the mixing process, potentially increasing labor costs.

4. Equipment Maintenance: Keeping the machinery in working condition can be an added responsibility.

Comparing Ready Mix Concrete and On-Site Machine Mix Concrete

1. Project Scale: For large-scale projects that require a lot of concrete, ready mix concrete is often the better choice. On smaller sites, on-site machine mix concrete may be more cost-effective.

2. Quality Control: Ready mix concrete provides superior quality and consistency, while on-site mix is more prone to human error.

3. Logistics & Delivery: If the construction site is difficult to access or far from the batching plant, on-site machine mix might be more practical, avoiding transportation delays.

4. Cost Considerations: Ready mix is generally more expensive but can save time and labor. On-site machine mix concrete may save on material costs but requires more time and workforce.

5. Waste Reduction: Ready mix concrete offers less material wastage, as the precise amount is delivered, whereas on-site mixing might lead to excess material or underestimation.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between ready mix concrete and on-site machine mix concrete depends largely on the specific needs of your project. For large projects with tight deadlines and the need for consistent, high-quality concrete, ready mix is usually the better option. For small or specialized projects where flexibility and cost control are key, on-site mixing might be the way to go.

Conclusion

Both ready mix concrete and on-site machine mix concrete have their respective advantages. Your choice should be guided by factors such as project size, budget, quality requirements, and site accessibility. By understanding the key differences between these two options, you can make an informed decision that enhances your project's efficiency and success.

Transform Your Master Bedroom

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Sat, 17 Aug 2024 12:02:00 +0530

Your master bedroom is more than just a place to sleep; it's a sanctuary for rest, relaxation, and romance. Crafting the perfect environment requires a blend of aesthetic appeal and harmonious energy. Incorporating Vastu Shastra principles and choosing the right color scheme can significantly enhance the ambiance of your master bedroom, especially for couples seeking a balanced and nurturing space. Here’s a comprehensive guide to transforming your master bedroom with Vastu tips and color scheme suggestions.

Vastu Tips for a Harmonious Master Bedroom

Optimal Location: According to Vastu Shastra, the ideal location for a master bedroom is the southwest corner of the house. This placement is believed to promote stability and strengthen relationships. If the southwest isn't feasible, the south or west sides of the home can also work.
Bed Placement: Position your bed in the southwest corner of the room with the headboard against the wall. Avoid placing the bed directly under a window or in line with the door. This arrangement is thought to bring tranquility and improve sleep quality.
Symmetry Matters: Ensure that both sides of the bed have equal space and that both partners have similar bedside tables. This symmetry symbolizes balance and equality in the relationship.
Avoid Mirrors: Mirrors facing the bed can create restlessness and disturb sleep. If you need mirrors in the room, place them on the side walls, ensuring they don’t reflect the bed.
Clutter-Free Space: Keep the bedroom tidy and free of clutter. Clutter can lead to stress and negatively impact the energy flow. Use stylish storage solutions to maintain order.
Use of Colors: According to Vastu, soothing and soft colors are preferable in the master bedroom. Shades like light beige, off-white, or pastels create a calming environment.

Color Scheme Tips for Couples

Soft Neutrals: Neutral tones such as beige, taupe, and soft gray provide a serene backdrop that promotes relaxation and peaceful sleep. These colors also work well with various decor styles and can be easily paired with other colors.
Romantic Tones: Soft pinks, gentle blues, and lavender can add a romantic touch to your bedroom. These colors are known for their soothing and calming effects, which can enhance the emotional connection between couples.
Accent Colors: Incorporate accent colors through accessories like cushions, throws, or artwork. Deep blues, rich burgundies, or gold can add a touch of luxury and intimacy without overwhelming the space.
Avoid Bright Colors: Intense colors like red or bright yellow can be stimulating and disruptive to sleep. It’s best to use these colors sparingly, perhaps as accent pieces rather than primary wall colors.
Personal Touch: Add elements that reflect your personal style and relationship. Whether it's a favorite artwork, cherished photographs, or meaningful trinkets, these personal touches make the space uniquely yours.

Final Thoughts

Creating a master bedroom that blends Vastu principles with a thoughtful color scheme can elevate your living experience and foster a nurturing environment for your relationship. By focusing on harmonious design elements and a calming color palette, you can turn your master bedroom into a serene retreat that enhances both comfort and connection.

The Importance of Bricks in Construction

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 18:33:00 +0530

Introduction

Bricks have been a fundamental building material for thousands of years, with their use dating back to ancient civilizations. These rectangular blocks, typically made from clay or shale, are renowned for their durability, strength, and versatility, making them a staple in construction worldwide. This article explores the history, types, production process, and modern-day applications of bricks.

Historical Background

Bricks have a long history, with evidence of their use as early as 7,000 BC in what is now modern-day Turkey. The ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, and Romans were also known for their brickwork, with the Romans, in particular, advancing the technology of brick production and laying techniques. The use of bricks spread across Europe during the Middle Ages, becoming a prominent feature in many historic buildings that still stand today.

Types of Bricks

Bricks can be broadly categorized into several types based on their material, method of manufacturing, and use:

1. Clay Bricks: The most common type, made from natural clay, which is shaped and then fired in a kiln. They are known for their strength and thermal insulation properties.

2. Concrete Bricks: Made from a mixture of cement and aggregate, these bricks are often used for foundations and other structural elements due to their load-bearing capacity.

3. Fly Ash Bricks: Manufactured using fly ash, a by-product of coal combustion, mixed with lime and gypsum. These bricks are lightweight and environmentally friendly.

4. Engineering Bricks: High-density bricks used for applications requiring high strength and low water absorption, such as in sewers and manholes.

5. Fire Bricks: Special bricks made to withstand high temperatures, commonly used in fireplaces, kilns, and furnaces.

Modern Applications

In contemporary construction, bricks are used in a wide range of applications, from residential homes to commercial buildings and infrastructure projects. Some of their common uses include:

Wall Construction: Bricks are often used to build both load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls, providing structural support and insulation.

Paving: Bricks are a popular choice for paving streets, driveways, and walkways due to their durability and aesthetic appeal.

Facade Cladding: Bricks can be used as a decorative veneer for building facades, offering a timeless and classic look.

Fireplaces and Ovens: Fire bricks are specifically designed to withstand high temperatures and are used in the construction of fireplaces, wood-fired ovens, and industrial furnaces.

Environmental Considerations

The production of bricks, particularly clay bricks, has environmental impacts due to the energy-intensive firing process and the extraction of raw materials. However, efforts are being made to reduce these impacts by developing more sustainable production methods, such as using alternative fuels for firing and incorporating recycled materials into brick production.

Fly ash bricks, for instance, are considered a more sustainable option as they utilize industrial waste products and reduce the demand for natural clay. Additionally, advancements in manufacturing technology have led to the development of more energy-efficient kilns and processes.

Conclusion

Bricks have played an essential role in construction for millennia, and their importance continues in modern-day building practices. With their wide range of types and applications, bricks offer unmatched versatility and reliability as a construction material. As the industry moves towards more sustainable practices, bricks are likely to remain a cornerstone of construction for generations to come.

Kerala Vastu tips

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Fri, 9 Aug 2024 16:42:00 +0530

Kerala Vastu tips that can help you design a home that is both harmonious and in tune with traditional Vastu principles.

1. Orientation of the House

Main Entrance: The main entrance of the house should ideally face the east or north. These directions are considered auspicious and are believed to bring in positive energy.

Placement of Rooms:

Living Room: The living room should be located in the northeast or north side of the house. This placement allows for maximum natural light and energy flow.

Bedrooms: The master bedroom is best placed in the southwest corner, which is associated with stability. Avoid placing bedrooms in the northeast corner.

Kitchen: The kitchen should be located in the southeast corner, which is linked to the fire element (Agni). If that's not possible, the northwest corner is the second-best option.

2. Central Courtyard (Nadumuttam)

Open Space: If possible, include a central courtyard (Nadumuttam) in the house design. This open space helps with ventilation, light, and positive energy flow. It also serves as a gathering space for family activities.

3. Material Selection

Natural Materials: Use locally sourced natural materials such as wood, laterite stone, and clay tiles in construction. These materials not only blend well with the environment but also contribute to a balanced Vastu energy.

Woodwork: Incorporate wooden elements in the interiors, as wood is considered to bring warmth and harmony into the home.

4. Roof Design

Sloping Roofs: The traditional sloping roofs of Kerala homes are ideal for handling heavy rains. Ensure that the slope is appropriate for rainwater drainage and that the roof is constructed using eco-friendly materials like clay tiles.

5. Placement of Pooja Room

Northeast Corner: The prayer room or Pooja room should be located in the northeast corner of the house, known as the Ishan corner. This direction is believed to be the most spiritually charged and is ideal for meditation and prayer.

6. Water Elements

Water Storage: Place water storage tanks in the northeast or north direction. Water bodies like ponds or wells should also be in the northeast to promote positive energy.

Avoid Water in the Southwest: Avoid placing water features or storage in the southwest direction, as it can lead to financial instability.

7. Ventilation and Light

Windows and Doors: Ensure that the house is well-ventilated with windows placed in the north and east directions to allow natural light and fresh air to flow in. This not only improves the indoor environment but also aligns with Vastu principles.

8. Avoid Clutter

Clean and Organized Spaces: Keep the home clean and clutter-free, especially in the northeast corner. Cluttered spaces can block the flow of positive energy and cause mental and emotional stress.

9. Colors and Décor

Soothing Colors: Use soft, natural colors for the interiors, such as whites, greens, and earth tones. These colors are believed to have a calming effect and promote a sense of peace and well-being.

Decorative Items: Choose décor items that reflect Kerala’s cultural heritage, like traditional lamps (Nilavilakku) and paintings depicting nature or deities. Avoid sharp, aggressive images or colors in the home.

10. Placement of Furniture

Furniture Position: Place heavy furniture like cupboards and beds in the southwest corner of rooms. Avoid placing heavy items in the northeast corner, as it should remain light and open.

By incorporating these Kerala Vastu tips into your home design, you can create a living space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also aligned with the natural and spiritual principles of Vastu Shastra.

House Plan 30 x 50

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 18:15:00 +0530

Plan 30 x 50

Details :-

Plot Size : 30 x 50

Bedroom : 3

Bathroom : 4

Total Construction Area : 2508 Sq. Ft.

Vastu Tips for Pre existing House Design

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Fri, 22 May 2020 18:31:00 +0530

Vastu is a traditional Indian system of architecture originating in India. It describes principles of design, layout, measurements, ground preparation, space arrangement, and spatial geometry. The designs aim to integrate architecture with nature, the relative functions of various parts of the structure, and ancient beliefs utilizing geometric patterns, symmetry, and directional alignments.

People who believe in Vaastu shastra think that the universe is made of five things:

Earth (Bhumi)

Water (Jal)

Air (Vayu)

Fire (Agni)

Space (Akasha)

Vastu Shastra are a set of Ancient Rules Given by Our Sages to Improve the Quality of Our Lives By Proper Use of the 5 Elements of Nature.

Here are some points which can be easily followed without making any major changes in the existing building:

A puja room in the house is must in every house

Light a lamp daily evening near water pot in the house

Cactus should not be planted or kept in the house

The statue of Hanumanji should not be placed in South-East. It may create fire hazard

All the doors should open inside so that the energy may remain inside

The hinges of doors should be noiseless. If so. The hinges may be greased periodically

The doors should open towards right hand

Bed should not be put under a beam

There should not be five corners in the ceiling of a room

Efforts should be made a leave the rooms open on North-East side

While ascending the staircase, the face should be either towards the North or the East

The seat of the toilet should face North-South

Almirahs and beds should be set very close to the South-West wall and at a distance from the North-East wall

While drinking water keep your face towards North-East

While Taking meals the plate should be in South-East

In the South-West Corner of the house one should sleep pointing his head towards South

Pictures or photos depicting violence in any form should not be placed in the residence or place of business

Keep the northeast of any room or building as clean, open & clutter-free as possible

Making It Light By AAC Blocks

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 17:22:00 +0530

Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is a lightweight, precast, foam concrete building material suitable for producing concrete masonry unit (CMU) like blocks. Composed of quartz sand, calcined gypsum, lime, cement, water and aluminum powder, AAC products are cured under heat and pressure in an autoclave. Invented in the mid-1920s, AAC simultaneously provides structure, insulation, and fire- and mold-resistance. Forms include blocks, wall panels, floor and roof panels, cladding (façade) panels and lintels.

AAC products may be used for both interior and exterior construction, and may be painted or coated with a stucco or plaster compound to guard against the elements, or covered with siding materials such as veneer brick or vinyl siding. In addition to their quick and easy installation, ACC materials can be routed, sanded, or cut to size on site using standard power tools with carbon steel cutters.

AAC is a highly thermally insulating concrete-based material used for both interior and exterior construction. Besides AAC's insulating capability, one of its advantages is quick and easy installation, because the material can be routed, sanded, or cut to size on site using standard power tools with carbon steel cutters.[citation needed]

AAC is well suited for high-rise buildings and those with high temperature variations. Due to its lower density, high-rise buildings constructed using AAC require less steel and concrete for structural members. The mortar needed for laying of AAC blocks is reduced due to the lower number of joints. Similarly, the material required for rendering is also lower due to the dimensional accuracy of AAC. The increased thermal efficiency of AAC makes it suitable for use in areas with extreme temperatures, as it eliminates the need for separate materials for construction and insulation, leading to faster construction and cost savings.

Even though regular cement mortar can be used, most of the buildings erected with AAC materials use thin bed mortar in thicknesses around ⅛ inch, depending on the national building codes. AAC materials can be coated with a stucco or plaster compound to guard against the elements, or covered with siding materials such as brick or vinyl.

Advantages

Improved thermal efficiency reduces the heating and cooling load in buildings.

Porous structure gives superior fire resistance.

Workability allows accurate cutting, which minimizes the generation of solid waste during use.

Resource efficiency gives it lower environmental impact in all phases of its life cycle, from the processing of raw materials to the disposal of waste.

Lightweight saves cost and energy in transportation, labour expenses, and increases chances of survival during seismic activity.

Larger size blocks leads to faster masonry work.

Reduces project cost.

Environmentally friendly: It produces at least 30% less solid waste than traditional concrete. There is a decrease of 50% of greenhouse gas emissions.

Fire resistant: As with regular concrete, AAC is fire resistant.

Great ventilation: This material is very airy and allows diffusion of water. This reduces the humidity inside the building. AAC will absorb moisture and release humidity. This helps to prevent condensation and other problems that are related to mildew.

Non-toxic: There are no toxic gases or other toxic substances in autoclaved aerated concrete. It neither attracts rodents or other pests nor can it be damaged by such.

Accuracy: The panels and blocks made of autoclaved aerated concrete are produced to the exact sizes needed before leaving the factory. There is less need for on-site trimming. Since the blocks and panels fit so well together, there is less use of finishing materials such as mortar.

Long lasting: The life of this material is extended because it is not affected by harsh climates or extreme weather changes. It will not degrade under normal climate changes.

Disadvantages

AAC has been produced for more than 70 years, however, some disadvantages were found when it was introduced in the UK (where cavity wall with clay brick two-skin construction has been the norm).
Installation during rainy weather: AAC is known to crack after installation, which can be avoided by reducing the strength of the mortar and ensuring the blocks are dry during and after installation.
Brittle nature: they need to be handled more carefully than clay bricks to avoid breakage.
Attachments: the brittle nature of the blocks requires longer, thinner screws when fitting cabinets and wall hangings and wood-suitable drill bits or hammering in. Special, large diameter wall plugs (anchors) are available at a higher cost than common wall plugs.
Insulation requirements in newer building codes of northern European countries would require very thick walls when using AAC alone. Thus many builders choose to use traditional building methods installing an extra layer of insulation around the entire building.

References:-

Wikipedia

Choosing Your House Plan

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 20:34:00 +0530

Now that you have made that bold decision to build a home of your dream, it absolutely important to get the best home you can imagine. For you and all of us, building the home of our desire is one time affair in our life time. As a consequence, the right home plan is very crucial in your scheme of things. One can't build a home until a blue print is clearly drawn initially in the mind of the owner; perhaps the idea of a great home is planted in the mind, just like a seed is sown in the soil. Once the seed is nurtured in your mind, you can start laying the foundation; visualize how the home looks and the exact needs of your family. Just try to nurture the idea of that dream home in your mind.

However, to jumpstart building your home, you need to be extra careful. Just remember that it is a one time affair. You can't just go wrong- ever. It will be too costly. Finding the "right plan" may be too difficult and confusing. How ever, it is the ultimate key to the success of constructing a new home. You probably have a vague idea of the type of design you wanted to build. Plenty of options beckon you- thousands of designs to choose from, single story versus multistory, home style with great decoration ideas, traditional or modern type, an out door porch or an attached green house. These choices can be bewildering; putting all those ideas together and taking in to account all those tiny bits of details that go in to your home, can be very daunting and some times exasperating. How ever, a bit of smart and right thinking can lead to a series of wise decisions leading to construction of a model home.

One important way to help explain what you would like to see in your new home is to make a list of all those positives and negatives of the house you used to live before. You and your spouse know by now, what you liked about that house, so just make a list of all pluses and minuses. Just sort out the most liked ones and come to a proper conclusion. Add to this list, all those minute things that need to go in to your future home. Take your spouse and children in to confidence; after all you are going to live with them in your home. Once the list is ready, prioritize them in to different categories. Just to lead you, here is a small check list, which can lead you to take some decisions:

First and foremost, ask yourself whether you are married or single. Requirements and specs do change just on this one single point. If married, do you have children in your family or planning to have some in future? If yes, are you planning to construct separate room for each child or will they be sharing the room? How many bath rooms are necessary to cater to your daily needs? Will you and your spouse frequently work at the home? Do your in-laws stay with you in future? Do you require separate formal and informal spaces for different occasions? Do you wish to add workshop and garage facilities adjoining the house?

Once a comprehensive list is made, consider the major elements you would like to have in your new home; the style, number of floors, total area of livable spaces with outdoor living areas, total number of baths and bed rooms, the number of formal and informal gathering areas and the type of kitchen you need. Just ponder over about your children; perhaps right now your kids might be staying with you, so a two story house sounds like a good idea. But in future, if they are going off on their own, a big home might be too big to maintain!

With the spade work ready, there are dozens of factors that can immensely impact how your home suits your life style. First and foremost, always allocate your budget to your future home. Two of the main things that affect a home's cost are its size and features; a large house with many features will invariably cost more. It is possible to have a comfortable home with many features, at an affordable cost too. Designers can make house feel larger than actually it is. It is not really the size of a house that really matters; what is more important is how comfortable the home feels. Perhaps a smaller house might work very well with lots of features.

Decide on the amount of out door space that go with the house; if you tend to spend a lot of time out side, you will need an out door space that includes patios, porches and decks. Conversely, choose an out side area that caters do your specific demands. The most important space in any home is that offers moments of privacy to you and your spouse; a home office, a small library or a media room will add a special touch to your home. Special space exclusively reserved for your kids might be a practical idea too; a common room with study plus play utility is a cherished dream for your kids. Thinking of entertaining your guests on a regular basis? May be a formal room with an inbuilt bar will add that social touch to your home. Do you prefer an ultra modern kitchen with all amenities? A kitchen that offers a cooking area with separate breakfast nook may be good idea for you. Smaller rooms tend to be cozier and comfortable for you than bigger open areas.

Consider all these factors you would like to incorporate in your home- they are easier and inexpensive to add now in to your blue print than to add them later. Now, you might also consider choosing a plan that suits the area in which you are planning to build. The design you always wanted to have simply might not be suitable for the area where you live now. Selecting proper roofing details based on the possibility of winter snow and extreme winds is always a critical area of concern. While a flat roof is just fine for a warm winter, it will be a bad idea for a snow falling region. Extreme winds can lash your roof in areas of mountainous country.

It pays to lean about foundation choices and options; some designs designed for specific types of foundations can always be modified later by qualified professionals. Finally, get familiar with some fundamentals on reading floor plans so it is very easy to understand your home. What we have in mind may not work completely on ground; the design and the idea of your house, which is in your mind, may not exactly look the same once it is physically constructed. Hundreds of questions and doubts crop up during the construction process. Always seek out a best qualified architect, resources and assistance to arrive at a cost effective solution. The correct and prudent decision taken now can have a life long effect on your satisfaction with your home.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Comparison between Basement and Additional Upper Floor

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Sat, 5 Jul 2014 21:18:00 +0530

Comparison between Basement and Additional Upper Floor Construction

Construction of basement and multi storey building is the need of the hour as there is less availability of land and rates of the land are very high. We get additional usable space by constructing either basement or upper floor.

Comparison for both is given in the table below.

Comparison According to Use

S. No.	Basement	Upper Floor
1.	Good for storage specially for heavy items	Not practical for storage
2.	Used for installation of light machinery or any small manufacturing unit.	Not practical
3.	Usable for office purpose but there are some ventilation problems	Used for office purpose having no ventilation problem
4.	Can not be used for residential purpose	Used as residential purpose

Comparison According to Construction

S. No.	Basement	Upper Floor
1.	Seepage problem from side structure, Leakage in pipe line or sewer line and rainy water may enter in case of heavy rain	No such problem
2.	Construction of septic tank is necessary for construction of toilet. It is costly and may arise any problem at anytime.	No such problem
3.	Disposal of excavated material	No such problem
4.	The safety of adjoining building and their foundation may arise during excavation in built up area	No such problem
5.	The whole structure may be in danger in case of rise in water level	No such problem

Article Source : www.GharExpert.com

How to Design Stairs

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 11:00:00 +0530

While designing stairs the house owner should consider every design requirement of the stairs since well designed stairs provide easy access to upper floors of the house. The steps of stairs may be constructed as a series of horizontal treads. The tread is horizontal width of stairs step whereas the enclosed space between treads is known as riser. The part of building having stairs is known as staircase. This article tells you about necessary design requirements to be kept in mind while designing stairs.

Essential requirements of stairs

You can design comfy stairways concerning average human height. During design process many things such as dimensions of an average person, average comfortable walking stride; fixing gradient or pitch of stairs, height of hand rail and minimum head roomshould be considered. A well designed stair has easy access and proportions of treads and risers should be more than twice the rise.

Various stair layouts from straight flight to a number of intricate curves and landingshave similar basic principle of stair design. The stairs should be comfortable to walk on not only for the young but also for the old. People usually prefer to the straight stairways for easy access to upwards and downwards.

Materials for construction of stairs

The most commonly used materials in construction of stairs are - stone, timber, steel and RCC.

Design requirements for stairs

Width of stairs

Minimum width of stairs for single family house should be 75 cm and if the number of users is more than 10, minimum width of stairs should be 95 cm whereas minimum width of stairs for two or more family houses should be 100 cm and if the number of users is more than 10, minimum width of stairs should be 125 cm. Minimum width of stairs for hotels, offices, educational buildings, theaters, cinema halls should be 1.5 meters while minimum width of stairs for institutional buildings and hospitals etc. should be 2 meters.

Note: The width of landing should be more or at least equal to the length of steps. It is preferable to provide two or more staircases where the number of users exceeds 300.

Tread of stairs

Minimum width of a tread for residential building should be 250 mm. In special case due to non availability of space, the minimum width of tread for residential building and small commercial units should be 200 mm. Minimum width of a tread for non residential building should be 300 mm.

Tread: it is horizontal width of a stair step

Riser of stairs

Maximum height of riser for residential building should be 190 to 200 mm whereas maximum height of riser for non residential building should be 150 to 170 mm.

Riser: it is the height of a stair step.

Slope of stairs

Minimum slope of stairs with floor should be 26 degrees whereas maximum slope of stairs with floor should be 45 degrees. Ideal slope of stairs with floor should be 30 degrees.

Hand Railing

Hand Railing should be made at stairs for comfort while going up and down the stairs. The height of handrail should not be less than 800 mm and more than 900 mm.

Head Room

Minimum clear head room or the height of roof from any step of stairs should be 2.1 to 2.2 meter for easy movement of large furniture. It is also useful for movement of other household items.

Provision of light

The stairs should be well lighted with two ways electric switches provided at top and foot of stairs.

General Tips

Keep same length, width and height of steps of stairs otherwise it would lead to accidents.
Install a gate at the top or bottom of stairs for safety and security reasons.
Don’t keep more than 250 mm space between supports of handrail in houses to avoid any accidental fall especially for kids.
Keep maximum height of one flight not be more than 2.4 meters.
Construct maximum number of steps in one flight not more than 15 and provide landing after 15 steps for comfort while moving up and down the stairs.
Provide nosing on treads while laying flooring to enhance the width of tread.
Design stairs in such a way as the riser makes obtuse angle with tread to enhance the width of tread.
Don’t make the floor of steps slippery. Make grooves in case of cement concrete floor to avoid slippage.
Make provisions of getting natural light and ventilation while designing stairs.

Article source : GharExpert

False Ceiling for your house

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 00:57:00 +0530

Ceiling is the ultimate sky of your home. To possess ceilings as sparkling as the sky, false ceilings is a good option to decorate your home. False ceilings are popularly known as secondary or false or suspended ceilings that are used beneath the original ceilings.

The main purpose of false ceiling is

Ø To conceal service lines, such as air-conditioning systems and electric cables

Ø To provide thermal insulation

Ø To create sound-proofing effect in your rooms

Ø To accommodate lighting systems

Ø To provide smooth lighting effects such as hidden lighting, cove lighting and floating light effects on your ceiling

Ø To add up to the look and feel of your home.

False Ceiling Designs

False ceilings are not bare materials that just cover up your ceilings. There are plenty of false ceiling designs available to quench your requirements. You can also get in touch with the false ceiling suppliers who can provide you with exact information about false ceiling designs. Some of the false ceiling designs are:

Timber False Ceilings - Made of slats of wood and appears decorative when the wood is exposed on the ceiling

Exposed Grid False Ceilings -One of the common varieties which is preferred by the majority

Bandraster False Ceilings - The most versatile false ceiling design that can make your home unique from others

You can also make your choice among other varieties of false ceiling designs like concealed grid design and suspended drywall ceilings.

Advantages of False Ceilings

Ø Once you adapt to false ceilings, you will be relieved from the problems of dust and other unhygienic conditions.

Ø False ceilings are highly resistant to water and heat; you will enjoy complete protection from sun and rain. These ceilings are resistant to fire and termites, as well.

Ø False ceilings are easy to maintain as they are non porous and non absorbent by nature.

Ø False ceilings are available in innumerable designs and color shades. So, you will be free from the hassles of painting and polishing your ceilings.

Ø False ceilings will be the most suitable option for those who are planning to establish durable, beautiful and clean ceilings in their homes. Go for false ceilings now!

Advantages and Disadvantages of Plaster of Paris

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 21:16:00 +0530

Plaster is a building material used for coating walls and ceilings. Plaster starts as a dry powder similar to mortar or cement and like those materials it is mixed with water to form a paste which liberates heat and then hardens. Unlike mortar and cement, plaster remains quite soft after setting, and can be easily manipulated with metal tools or even sandpaper. These characteristics make plaster suitable for a finishing, rather than a load-bearing material.

The term plaster can refer to gypsum plaster (also known as plaster of Paris), lime plaster, or cement plaster.

Advantages of Plaster of Paris Ceiling

Plaster of Paris gives a smooth, matte finish to the ceiling.
POP can be given any shape and thus can be used to create ornamented designs for ceiling.
POP can be painted; and it can be also given a textured look.
The interiors can obtain a classic look by POP medallions.
The POP ceiling is a common element of contemporary interiors.
POP designs can be successfully used to highlight ceiling light fixtures.
Plaster of Paris can be used to create varied shapes of false ceiling.
POP false ceiling can be easily adorned with recessed lighting.
POP false ceiling can be made interesting by providing different levels in the ceiling.
POP ceiling with cove lighting is a popular element of contemporary interiors.
POP false ceiling is commonly used to conceal air conditioning ducts.
POP false ceiling is also used to cover ugly beams running across the ceiling.
Plaster of Paris can gel with other materials like glass and wood to provide you a composite ceiling.

Disadvantages of Plaster of Paris

POP can not be used in moist situations.
The labor cost of applying plaster of paris is high.
Plaster of paris can not be mixed with cement.
Plaster of paris can not be used in exterior finish.
POP is more expensive from normal cement plaster.

Green House With these Materials

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Sat, 25 May 2013 18:16:00 +0530

Home construction materials and building techniques have changed in the past several decades to become more energy efficient. Many new innovations are less harmful to our environment as well. By making your home "greener," you help to minimize pollution, protect the natural environment, and create a healthy, comfortable, non-hazardous home for you and your family. Think green before you begin any construction project. By considering these points, you can choose the most appropriate building materials and construction techniques.

Recycled ProductsToday the intencity of the recycled items has increased, many of the products that are made from the recycled materials also continues to grow. these products do not only provide a green option to other products, but other benefits as well. Rubber and polymer roofing, for example, imitates slate roofing but weighs less and requires less maintenance. Counter tops made with recycled glass and concrete, on the other hand, offers a beautiful look along with exceptional durability.

Lumber
Wood flooring A fast-growing grass, bamboo is recognized as a green construction material that requires minimal fertilization. Whereas oak takes 120 years to grow to maturity, bamboo can be harvested in only three years. Most bamboo flooring available is harvested from both natural and plantation groves. Wood flooring, doors and cabinetry can add a beautiful touch to your home, but you can reduce the environmental impact of using these products if you choose your lumber wisely. Rather than purchasing products that are made with old growth timber or from endangered tropical hardwoods, look for those that are made from wood grown in certified and managed forests. Or, better yet, use wood that has been recycled or reclaimed from old buildings or riverbeds. Composite products such as hardwood-veneered MDF is another good option for cabinets and doors. Yet another option is to purchase products that are made from fast-growing wood, such as bamboo. Not only is bamboo quite attractive, it is very durable as well.
Decking and RailingsThe material used for outdor projects has also grown and is available in many varaities. For example, you can now purchase treated lumber that doesn't use arsenic. As such, the lumber is still preserved, but far less toxic for you and for the environment. Composite decking and railing, which is made from resin and fiber, is also a good option. Not only is it easy to install, it will never rot and it does not require painting.

Solar Energy
You can use the solar panels for the use of electricity. These solar panels are also called Photovoltic panels. These panels can be installed on your roof and can be very effective.

Transform Your Home with Decorative Country Lighting

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Mon, 20 May 2013 09:00:00 +0530

As we become more of a home-based society, many more of us are pouring money into our houses with DIY renovations.

Do it yourself home improvement projects are both rewarding and usually will give you a good return on investment should you decide to sell or refinance your home. But you won't need to tear down walls, add closets or buy all new furniture to upgrade or change the decor in your house. Often it's the little things that count. Small changes in lighting alone can alter the look and feel of your home or even just one room with minimal financial investment and time.

Consider going country with your lighting!

Listen, unless you're ready to spend a lot of money on renovations (in which case you'll be changing light fixtures anyway), you can get a lot of bang for your buck with carefully selected decorative lighting. And if a more comfortable, home-y feel is what you're after, there's no better way to achieve your goal than to look to the current trend of country decorating!

The reason why this style of decorating is so popular these days is because garden or farmhouse inspired rooms ground us in old world values. A space where our organic bodies feel 'in touch', our psyches feel 'safe', and stress levels drop. After all, what is more peaceful than spending a few hours in the garden, a weekend at the country home, or a week at the summer cottage?

Bring country decorating home to the city with country inspired lighting!

You could drive around for hours looking for antique lighting, shop eBay for other's used lighting, or you could buy new lights from many lighting stores that will give you the same rustic, relaxed, retreat.

Think punched tin, replications of candle chandeliers, small lamps that depict a cowboy or horse scene. You get the idea. Be as tacky, playful or downright country as you like.

And, for under $200 and 20 minutes of replacement installation, you'll find that you've just transformed a city-worn room into your own personal country haven.

Ten years ago, Martha Stewart brought pendant lighting back into style using upturned garden cloches hung from chains over bare bulbs. That can take some real hunting in the antique shops!

Thankfully pendant lighting is now available in many shapes and sizes. And, you don't have to stick to dull or boring. Pendants are available to look much like the old, color-glass, hand-blown garden cloches or as punched tin - both are very 'country' looks.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Vastu Tips III

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Sun, 19 May 2013 00:37:00 +0530

Here is another vastu tips for those who are starting to construct their home.Vastu Shastra, the sacred science from India that creates harmonious stress-free living and working environments, supports your success in all areas of life, even in the bedroom! Something everyone has in common is sleeping. It takes up approximately one third of your life and therefore is an extremely important factor in your overall health. Here are some wonderful ideas to improve the bedroom, a place where we spend more time than in any other room of the place we call home.

Do not keep cactus in the house because these produce negative energy
Beautiful earthen flower pots should be placed on either side of main door of the house. These help the entering more positive energy in the house.
Do not keep climbers in front of the house. These climbers create problems in your life
Avoid milky trees in the house, as it causes health problems.
Flowering plants should be planted in the South-West portion of the house. It gives positive energy.
Money plant should be planted in the house as it brings good luck to the house. A rock garden should be in south west portion of the house, not in the north east portion of the house.
Shoes and slippers should not be scattered all over the house, as this leads to feud.
The rooms in the south should never have ceiling low as compared to ceiling of the rooms in east and north side.
There should be no noise while opening the doors and windows especially the entrance door from hinges etc.
One should never provide three doors on a single wall, especially in the front of the house.
Keep cash and jewelry in the safe or locker which opens in the north.
The doors and windows of the room must open up outward.
The houses facing the T-point should be avoided
Total number of doors should be in even numbers i.e. 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 etc.
A pond or a water body should be placed in Northeast corner of the house.

Antique Lighting - Beautify Your Home Decor

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Sun, 19 May 2013 00:12:00 +0530

Lighting is an essential feature of any home; it plays a vital role in illuminating the empty spaces of your home. Everyone needs light too make the ambiance look brighter. Lighting not only adds to the decor of your home but also ensures right visibility in your home. You should create an ambiance in your living area that gives us a comfortable experience when you try to relax. You need to have controlled lighting to ensure a harmonious aura in your dining, living and bedroom areas. If you want to lend your home a vintage look, you can go for antique lighting.

Whether you are looking for antique lights that reflect your classic and refined taste, or you want something that looks traditional yet stylish, you can opt for antique lights that will create the look you desire within your budget. Antique lights can be costly, but you can get them at lucrative prices if you know the right place to buy them from. If you are looking for a particular style or design, the first thing you need to do is research. Do some research on the kinds of lights available in the market that can solve different purposes and look for the one you have in your mind for your home.

You will find innumerable catalogs with information on antique lights and their styles. They will give a rough idea about distinctive features of different lights to help you choose the right light for your home. The information will also help you judge whether the light you are choosing is a real antique light, a reproduction or a fresh design. Shopping online for these lights will save your time, money and effort. Online stores, unlike physical stores, provide you with relevant and essential information on the product you are looking for and give you ample options at reasonable prices to choose from.If you do not want an antique light piece, reproductions can help you get the similar look at a very low price. Little research on reproductions will help you get genuine reproductions.

Antique lighting reproductions are usually designed very carefully to mimic the pattern and style of the original antique pieces. They are not expensive than the original ones and come at reasonable prices. Another option to accentuate your home with antique style lights is to get a new piece and make it look antique. This can be done in number of ways. For instance, you can place a lamp over a wooden base to give it an antique look. Sanding up the wood in places that are likely to be worn is also a good option. Edges, corners and any other detail can be sanded in a controlled amount to create an aged and well-worn look of the wood. Metal light fixtures can be painted, polished or antiqued. Even, grey/gold paint or light brown hues can be painted on a piece and then wiped off quickly to give an instant aged and antique look to the lights.

Article Source:EzineArticles.com

How to do ground beams

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:47:00 +0530

Ground beams are used in situations where foundation walls may not be achievable. Situations where foundations are not achievable is in swampy ares, loose soils, or where the soil bearing capacity is very low. The beams are erected over columns or piers taken into the soil. In home construction, they are used to carry boundary walls or sheds built outside on landscaped soils. They can be erected over drains, sewers or other services in the ground.

Ground beams save on the costs of very deep excavations for foundation and walls. They can carry greater loads in loose soils since they don't rest on the soils. They carry their on weight from column to column. When erecting them, the piers must be already cast in the ground. The size of the beam and reinforcements varies. This depends on the loading to be carried. Reinforcements are high yield twisted bars bent and tied as in the bar bending schedule.

The ground beam construction procedure commences by clearing the ground. The span between the columns or piers is rammed and compacted. A blinding layer is done with quarry dust. The column or pier reinforcements should be left a foot high to join with the beam. The reinforcements are then tied and bent separately. Once ready, they are carried and laid over the columns and blinding. The reinforcement is laid straight with spacer blocks put at the bottom.

Once the beam steel is in place, form work is erected to the sides. These must be firmed into the ground and made very tight. This will prevent the escape of the cement slurry when vibrating. After the form work is complete, concrete is prepared and poured into the forms. The process continues while vibrating to ensure the concrete is well bonded with the steel. The top is tamped to be smooth. The forms are removed after seven days while curing.

Article Source : Articlebase.Com

10 tips to make a small space look bigger

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:35:00 +0530

A small space can give a cozy feel but it can create a problem if it is cluttered with too much stuff. Many people who live in small houses or apartments face such problems due to cluttered space. If you are feeling the same difficulties in your homes, you can follow some easy-to-do tips to make your dwelling comfortable, clutter free and organized. This article gives you tips on making your space clean, clutter free and organized.

1. Clear all clutter in the room

A small space looks untidy if cluttered with lots of things. To make the room organized clear unnecessary stuff from small space. Place all essential articles on shelves and find out ways to get the stuff organized behind doors, table skirts. When the things are neatly arranged and out of sight, the small space will look orderly and more open. Trust me, a shelve with one showpiece can some time look a lot better than ten showpieces on it.

2. Organize furniture properly

It’s uncomfortable to live in room where articles of furniture are unorganized. Slim rockers, open back chairs or love seat sofas rather than large furniture tend to save the space. While arranging furniture, place taller furnishings at the end of the room opposite its entrance. Before you place or buy furnishings, keep in mind the size of your rooms also. For spacious feel, utilize the furniture that has matching colors with the color of walls.

3. Use multipurpose furniture

To make small space cozy and enjoy the feel of big space, utilize multipurpose furniture like ottomans and folding items. Ottomans are very useful for small spaces because they are used as table or as foot rest and can easily be moved around the room. Futons and sofa beds are space saver as they can be converted into bed whenever needed. Use folding tables or folding sofas to provide space for dining. A small dresser or chest beside bed can be used to keep jewelry, books and other small things and to save the space.

4. Make use of light colors

Light colors give spacious feel rather than dark or warm colors like blue, green and mauves, pinks and yellow do. Pick out white and cream to maximize the sense of space. For stunning effects, utilize varying tones of same colors for upholstered fabrics, textured wall finishes etc. Interior designers recommend that dark color furniture and accessories make the space look dramatic and maximize the neutral white also. You can select such shades of colors on walls as are relaxing at night and cheer up the mood during day.

5. Opt for natural or artificial lighting

Lighting plays major role in maximizing the space of your room/home. You can opt for natural or artificial lighting to make your room look larger. Open outside windows to let natural light enter your room. Track or recessed lighting can be used to make small space look bigger. To reflect light and maximize the feel of space, you can make use of a large frame mirror on a wall or stand a large frame mirror against the wall. Accent and fluorescent lighting are used to create soothing and refreshing atmosphere in the room.

6. Use plain upholstery & light fabrics

Upholstery and fabrics grab everyone’s attention. Make use of upholstery of plain color for furniture instead of dark colors, bold plaids or stripes to save the space. To create interest and stick to neutral tones, make use of textures. Apply soft floral vines or simple stripes to keep the space look simple.

7. Fix large drawers & cabinets

Drawers and cabinets are very useful to store lots of things and make space clutter free. Large drawers built in bed are very useful for storage of things. You can use the space beneath bed with separate wheeled drawers that can be pushed under and pulled out. Provide high level cabinets to store the articles used occasionally. Use separate cabinets for hanging clothes and store other items. Recessed open shelves can be made into walls for placing colorful items without taking extra space.

8. Fix practical worktops

Good worktops provide ease at work besides saving the space. Utilize a ridge up on the top of your stove to put small items like spices and tiny objects that usually hang about on countertop in the kitchen. To make working comfortable, ensure that the levels of worktops and sinks are adjusted to suit your height. Keep shelves clean and sleek and avoid unnecessary old fashion decoration. Make an acrylic sheet or marble stone corner under open space in kitchen to store detergents etc.

9. Utilize rod for clothes and bedding

Rods are better option for hanging clothes and beddings because your closets don’t have extra space for them. This will save the space of another closet in your room.

10. Apply more space saving tips

There are some more things that you can do to save the space and make your room clutter free. For example install sliding doors instead of hinge

d doors. Place furniture items at an angle with wall since they help in making room look bigger. Television should be mounted on wall to save the space. The color of curtains or blinds is similar to the color of walls. Utilize light colors for floors of small bedroom to make it spacious.

Article Source : Gharexpert.Com

Bedroom Styles

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Fri, 1 Mar 2013 13:35:00 +0530

Bedroom is a place where you feel relaxed from the worries of the world. But you have to choose your bedroom style according to your needs and personal taste whether it is modern, traditional or transitional. The bedroom style should be comfortable and soothing that will rejuvenate your body and mind in a perfect way. A medley of different styles turns your boring bedroom into a fantastic place where you will enjoy every moment.

Options for Bedroom Styles

Style of your bedroom tells how modern and traditional you are. Here we will discuss various styles of bedroom and you can choose the best one as you will like most.

Modern or Contemporary Bedroom Style: A Clutter Free and Cozy Atmosphere with a Classy Mood

For a clutter free look, it is right to choose the modern bedroom style. The modern stylegives a sober look but it will grab everybody’s attraction while entering in the room.

Here a few points about modern bedroom style are given:

Simple bedroom furniture with low height beds offers a clutter free and organized look to your modern bedroom style.
Platform beds are the perfect choice for contemporary and modern bedroom suites as they have straightforward bed elevation with modest aesthetic.
Modern bedroom furniture suites with matching armoires, dressers, retro chaise lounge and a designer mirror gives you the comfort with a cozy look.
If you place innovatively designed night stands adjacent to the modern bed sets, it will absolutely make your bedroom a cozy haven.
Use bold colors such as red or yellow palate over the white color theme for a long-lasting effect. Different hues of brown color go well with the modern day furniture pieces.
Simple rugs and fabrics, various geometric patterns such as squares, circles-even amoeba shapes incorporated with the modern bedroom style.
Dark tones of wood boost up the modern bedroom style décor.

Traditional Bedroom Style: A Splendor for Generations to Generations

Traditional bedroom style offers elegance and timeless beauty from generations to generations.

Here a few points about traditional style bedroom are given:

Symmetry is one of the important features of the traditional style bedroom.
Poster beds and sleigh beds go match with the traditional style.
In traditional style bedroom, woodwork with stunning craftsmanship offers magnificence to your bedroom.
The wonderfully engraved bedposts with intricate designs look extremely superb in your bedroom. It will give you a royal feeling when you sleep.
The edges of traditional bedroom furniture are smooth and soft which gives a welcoming feel to your bedroom.
Traditional style gives a casual feeling with less expensive accessories.
Traditional style represents arranged and conventional settings.
Classic and matching furnishings give a simple look with consistency.
A pair of bedside tables is placed adjacent to the bed gives you a simple style.
Try to avoid displaying art pieces and stainless steel furniture in the traditional style bedroom.

Classy upholstered furniture looks practical, plain and comfortable with flat edges.

Add a touch of warmth with traditional bedroom furniture with royal patterns and designs.

Transitional Bedroom Style: A Medley of Traditional and Contemporary Style

When you are in confusion that what style you want to pick, then transitional style solves your problem. Transitional style is the right choice for those persons who like splendor as well as simplicity in their bedroom. This is the medley of two styles where you can use traditional style along with the contemporary style. You can use transitional bedroom stylefor any setting.

Here a few points about transitional bedroom style are given:

Use of heavy carvings furniture with sleek metal furniture maintains a harmony in the traditional bedroom style.
The transitional bedroom style has furniture with fancy curves and natural woodfinishes with sleek and brushed metals.
Simple color scheme with hues of taupe, beige, and tan create a soothing and unsophisticated environment in transitional style bedroom.
If there is monochromatic color scheme in your bedroom, then use minimum accessories for creating the transitional style.
Modern chunky glass vase with a single beautiful stem looks simply gorgeous in the bedroom.
You can display artwork and photos with simple frames or on the basic white mats.
It is a good idea to choose brushed nickel or silver for the frames, accessories, and fixtures.

Country Bedroom Style: A Cozy and Welcoming Trend

Country bedroom style has a timeless appeal that can be adapted to almost any home.

Here a few points about country bedroom style are given:

Country style bedroom has become one of the popular styles of the today market due to its casual and modest appeal.
The country bedroom furniture style offers a blend of rustic and romantic flavor with graceful curves.
The furniture used for country style gives you an everlasting pleasure including detailing, molding, and the artful use of woods in each frame, nightstand, armoire and dresser.
For a breathtaking look, you can use plain sheer curtains or print or checked drapes.
If you really want to compliment your country style, then try pieces with pine stain or a painted finish.
Plain overhead lighting with bedside table lamps looks interesting in country style bedroom.
You can try paint with wallpaper borders on the walls for a unique country style.

Article Source : Gharexpert

Basic home security tips

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 14:36:00 +0530

Home security means security of human beings and house hold items including valuable articles. The burglars and intruders apply many tricks for intrusion in the house. Mostly these intruders make intrusion during night and in off hours of the day that is in the noon.

Electronic devices like security systems, alarms, cctv cameras etc. are used for security measures. A house owner should also think about some additional protective measures that can be easily implemented by making some additions or alterations to the house and by keeping watch in surrounding area of the house.

Let us talk about protective measures to be adopted by making some changes to enhance security of the house. The following are some approaches of defensive measures.

Provide hidden locks at the gate of house
Generally we provide pad lock at the door for safety but now a day pad lock works as a signal to the intruder indicating that house owner is away. The burglars/intruders make their planning to break in the house if they see a pad lock for a few days. To avoid this, good quality hidden locks should be provided at main gate and even at internal gates too. Hidden locks are harder to break as compared to pad locks.

Apply door viewers at outer door
In metropolitan cities and towns the intruder may come in the house through door for theft purpose. To avoid this door viewer should be fixed in outer door. When any outsider/stranger giving a call bell for opening doors, we can see the person standing outside through door viewer.

Provide collapsible door/gate to know outsiderCollapsible door is also safety measure. By providing collapsible door/gate you can easily see the person coming to the house. You can talk to the person easily, take and give some small articles if it is necessary through locked collapsible door. Sometimes fake postman or courier man comes to home with the aim of theft. If collapsible door is provided, you need not to open the door. In this way the intruder fails in his plan.

Use separate/duplicate keys for each memberIn case when both male and female are in service and children are school goers, they select some common place outside the house for keeping key of main door. This procedure helps intruders to access into the house. To avoid this problem always keep separate key for each person.

Implement iron grills in windows & ventilators To protect house from intruders security grills should be provided. The grills should be thoroughly welded not by touching only and all horizontal bars should be welded completely to each other by welding in full width. The grills and welding are not weak; which can be easily breakable by hammer.

These iron grills should be fixed on wooden ‘Chowkats’ by iron screws tighten fully in countersunk holes. Care should be taken that top part of screw should not remain outside the frame; otherwise intruders can loose screws which lead to grills coming out completely. In case of iron windows grills should be welded at a distance of 9 inches horizontal and vertically.

Make proper arrangement of light around houseThe darkness in, around your house helps intruders in getting into the house as their activities are not seen. Keep proper light around the house for security of the house.

Cautions

In the grills the distance between horizontal and vertical bars should not be more than 3 inches. If the distance is less, the intruder can not cut grills’ bars by hacksaw and screw driver does not work due to less space.
If the gap is less, monkeys or birds can not enter the house through grills when window shutters are open. Small monkeys are trained by intruders to go into the house and bring light articles such as purse, mobile, cash and watches etc.
Open windows also helps intruders. They can climb through open windows and enter the house for theft purpose. They can watch materials and activities in the house through open windows. To avoid this close window when the room is not in use, and keeps curtains on windows.
Keep valuable items with proper safety such as car should be kept in garage with proper lock and key. Similarly other valuable items should be kept in proper storage, not placed in open; which attract intruders.

Plant ornamental /small plants near house. Do not plant trees near the house because they are helpful for intruders to enter the house by climbing through them. Thick bushes near house also help intruders for hiding.

Article Source : GharExpert

Vastu Shastra for Staircase

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 15:14:00 +0530

Vastu verifies to locate staircase of the building in the South or West direction. Staircase is a heavy structure; hence it should be located in negative zones like the South or the West. The staircase in northern or eastern part of house may give adverse effects. The stairs should rise from the East to West or from the North to South. The staircase should not be in the center of the house. Avoid staircase in northeast direction also.

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts for functional staircase.
DO’S

Make staircase of the house in southern or western part of the house as these directions are heavy.
Build staircase in southeast in east, northwest in north, southwest in west and southwest in south if the staircase is external.
Arise the stairs from the East to West or from the North to South and a turn can be taken to any other side due to paucity of space.
Make the number of stairs odd. It should not end with zero. The number of risers should be such odd numbers that if divided by 3, the remainder is always 2.
Paint staircase in light colors. Avoid red and black color.
Repair broken stairs immediately otherwise it may cause accidents or mental tension due to clashes.

DON’TS

Avoid staircase in northeast of the house and in center of the house as it will cause loss of wealth. The staircase in any other corner reduces loss.
Do not make staircase circular as it may cause ill effects on health.
Do not build any room such as kitchen, bathroom and ‘Pooja’ room under staircase. However it can be used for storage.
Do not use common staircase for going upstairs and basement.

RESOURCE : GHAREXPERT

Home Remodeling is it an Expense or an Investment?

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 20:25:00 +0530

Why do we go traveling round the world spending so much of money? Most of us prefer visiting a different country for our vacation because we are used to our home country and we like to visit a new place to break the boredom, we like to meet new people and make our vacation more interesting. This is not because we don't like our home country but all of us look for change as it brings new energy into our life. The same applies to our home as well, we get used to the same set up looking at it, living there day in and day out. After a certain period of time the house that we bought after so much of consideration and the home that we spoke about so much as soon as we bought it becomes something very ordinary and it doesn't look special anymore. Sometimes, our taste changes or our life style changes and the new life style demands that we modify our home, our living area, our bedroom, our kitchen, our bathrooms, the exterior landscape etc. Hundreds of reasons like these make us start thinking about home remodeling.

companies in particular are known for the high prices they charge. When it comes to home remodeling, it is always a difficult task to pick the right NYC contractors. Since this is a new area which most of us have no experience, we find it difficult to take our desire to the next level. Many of us just keep it in the pending list for a good while before we take any positive steps. Another reason why we hesitate to start the remodeling process is the expenses involved.Whether it is just for giving a face lift to our home or to mend the problems, home remodeling can be expensive

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that with the rising construction costs your home remodeling project is going to be an expensive affair. However, there are some homeowners who have a different outlook towards home remodeling. Though home remodeling gives a facelift to their house and gives a new look to their home, the benefits of home remodeling does not stop with mere aesthetic enhancement of their home, it also enhances the resale value of their home. It will increase the resale value of your home by another 20 to 30% depending on the nature of the remodeling work that has been done.

If you are contemplating home remodeling and not sure where to start, the best place to start is Craftsmen Network. It is a free local service for finding your New York contractors. You don't have to cruise through the yellow pages or surf the internet for hours to find your New York remodeling and repair contractors. You just need to share with them the basic details of your home improvement project and they will take care of the rest.

Article Source : Articlebase.com

Master Bedroom

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 12:51:00 +0530

Master bedroom is designed for the head of the family; usually for husband and wife. The bedroom is mainly equipped with a queen-size bed or king size bed and dresser. However, today a master bedroom has been changed into a room which provides the greatest calm and richness. Master bedroom includes a dressing table, closet, mirrors, wet bars, combined bathroom and elegant furniture. The furniture of master bedroom comes in a variety of styles such as traditional and contemporary. It has great difference with other bedrooms as it is made of solid wood and metals. The room may be decorated in many ways. The following are some of the approaches for ornamentation of the room.

Apply Relaxing Colors

Colors give character and subtle glow to the room. Soothing and refreshing colors like green, ivory and slate blue for master bedroom reflect light without shadow. Decorating walls is not simply about applying colors but creating visual effects to the whole of the room also.Light color in master bedroom gives relaxing atmosphere. The color of wall and ceiling should match with the theme of the room so that it may add ornamental feels to the room.

Use Trendy Furniture

Select any furniture for master bedroom but it does not create a clutter inside the room. Also make sure that the furniture will blend well with the paint colors of the room. Choose stylish and different designs of the furniture for master bedroom as compared to other bedroom.

Dresser:

It is an essential piece of furniture for master bedroom and is used to adorn. The mirror on dressing table is used for decorative purposes and makes room look large. It’s also used as a storage purposes. It should be to the left of the bed in the room.

Storage Chests:

It is an important piece of furniture used to store things in master bedroom.

Spruce Up With Romantic Lighting

Lighting should be designed carefully in master bedroom. It is not too harsh or too calm in master bedroom. A master bedroom usually has a nightstand with one or two drawers placed at the side of the bed. Nightstands are essential for spreading a warm glow into the room. They not only cheer up but add to the furnishing also. They must match with the entire design/decor of the room. Chandeliers are a wonderful lighting choice and add a romantic theme in master bedroom.

Make Use of Nice Flooring

Different types of flooring such as hardwood flooring; wooden laminate flooring can be used in master bedroom. You can give warm and cozy feel to your master bedroom by applying wooden laminate flooring. Periodical polishing on hardwood flooring keep it strong.

Carpets:

Carpet is the most common choice for floors to create luxurious feel in bedroom. Nothing adds warmth and luxury to the room the way carpets do. Rugs are also used in master bedroom to give decorative touch to the room.

Apply Cute Window Treatment

Windows give finishing touch to the bedroom. Cover windows with curtains so that you may open and close them anytime. They maintain privacy to the space whenever you need. There is a wide variety of window treatments. You can choose the best ones that match with the atmosphere of the room. You can use valances, drapers for windows as they are of light weight. You can even use wooden blinds as they add luxurious feel to the room. It is better to have large window in bedroom as it gives natural light in the room.

Types of ceilings used in master bedroom are:

Tray Ceiling
Woodcarving Ceiling
Crown Molding Ceiling

Cheer Up With Fresh Flowers

Flowers spread fragrance in master bedroom. They refresh and spruce up the place. You can decorate master bedroom with flowers, nice photos and modern works of art on the wall. You can put flowers on dresser or on nightstand.

Apply Decorative Touch with Fire Place

Fireplace is another decorative addition to the bedroom and creates a romantic atmosphere in the room. A beautiful fireplace gives a royal look to the bedroom. It gives warm and romantic feeling to the room. It makes the place functional but beautiful as well.

Article Source : GharExpert

Browse Home Plans

noreply@blogger.com (AD) — Wed, 3 Oct 2012 17:58:00 +0530

We have started a new page on which you can see and browse home plans of different sizes. Home plans are the basic need for starting your new home. Our newly started page will give you various services to offer like 2D and 3D elevations and plans, electrical drawing and plumbing drawings and much more to offer.
for more details go to Browse Home Plans