Tips For Constructing Your Own Bungalow

Arvind Jain

Considering the complexities involved, it often makes sense to buy a bungalow rather than construct one, says Arvind Jain, Managing Director – Pride Group, Pune.

While there are significant advantages to buying a ready bungalow from a reputed developer, many individuals prefer to build their own homes as per their own specifications. Here are some guidelines on what constructing your own bungalow involves:

The Plot

Obviously, the first thing that is required for constructing your own bungalow is a suitable plot. The next aspect required to commence building a house on it are the necessary permits from the concerned authorities. This would include a NOC with regards to land use from the local zoning authority, a building permit from the municipal corporation, load approval from the electricity board, etc. It is best to use the services of an experienced architect or contractor, since such professionals are familiar with the process.  

If the plot is being marketed as a developed plot by a reputed developer, there is very little stress involved in establishing the legal veracity of the land. If the plot is being bought directly from individual owners, an advocate experienced in property matters should do a title check. It is not advisable for a lay person to attempt to do the due diligence without professional assistance.

Factoring In All The Costs

The overall costs of constructing your own bungalow would include the price of the plot, the stamp duty payable to the Government upon purchase, the cost of obtaining statutory clearances from various authorities, the cost of obtaining an electricity connection, the cost of raw materials used in construction, the cost of construction labour and the fees of the architect and / or contractor.

The costs will vary depending on where the plot is situated, as land costs differ from city to city and area to area. While the cost of building materials would remain more or less the same everywhere, the cost of labour and also statutory permits may differ in urban, semi-rural and rural areas.

The cost of constructing an independent house can range from Rs. 700-1200 per square foot, depending on various factors such as the house design, quality of materials used, etc. The entire construction process involves excavation, foundation, stonework and brickwork, roofing and waterproofing, flooring, doors and windows, internal and external finishes, water supply and electricity connections and sanitary works.

The cost of steel, cement, sand and labour can increase significantly, and have in fact increased a lot in recent times. This is a function of the state of the economy and availability of labour at a given time in a certain area.

Be Sure About Local FSI Norms

FSI norms are laid out for urban areas are inflexible. However, many semi-urban and rural areas are not bound by regulations with regards to mandatory parking and open space provision, rules pertaining to structural safety or construction regulations such as FSI. The FSI norms within which you can construct your own bungalow will not be the same from area to area, and this mainly depends on which corporation limits the plot falls in, or if it falls under gram panchayat jurisdiction.

These are three main aspects to be considered for the construction of a bungalow, but it is by no means a complete list. Considering the complexities involved, it often makes sense to buy a bungalow rather than construct one.