Building a house, stage by stage
A typical G+1 house takes 8–14 months. Here is what happens at each stage.
1. Plan and approvals 2–6 weeks
Soil test, architectural and structural drawings, building permission from the local body, and a bill of quantities (BOQ).
Don't skip: Get the soil bearing capacity tested before the structural design is finalised.
Materials: Borewell and water treatment
2. Foundation and plinth 3–5 weeks
Excavation, anti-termite treatment, PCC, footings, plinth beam, plinth filling and damp-proof course.
Don't skip: Anti-termite treatment must happen now, before the PCC is poured.
Materials: Cement, Sand, Aggregate and gravel, TMT steel, Waterproofing and chemicals, Bricks and blocks, Shuttering and scaffolding, Home lifts
3. RCC frame 3–5 weeks per floor
Columns, beams and slabs. Shuttering, steel, concrete, then curing.
Don't skip: Inspect steel spacing, cover blocks and lap positions before every pour.
Materials: Cement, Sand, Aggregate and gravel, TMT steel, Waterproofing and chemicals, Shuttering and scaffolding
4. Masonry 2–4 weeks per floor
Brick or block walls, lintels over openings, door frames placed.
Don't skip: Walls should be plumb and level; rake joints for better plaster grip.
Materials: Bricks and blocks, Cement, Sand, Doors and windows
5. Concealed services 2–3 weeks
Conduits, switch boxes, CPVC and drainage lines chased into walls and floors.
Don't skip: Pressure-test plumbing for 24 hours and photograph every route.
Materials: Wires and cables, Switches, MCB and DB, Pipes and fittings, Water tanks and pumps, Drainage, septic and rainwater, Air conditioning and ventilation, Security, automation and fire safety
6. Plaster and waterproofing 3–5 weeks
Internal and external plaster, bathroom and terrace waterproofing.
Don't skip: Pond-test bathrooms and terrace for 48 hours.
Materials: Ready-mix plaster and gypsum, Cement, Sand, Waterproofing and chemicals, Facade and elevation
7. Roof, terrace and tanks 1–2 weeks
Terrace slope and coating, parapet coving, water tanks, solar structure.
Don't skip: Confirm slope to outlets with a water test.
Materials: Roofing and sheets, Insulation and heat reduction, Waterproofing and chemicals, Water tanks and pumps, Solar and water heating
8. Flooring and tiling 3–6 weeks
Floor tiles or stone, bathroom and kitchen wall tiles, stair cladding.
Don't skip: Fix concealed diverters and cisterns before tiling.
Materials: Tiles, Marble, Granite, Kota and natural stone, Wooden, vinyl and epoxy floors, Waterproofing and chemicals
9. Doors, windows and woodwork 3–6 weeks
Shutters, uPVC or aluminium windows, wardrobes and kitchen.
Don't skip: Measure window openings after plaster, not from drawings.
Materials: Doors and windows, Plywood and laminates, Hardware and fasteners, Glass and railings, Modular kitchen, Grills, railings and sheds, Shutters and gates
10. Ceiling and electrical fit-out 2–3 weeks
False ceiling, wiring pull-through, DB, switches, lights and fans.
Don't skip: Test every circuit with the RCCB installed.
Materials: False ceiling and POP, Wires and cables, Switches, MCB and DB, Lights and fans, Air conditioning and ventilation, Security, automation and fire safety, Home lifts
11. Painting 3–4 weeks
Putty, primer, two coats inside; primer and weatherproof coats outside.
Don't skip: Plaster should cure 28 days before painting.
Materials: Paints and putty, Wall panels and wallpaper
12. Fixtures and handover 1–2 weeks
Sanitaryware, taps, geysers, kitchen appliances, railings, final cleaning.
Don't skip: Run every tap and flush for leaks; keep all warranty cards together.
Materials: Sanitaryware and taps, Modular kitchen, Lights and fans, Glass and railings, Solar and water heating, Hardware and fasteners, Landscaping and outdoor
13. Furnishing and move-in 2–6 weeks
Beds, mattresses, sofas, wardrobes, dining and study furniture, TV units, balcony and kids' furniture.
Don't skip: Measure doors, lift and staircase turns before ordering large sofas, beds and almirahs.
Materials: Beds and mattresses, Wardrobes and almirahs, Sofas and seating, Chairs, Tables, TV units and storage, Office furniture, Outdoor, balcony and kids' furniture