[BaCkSeAtDrIVeR]

Originally Posted by Jaguar

What is the current approx per sq ft rate for making a wardrobe using marine ply and laminate doors? The property is in Trivandrum and one guy quoted 2500 with the fittings/accessories cost extra. I feel it is high as a small 2 door wardrobe with loft itself is costing 90k without any fittings. For reference, just before the pandemic,

A typical marine ply wood board costs around ₹ 4,300 in 16 mm thickness. You'll be using thinner versions. Same size laminate costs almost the same. I would strongly suggest you to look at custom build only as a second option, and that too only if you have some special requirements. Else, brands like Godrej, damro,, indroyal etc have options. You can even order online from IKEA and appoint a courier to pick up for you. There are specialist couriers who do IKEA deliveries for you - minimum being ₹ 1500. Contact them before you order.

Even Marine ply comes in more than one grade and 710 is supposed to be the better one. I strongly suggest you have a look at this thing called laminated bison board. It is a manufacturer specific product, basically cement board with agri fibre content. Laminated versions might not be readily available with dealers. But I feel this thing eliminates many disadvantages of the plywood.

The crazy thing about labour charges for wardrobe works in Kerala is they charge you on number of full size boards needed. And there is no assurance in workmanship and quality of products. And many are very insensitive to our specific requirements, with a "this is the way we do it everywhere, and no body complained" attitude.

[Jaguar]

Originally Posted by Aroy

Carpenters/fabricator rates are based on their own whim. You can calculate the approximate costs as follows

If you do not want to go through all this, then you have to rely on costs quoted. Just keep in mind to get the costs for specific materials used - Wood, Fittings, Laminates (if used), bonding agent etc.

Unfortunately, I can't get the individual rates in KL sitting in Bangalore. So I suppose I will have to get multiple quotes and arrive at an average.

Originally Posted by BaCkSeAtDrIVeR

A typical marine ply wood board costs around ₹ 4,300 in 16 mm thickness. You'll be using thinner versions. Same size laminate costs almost the same. I would strongly suggest you to look at custom build only as a second option, and that too only if you have some special requirements.

The crazy thing about labour charges for wardrobe works in Kerala is they charge you on number of full-size boards needed.

What is the size of a full-size board? 8x4?

I also prefer branded but I am looking for custom sizes to fit in a certain area. Godrej I know provides only standard sizes. Need to check others.

[BaCkSeAtDrIVeR]

Originally Posted by Jaguar

What is the size of a full-size board? 8x4?

I also prefer branded but I am looking for custom sizes to fit in a certain area.

8 x 4 feet is the typical size of a board. Sometimes, you'll get things in. 10 and 12 feet lengths. The most painful thing is to calculating everything in mm and cm while designing and then switching to inch / feet rates for purchasing and labour. Happens with hardware and flooring (especially tiles and laying). Plumbers and electricians have thankfully switched over to cm / mm units.

There are international brands like hettich, and others already mentioned above that provide a bewildering array of hardware. For example, there are hinges that open 85⁰, 90⁰, 95⁰, etc. And then there are variants that need to be closed manually or have a "step" in between like some car doors have, or close softly etc. And then you can look at sliding instead of opening doors. Add lighting options, if needed. And everything can be done using VFM nameless Indian hardware brands usually available at some old style hardware shop.

To - madhe sure the plank on top is joint free, and extend by a few mm beyond vertical elements on front and sides. At back, the vertical elements should be flush and below the edge of the top plank. Else, dust will seep in.

[Dr Alpha]

Originally Posted by Mortis

2nd question : Do booster pumps slow down the flow when not switched on ? Meaning of the normal flow rate is 10 lpm , will the pump fitment drop it to say 7-8 lpm if not turned on ?
Also what is a good, silent, reliable brand of pump ? Doesn't need to boost the pressure much

I’ve been using Grundfos for the past 2 years. Though a bit pricey they are the most silent and reliable pressure pump in the market. The plumbing is done as Mr. Thad suggested in his post. It’s been a niggle free ownership till date.

[Sran]

Originally Posted by BaCkSeAtDrIVeR

A typical marine ply wood board costs around ₹ 4,300 in 16 mm thickness. You'll be using thinner versions.

I think you mean thicker rather than thinner because 19mm is the standard size for furniture other than bed/diwans which use 24/25 mm plyboards.

8 x 4 feet is the typical size of a board.

Plyboard size starts from 6'X3'.

Originally Posted by Jaguar

I also prefer branded but I am looking for custom sizes to fit in a certain area. Godrej I know provides only standard sizes. Need to check others.

So the thing is, custom size doesn't mean you should make wardrobe doors with width more than 18 inches(36" for both doors), otherwise the doors will be too heavy to open and plyboard will distort within a short span of time. 7 feet in height and not more than 22 inches in depth/breadth. So you will need one unit of 7'x3', two units of 8'x4' and one unit of 8'x3'. This will cover all the shelves and drawers also. For outer 8'x4' size of /teak/laminates in 1mm thickness (3 units). For interior you can choose it to be painted if on budget or else 0.4/0.5 mm laminates are used, calculate the shelf and drawer(4/5 units). 5kg of Fevicol, 100 feet of leaping(use teak) and hinges are cheap(use old type hinges instead of fancy ones for sturdiness). One wardrobe will not take less than 4 days of labour of 2 carpenters.

[balenoed_]

Specific to Bangalore location.

What is the construction cost for a typical individual house in Bangalore. I know it is very subjective and vague question. But still, assuming there could be a range, like starts from 1800/- per sq ft and further depends on the materials chosen. Any insights from anyone who went through this recently?

[akhil_007]

Originally Posted by balenoed_

Specific to Bangalore location.

What is the construction cost for a typical individual house in Bangalore. I know it is very subjective and vague question. But still, assuming there could be a range, like starts from 1800/- per sq ft and further depends on the materials chosen. Any insights from anyone who went through this recently?

Based on my recent interactions, if it is material contract, then Rs. 1900/- to Rs 2000/- is the bare minimum. This would get you structurally very good and aesthetically acceptable construction. Run if anyone(friend, family friend, well-wisher) quotes less than this

I dont want to comment on Labour Contract since everyone is an expert in their own way and costs vary wildly.

Set aside 10% of your project cost for misc stuffs like Plan Sanction(expensive now! 1L minimum for 30x40), temporary electricity, water/borewell.

Set Aside 5% of your project cost if you need a grand elevation(Fundermax,CNC Cut Sheets, Elevation tiles etc)

[deehunk]

Originally Posted by balenoed_

Specific to Bangalore location.
Any insights from anyone who went through this recently?

My views after an experience in constructing and maintaining a house plus buying and maintaining apartments, people often get convinced/confused by some relatives or friends like

*Labor contract is cheaper than Material contract
*Contractors charge heavily and compensate for quality work
*Split the work into structural + plastering, flooring, carpentry, electrical, and plumbing to save costs

It is easy to interact with one contractor for all requirements, laborers test your patience limits, work done by one person will not be liked by another guy, and a lot of reworks are bound to happen if multiple contractors are involved, even if slightly expensive, prefer contractors who employ a dedicated site engineer and employs labors from Tamilnadu or UP & Bihar. Ideally, to begin with per square foot it will be Rs.1800 to Rs.2500. The cost of construction by the time of completion will be 15-20 % more than your estimation.

[keroo1099]

Originally Posted by balenoed_

Specific to Bangalore location.

What is the construction cost for a typical individual house in Bangalore. I know it is very subjective and vague question. But still, assuming there could be a range, like starts from 1800/- per sq ft and further depends on the materials chosen. Any insights from anyone who went through this recently?

With today's labour rates in Bangalore I would say 2,500 minimum excluding GST and excluding interiors (kitchen, wardrobes, etc). Getting skilled workers is getting to be a real pain, and the good ones want crazy daily wages.

Separate the contract for the Shell and the Finishes as you will be selecting the finishes only 6 months down the line.

[BaCkSeAtDrIVeR]

A person wanting to construct should understand some basics of cement and concrete mixes, curing process and curing times. Curing (keeping the concrete / cement wet for specified time - 7 to 14 days and putting water 4-6 times a day not to be confused with setting time - you start pouring water after the mix has set or dried) is very important. And there is no holiday on Sundays. Search out BIS standard on this and specify the mix, instead of cement brands to be used. May be, you can find the CPWD manual online - it is an excellent hori on managing construction and QC. Find the difference between ordinary Portland cement and pozolana cement. Start the curing / wetting at the end of setting time for the grade of cement used. Forget the brands used. You'll end up paying extra for the brand advertisement.

Use ISI grade reinforcement rods from good companies - the variations from ISI specifications will be far less with good brands like TISCO and JSW. Most shall brands use re rolled bars, where the metallurgy can get inconsistent.

Also, look at alternative construction materials - gypsum plaster, AAC blocks, gypboard (proprietary, brand) prefab walls, etc. Do your homework.

Don't skimp on money or specification till you finish the structural works and plastering. You'll have spent only around 35-40% of the budget till this stage. Real expenses, start after this stage For example, you will be recommended two coats of putty, two of primer and two coats of paint. Do the plastering well, and you probably can avoid putty. Two coats of primer and paint might do if plastering is done by experienced individuals. Taking this further,There are 5-6 brand variants fro of paint from Asian paints alone, costing from around ₹ 3000 per 20 liters to ₹ 6000 per 20 l. Western closets are available as cheap as 3 k and can get as expensive as 3 l, without any automation. It is the finishing works that will finish you.

Also, budget down to smallest details - water storage and septic tanks, steps / verandah into the house, courtyard levelling and cleaning after construction, etc.

Take a daily briefing in mornings about work to be done that day, and ensure that the word is kept - irrespective of nature of engagement of vendors.

Make sure to use ISI grade plumbing pipes electrical wiring and switches.

[akhil_007]

Looking for suggestions on planting trees inside the site perimeter.

We have approximately 80 sqft space left for garden area and I would like to plant at least 1 tree. We plan to keep pots for growing other plants and don't have plans for lawn. I would like to know which tree is most suitable where its roots do not damage the column footings, foundations and walls. The column footing is 5 feet deep and land is rocky terrain.

Few trees that I have in mind are Curry Leaf, Papaya, Mango, Sampige(Champa).

Thanks in advance

[Aroy]

Originally Posted by akhil_007

Looking for suggestions on planting trees inside the site perimeter.

We have approximately 80 sqft space left for garden area and I would like to plant at least 1 tree. We plan to keep pots for growing other plants and don't have plans for lawn. I would like to know which tree is most suitable where its roots do not damage the column footings, foundations and walls. The column footing is 5 feet deep and land is rocky terrain.

Few trees that I have in mind are Curry Leaf, Papaya, Mango, Sampige(Champa).

Thanks in advance

Curry Leaf, Champa and Papaya are fine. Mango tree will grow big and its roots may spread to the house. Just keep the curry leaf tree trimmed else it will expand all round.

[am1m]

Originally Posted by akhil_007

Looking for suggestions on planting trees inside the site perimeter.

Just cross-posting some info I have gathered over the past couple of decades living with trees in a small plot in the city:

Originally Posted by am1m

Some pointers on tree maintenance, gained by painful experience:
...
And while I do enjoy the trees, I would advise anyone considering planting one to consider how big the plot is, how close to the house the tree will be when it grows before deciding.

Not discouraging you from planting, but consider carefully what the tree will be in 15 or 20 years. If you are ok with regular maintenance, then no issues.

[Aroy]

Originally Posted by am1m

Just cross-posting some info I have gathered over the past couple of decades living with trees in a small plot in the city:

Not discouraging you from planting, but consider carefully what the tree will be in 15 or 20 years. If you are ok with regular maintenance, then no issues.

Also consider the fact that once the tree size becomes unmanagable, it may be difficult to cut it.

At least in Delhi, you cannot cut a tree without the permission of relevant authorites (an extremely frustating, time consuming and expensive excercise), even though it is in your compound. Even trimming branches can lead to hefty fines.

[deathwalkr]

If space is a constraint you could also look at hybrid trees that grow under 8ft and will fruit as well.