mzreport.com

REQUIREMENTS OF 6 FLOOR APARTMENT BUILDING

QUOTE

Raveendran   has left a new comment on your post "Building Permit":

we are a group of government employees. we want to construct a 6 storied flat project having 20 units within 5-10 kms of Ernakulum town. what are the requirements for access roads and floor area ratio.

My reply

I cannot give a general reply to this question.First of all you have to identify a specific plot or plots where you think you can build such an apartment complex.Then you will have to get both technical and legal evaluation of the plot.A professional agency may also help you  checking documents status of the plot.Probably you can refer to following link in our website

www.keralaarchitecture.com

which will give more necessary information for you.

http://www.keralaarchitecture.com/Architectural_guidance.aspx

TO CROSS CHECK ON CONTRACTOR TERMS IN MAHARASHTRA

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Hello sir,
I want to build small farm (cost effective and sustainable.) at sawantwadi ( sindhudurg,Maharashtra)
Place falls in same region as Kerala..Here you will find more or less same kind of construction since it is in Konkan region.
My architect/contractor is working on project.I have attached preliminary drawings given by him and BOQ.
In BOQ,He has not included roof trusses and roofing material since we are still looking for various options.
I have following queries
1) He has tried to develop plot according to Vasthu principle.Is it proper accordingly and kept plot 2 vacant either for sell/future expansion.
2)I have very limited budget.How much will be cost of this house?
3)Will you be able to provide me rate of items to cross check it with my contractor.
4)Since we are looking for roof truss which is preferable to build timber/metal? What is cost of building it?
5)We are also looking for MCR roofing tile .Contractor said that it is sustainable and long lasting but cost is bit high.Is he correct?
6)We are going for exposed laterite construction.He said skilled workman take 22 Rs to place one stone of laterite.what is exact labour rate?
I found your blog very informative.
Thank you.
S.V.SAWANT

My reply

Please understand that job of an Architect is not simply guess expected cost of construction without any data or decide rates for work by any contractor for any type of job at any place.A professional Architect operating near your place may guide you on these provided he handles the job from design stage itself and you proceed on his advice/instructions from the beginning of construction

TELECASTING OF HOUSES BY TV CHANNELS

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Dear Mr.Thomas,
 
I have gone through your website and very much impressed on your attitude towards constructions.  I am planning to construct a traditional home in Ottappalam, Palakkad.
I have already appointed an engineer for design works and its under final stage (he will not any other works other than designing works).  My question, will you be able to provide me the following services?
 
Preparing estimates for A-Z works.
Supervising the construction works.
 
Look forward to your response at the earliest.
 
Best regards,
Sreenath

My reply

Yes to your questions.But the plan will have to be acceptable to me.I cannot work with a non professional plan.

QUOTE

Dear Mr.Thomas,
 
Thank you for your prompt response.  The design part being done by a reputed professional (a qualified civil Engineer with 15yrs experience) whose several homes were telecasted in Kairali TV & Amirta TV.  But, his service will be available for designing part only. He will not do any constructions or supervision. So, I don’t see any chances for rejection of his designs  by you.  I do not want major changes in the design, as design was made according to my idea & concept.
 
If it is acceptable to you I can forward you the designs & drawings as soon as they are ready.  The basic design only prepared now. He has to prepare the elevation, electrical & plumbing drawings, 3D elevation etc. As you said in the blog, I have given his own time to do the job.  I am planning to start construction in August 2012 only.  Before that I have to complete necessary requirements, legal formalities and of course, my home works also.
 
Please give me an idea about your service charges.
 
Look forward to your response.
 
Best regards,
Sreenath

My reply

Telecasting of interviews in channels is not an indication on capability of an Architect.Even I get several such calls.But they always put a condition that I should pay so much as advertisement charges.Charges goes up for more popular channels.I always refuses such paid telecasting which will appear to viewers as genuine promotion of "good work"..Any one who is willing to pay continuously to channels can get  frequent  telecasting!

Unless I see the plan,I cannot comment on merit of the plan

If the plan prepared is found lacking on verification of Vasthu,Architectural and structural Engineering aspects,I will have to revise it.Plan prepared for a house by any one will not be the same.More qualified and more experienced in executing work directly will be able to give you better design as  each work done will make the professional more knowledgeable.

I have directly built more than 200 houses in different parts of Kerala and outside . Designed ,acted as consultant for many more buildings.Still I encounter new problems with new projects and I realise with each new projects that my knowledge is limited.

I will never claim that plan prepared by me or my design is the best possible.Some body else may be able to do a better design.

NEIGHBOUR CREATING PROBLEMS BY BUILDING NEAR YOUR HOUSE

QUOTE

Anonymous   has left a new comment on your post "Building Permit":

Hi Thomas,

The person in front of my house, has re-constructed his house and has put up a new bathroom which is in front of my main door. And over that he  is using the old styled pit(newly dug out) instead of a septic tank which again is near my front boundary wall. Can I take any action against him, please advice.
PS: The plot is in a municipality area.

My reply

Your neighbour should use a proper septic tank and not a simple pit to dump human waste and that septic tank should be located 15M away from your water source.If he  construct violating this or any other building rules conditions,you have every right to complain to local authority concerned in writing  and they will take appropriate action.

WILL I WORK FOR SMALL HOUSES?

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Dear Mr. Thomas,

I have been going through your website and blogs recently. I really appreciate your point of view regarding Sq. Ft cost of construction.

Let me come to my point first.

I have seen your residential projects work for individuals in your site, but almost of them are big houses/villas, floor area ranging from 2500- 4500 sq. ft. I would like to construct a house with 1350-1400 CARPET area. I plan to build a decent villa with good works like kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, good elevation, interior work etc. Do you undertake construction for said area??? If answer is Yes then I will give you rest details.

Hope to get a reply.

Regards,Yunesh

My reply

In fact large houses designed and built by me are not even 40% of my total work.For a professional, large or small houses do not matter much.We are here to provide services to those who need it.In fact I have designed and built  nearly  90 houses with plinth area as little as 300 sft consisting of sit out,Hall,Toilet,one bed room and Kitchen for a charity organisation for free allotment to poor people of course with least possible cost employing all cost reduction techniques without compromising on quality of construction.

LUXURY TAXES ON BUILDING

Dear Sir,

I have just gone through the question and answers related to house tax. While answering one question regarding luxury tax, you have answered that you have not come across with anyone paying continuous luxury tax. Could you kindly clarify . Please let me know how long we have to pay luxury tax for houses having area more than 3,000 sq. ft. ?

I shall be thankful if you would reply to me.

Kind Regards

Zain

My reply

I am regularly building houses above plinth area of 3000 sft in different parts of Kerala and I have never heard that any of my clients are paying so called Luxury tax even though some people keep on talking about it.

After the building construction is completed,concerned local authority will fix up yearly Building tax for the building.Naturally for a higher plinth area house ,higher building tax will have to be paid.This is the only continuous tax applicable for the building

Concerned Village Office charges a one time tax on the building.In places like Cochin most of the house owners have not received notice for such a tax even though in interior village areas such a tax is collected.

For clarifying your doubt and check on the matter,please check with concerned local authority in your area.

HOUSE CONSTRUCTION NEAR RAIWAY LINES

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Sir,

I have a 2.5 cent  plot  near railway station, its more than 70M    away from the railway line, but  one side of the property is    railway’s property. Is there any issue in developing a house in the    plot. I got the permit from the corporation, is there any issue occurs while TC numbering the house?

Samin

My reply

My understanding is that there is restrictions for Building house within 30 M of Railway property.

If the local authority has already issued Building permit to you considering all related matters,there cannot be problem for you in future

In any case it is the concerned official of the local authority who can give a clear answer to your query.Please check with concerned official of the local authority

Kerala Architecture and House construction

TO CHECK THE PLAN

QUOTE

I came to know about you from your website and I am very happy to read all your article about House and Vasthu.My plot is located in Ernakulum, Vazhakkala. I am planning to make a home in my plot. I have a plan with me. I am sending it with this email.  I am also sending a sketch of my plot.  The total sq.ft. is coming more than 3000 including the car porch. I want it to be reduced to come below 3000.

Hope that you will revert me soon.

My reply

Plan sent by you has got both Architectural and Vasthu defects

As plan of the house is the most critical drawing which can make you gain or lose lakhs of rupees, it is very important that you get the best plan for the house and  not any plan available from anywhere

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.

Basic Plan of the house will show positions and dimensions of rooms, other living spaces, doors and windows

We will be preparing this Basic Plan in AutoCAD software and you will get a pdf copy by email within a week of site visit.

Based on mutual discussions this plan prepared can be revised and reviewed and changes accepted by our experts can be incorporated in the plan, without any extra charges

This is the most important document for a house construction. A well-designed plan by a qualified professional with good experience in designing and building houses can give you better facilities, appearance and lesser cost of construction.

Basic Plan for the house will be prepared after site visit,taking into account following:

1.       Information provided by you on your needs, desires and hopes for the house.

2.       Vasthu aspects

3.       Traditional Kerala Architecture features

4.       Modern architecture features

5.       Structural engineering aspects to reduce cost of construction

6.       Kerala Building Rules

7.      Features of site and surroundings

I require detailed write up from you on what all you require in the house including your dreams for the house.

Our technical knowledge in the fields of Architecture, Structural Engineering and Vasthu will be used while designing your house.

Once the plan is finalised,we will prepare an Engineering Estimate giving item wise detailed cost information .This calculated Estimate is the near correct costing you can get for house to be built and it can be prepared only after finalisation of the plan. If you have any budget limitations, if such information is provided in advance design of the house can be suitably modified to reach near your budgetary cost.

RENOVATION OF EXISTING HOUSE

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Dear Sir,

I am a Malayalee staying in Malaysia.

I intend to renovate my single floor terrace house and intend to incorporate

traditional Kerala architecture.

Would you be able to help me?

Looking forward for an early and favourable reply.

Padmanabhan Nambiar.

My reply

House renovation is basically much more costly than building a new house.While building new house we can design everything fresh.With the old house built by some body else you don’t even know how the construction was done.As you start chipping and demolishing parts,you face new problems not anticipated earlier and this creates a situation where cost of renovation/remodeling cannot be properly guessed or calculated.

In some cases remodeling can change the entire house from the point of utility and appearance.Only area where you cannot do anything will be foundation level.In most cases foundation height in old houses will be quite low and nothing can be done to raise it to a desirable level.

First step required when you think of remodeling is to get your house to be remodeled examined by a good Architect.He will be able to tell you whether it is worth going for remodeling.I remember in many cases where the client thought that remodeling was a good option,I have found it to be a waste of money and efforts and advised client accordingly.In most cases it is sentimental attachment getting higher than reasoning and wise judgment

Kerala Architecture and House construction

The language spoken by the people of Germany has a very unique and lengthy history. There have been many variations of the language spoken over the centuries including old-high German, middle-high German and early modern-high German. It was at the beginning of the 20th century that standard German became the main form of the language used by citizens. If you are interested in learning this language you should consider Rocket German.

German Origins

Over 95 million people in Europe speak German as their primary language. This has allowed German to become the third most commonly taught language in the world behind Spanish and French. Until the 1800s standard German was only seen in written form. This was due to the wide variety of pronunciations that were used in different regions of Europe. The German language remained divided this way until 1901 when they adopted a recognized, uniform pronunciation standard by which to go by.

Commonly Spoken

The German language is a close relative of both the Dutch and English languages. German is widely spoken by people living all over Europe as a way to communicate with one another. For example, Austria, Switzerland and Belgium all have a great number of German speaking residents. In Austria alone 89% of the population speaks German as their primary language. In the United States, research shows 5% of the population uses German on a daily basis. These numbers highlight how commonplace the German language has become.

Recognition From The EU

With so many people on the planet using the German language daily it would make sense that it was the official language of Germany. However, this is not the case, as the only place in Germany that recognizes it as the official language is Liechtenstein. German is also one of only 23 languages to be officially recognized by the European Union. It is the second most used language in Europe trailing only English.

German In America

In the wake of the American Revolutionary War, the newly formed Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to decide on the official language of the newly formed United States. English edged out German to become the official language by one vote. Traveling to Germany can be a very exciting vacation for people looking to explore the German language further. It would certainly be beneficial before you travel to learn a few common phrases.

There are many institutions and universities that require a person to take a German for certain fields of study. Some of these subjects include chemistry, international business, anatomy, and even mathematics. Learning to speak German will give an individual a better vocabulary and comprehension of many other languages. Research shows that studying German also increases a person’s literacy. The Rocket German program is a great and easy way to begin your immersion into the German language. There is also a Rocket Italian program for those wanting to learn more about Italy.

Cocaine addiction can be extremely challenging to break free from. As your use of the drug increases, your thought process can change, making it difficult to get away from using the drug. The cocaine addiction rehab will help you stop the cycle of using and abusing the drug.

Withdrawal

Bringing an end to your use of the drug will be too challenging for you to handle without assistance. Withdrawal can be brutal, leading to symptoms of depression or even suicidal thoughts. Trained rehab specialists can work with you as your body begins to adjust getting through the day without cocaine.

You Are Not Alone

The early days of withdrawal may be the worst mentally and physically for an addict but certainly not the end of the journey. You may need to deal with restless nights, food cravings and mood swings within the days or weeks that follow. This will be when group therapy is vital, as it will help you to see that you are not alone on your journey.

Daily Routine

Time spent in treatment can help patients focus on other elements of life outside of drug withdrawal. Routines begin to take shape as responsibilities and tasks are assigned to individuals. This may be the first of many steps as the patient takes more ownership of day-to-day existence without the assistance of drugs to escape.

Results From Drug Use

This new life without the highs of cocaine will take some adjustment. Time spent in rehab can give a patient the awareness and focus needed to adjust to living a clean and sober life. There will be problems that need to be addressed in the outside world and time spent in rehabilitation will be important with regards to learning new strategies to handle these issues.

New Strategies

A 24/7 approach to addiction recovery will help to educate the patient regarding new strategies to use when they return to a daily routine outside the treatment center. Lessons learned from the patients and staff are vital with regards to continued focus on the avoidance of triggers that can lead back to addiction. This type of knowledge can help a patient maintain sobriety with new coping strategies learned in rehab.

Treatment

There is no single form of individual counseling that works for everyone trying to become drug free. However, a rehab center can help teach a patient about what causes triggers and cravings for the drug. With this knowledge, the staff can devise personalized treatment to work for each patient.

I would love to show you a hairy coffee table that still attracts my attention and makes me think how creative some designers can be. Here comes a Sancal Ellipse Coffee table designed by Rafael Garcia Sancal company Spanish furniture design.

The following elegant coffee table features a cardboard cover and bottom are held together by an enameled steel and thanks to this fact it seems to be suspended in the air.

According to the author, he draw inspiration from the strapping male spirit. I love the fact that the table is stylish in form, but also functional in usage.

The Sancal Elipse is available in two different dimensions.

ArtStyleOnline

This year, Motor Trend Magazine named the Ford F-150 the “Truck of the Year”. This should come as no surprise to many, as the F-150 has been one of the best-selling pickup truck since the 1940s. The Ford F-150 is a serious work truck that was designed to handle incredible towing and hauling loads. If you have a Ford F-150 or are considering buying one, you should think about adding aftermarket tire and wheel packages to it. KMC rims would be a great accessory to the Ford F-150 and help it stand out amongst the competition.

The New Ford F-150

There have been many different body styles that the Ford F-150 has featured over the many years. Currently, the truck is in its 12th version and boasts some of the most advanced features ever seen on a pickup truck. Not only is the truck’s interior roomier and more comfortable than ever before, but the new safety features offered by Ford are incredibly innovative. Also, unlike previous F-150 models, the new Ford pickup trucks feature some of the best fuel economy on the road.

Interiors

As mentioned above, the interior of the Ford F-150 is one of the most advanced and comfortable interiors in the lineups history. First, the quietness that is experienced when driving down the highway is amazing for a truck of this size to maintain. There is also a rear view camera to make backing up such a large truck, not to mention parallel parking it, much easier on the driver. There are many storage compartments on the inside of the vehicle that owners can use to store various things, as well. In addition, the Ford F-150 has seat heaters that owners can enjoy during a long, cold ride during the winter months.

Fuel Efficiency

With gas prices higher than ever before, getting a pickup truck with goof fuel economy is very important to potential buyers. Ford has finally listened to consumers and made the new Ford F-150 one of the most fuel efficient pickup trucks ever made. However, what makes this model so incredible is the fact that they did not sacrifice any of the trucks power to achieve this goal. The Ford F-150 still offer the most horsepower out of all the pickup trucks currently on the market. With gas prices continuing to rise, potential buyers should be cognizant of the fact that getting good gas mileage will save them a lot of money in the long run.

Choosing to buy a Ford F-150 is one of the smartest decisions you can make if you are looking to purchase a pickup truck. You will get a powerful work truck that offers a comfortable and sleek interior. You will be getting an immense amount of horsepower so you can take care of any work project of any size. You will also be getting the best fuel economy in the pickup truck market. If you are really interested in making your Ford F-150 special you should think about getting aftermarket tire and wheel packages for your truck. A great option for this would be KMC wheels. These custom wheels will enhance the performance and handling of any truck they are put on and will help your pickup truck stand out on the road.

I just think you will be pleased and happy to have a look at the following awesome street chandelier created by Austrian artist Werner Reiterer. The artist made it in 2006, but it still looks great. Brilliant urban intervention!

ArtStyleOnline

Just a couple of words about really unusual and cool lamp that will put smile on your face and make you happy every time you switch it on. Ladies and gentlemen, meet an Eclisse Table Lamp!

The Eclisse is a bedside table standing or wall mounted (pin-up) lamp that is great when it comes to either direct or diffused incandescent lighting. Body in lacquered steel.

The lamp comes in white, orange or metallic silver. On/off switch located on cord. The lamp was created by Artemide that was founded in 1960s, and nowadays belongs to one the most known illumination brands in the world.

The company is famous for the “The Human Light” philosophy, Artemide is nowadays synonym with design.

The lamp is pure pleasure!

ArtStyleOnline

A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies your identity. In addition, it’s a document that requests another government to allow you to visit their country and be afforded assistance and protection. In the United States, US pass ports are issued by the US government through the State Department.

When Do You Need A Passport

First, when is a US Passport needed? Basically, it’s necessary when travelling outside the United States and its territories. Even when travelling to Mexico or Canada, there are certain requirements that a passport can satisfy because all persons entering Canada must show proof of identity and citizenship. US Citizens, including children, who want to travel past the “border zone” and into the interior of Mexico also need a valid US Passport.

How Do You Get A Passport

In order to acquire a passport, one needs to go through an application process. The first step is to fill in an application form. This can be found from the US Department of State as well as through online agencies. One can also download the application form from several websites. E-passports have been introduced a few years ago. These contain a computer chip and this chip is embedded in the back cover of the passport, storing the exact information contained on the passport along with a digital photograph. Anti-fraud and security features have been included. For those who still have their old passports, these are still acceptable until their validity period ends.

Where Do You Get An Application

The passport application can be downloaded and filled out online and then printed or printed and filled out by hand. Other locations where passport applications may be found include US Post Offices and libraries. No matter where you acquire and fill out your application, it is important to note you do not sign it until instructed to do so by the passport acceptance agent.

US Citizenship

The application must be submitted in person, even by minors under 16. These can be submitted to any of the passport acceptance facilities and passport agencies. These locations can be found through an online search. Evidence of US citizenship must be presented. This can be through a certified birth certificate or a previous passport. If you don’t have the primary documents, secondary evidence may be submitted.

Secondary Documents

One has to present acceptable proof of identification, ideally a government issued identity card or driver’s license. A combination of documents can be required for approval. Other commonly used documents include credit cards and social security cards.

A Personal Witness

A witness who identifies you may also be presented as a primary form of evidence. This witness must fill out an “affidavit of identifying witness” form in front of a American passport renewal agent. This witness will swear to your identity so it must be someone who has known you for at least two years and also must be a US Citizen or permanent resident. You also have to provide a photocopy of your identity card along with passport photographs.

Louvers provide ventilation allowing air to pass through a window while at the same time keeping unwanted elements such as dirt, water, and other debris out. Exterior architectural louvers feature a number of fixed or operable blades that are mounted in a frame. There are many factors to consider when dicing upon exterior louvers.

Factors

These factors that must be taken into consideration include free area, water penetration, and resistance to airflow. By properly configuring the free area as well as the water penetration the pressure loss, or resistance to airflow can be determined. This will allow for the best solution in terms of installing louvers.

Free Area

Free area is an important aspect to consider when thinking about installing louvers. The free area is calculated by determining the total area of the obstructed air flow in comparison to the overall wall opening. The complete louvered opening versus the unobstructed opening will most often fall within the ranges of 35% to 60%. A high percentage of free area is very beneficial. This will allow for an optimized amount of air flow to a smaller wall opening.

Obstruction

Obstruction is needed in order to prevent water from entering. A fully obstructed opening allows for no water to enter. A completely unobstructed opening would let water enter unimpeded. However, a louver that is proper designed taking calculations into consideration will be able to maximize the free area while allowing for a minimal amount of water to enter.

Water Penetration

Water penetration is considered when figuring the velocity of air intake. The first point of water penetration is the exact point in which the louver will let water enter. By figuring the threshold measurement of the air intake velocity the water penetration point will be determined. This calculation will allow for the best louver installation.

Pressure Loss

Any obstruction that is in the air stream will create a resistance. This includes louvers, coils, filters, ductwork, the structure of the building, the list goes on. The actual resistance provided by the louver can be determined by measuring the running air through the louver while also measuring the pressure differential at a variety of free area velocities.

Aerodynamics

All sun control louver create a resistance. This resistance is based upon the frame of the louver as well as the shape of the blade. Lower blade angles or those that have more aerodynamic shapes will create less resistance. In order to fully consider the resistance to airflow the free area velocity allowed by the louver must be calculated. It is important to consider the resistance as well as minimize it, as it can be detrimental to the application of flans or other air moving equipment.