A Story about Bandikui House, its a very much emotionally attached.

We did a renovation of an existing house in 2016 at Bandikui, Dausa (Rajasthan). Whose existing structure (foundation & walls) was of traditional Rajasthani stone and Slab R.C.C. There was no frame structure (RCC foundation, beam and slab) in the existing building. The existing structure was a single-story building. Which was built in 30% of the plot area. The patron wanted to build a 3-storey building with structural stability without any demolition along with beautification in this existing building.

We suggested them to demolish the existing structure and consider building a new building from the foundation. One reason behind this suggestion was the existing building structure was very old and needed repairs at various areas. But they were very much emotionally attached to that existing building, in which his hard-earned money was invested and was a sign of his parents.

For us it was a big challenge and also another experience. One challenge was their limited construction cost budget. We advised them to allow us to install columns in the existing building along with the foundation. They agreed to it, after that we started the process for designing.

After finalizing the design, it was time to start the work execution at site, for which we had advised that an experienced contractor should be given this responsibility. But he believed that his budget could not afford a good contractor, so they would give the responsibility of building to a local mason or contractor. Since the decision was by patron, we could not do anything. But our challenge was to execute the columns at site from the foundation with the safety of the existing building. And another challenge was coordination with the mason or contractor and patron.

Therefore, we advised to the patron to enter into a written agreement with the contractor as per rules, so that he can complete your work faithfully, from the beginning of the construction work to the completion of the building construction and handing over to you. And it must be signed with the consent of both of you. So that you do not have to face any problem during the construction of the building.

But he did not even consider our advice because he had got the contractor from the recommendation of an acquaintance, that acquaintance had praised the contractor very much. The contractor established his trust by showing his built building to the client from outside. but everything on verbal basis only.

When the client shared this sequence of events with us, our concerns were further compounded. Another advised we gave to our patron was to coordinate with us on the basis of design, drawings and site performance before making payment to the contractor. So that we can supervise the site based on the design and drawings and ensure whether the contractor is entitled to payment as per the work on site. But even our advice was not heeded.

As per our online work process, we continuously monitor the site on daily or weekly basis through photos, short videos or CCTV cameras shared by the patron. This is a normal process based on which we continuously monitor the site. This is possible only through our online services. But for this it is necessary to have the cooperation, commitment, discipline and awareness of the client with us. If ignored by client, it makes us free from our responsibility.

It is similar to an architect or engineer visiting the site for a few hours or for a whole day as per your requirement or as per the contract. But no architect or engineer can be available on site from the time building construction starts till the building is completed.

Stay tuned with us to know the further story and look forward to the next blog. We will share the full story with you soon…