Technical aspects of construction

THE normal time taken for construction of an average multi-storeyed building will range between 15-20 months.

It is possible that the construction period may go up to 30 months if the building has more number of floors. It needs to be ensured that for buildings under construction, the payment schedule is linked to the progress in construction and that the payment is not solely time-bound.

Normally, a developer will ask for 10-15 per cent on booking, and the other installments will follow as per the progress in construction. Following are some technical terms one should be familiar with:

Plinth: The ground floor level is normally about 3 feet above the ground level. This portion of the structure is formed by a network of beams and filled in with stones, gravel, and so on. This portion is called the plinth.

RCC: This acronym stands for Reinforced Cement Concrete. Normally, most buildings being constructed these days are RCC. The RCC framework consists of the columns, beams, slabs, staircase, all of which wills be reinforced with steel. The frames are essentially formed of columns and beams, the columns are bounded by beams connected to each other by cross beams. A framed structure is better resistant to earthquakes/vibrations.

Columns: These are vertical pillars made of RCC, connected horizontally by beams. If any internal modifications have to be carried out in a flat, one needs take the services of an architect. The columns and beams have to remain untouched during subsequent internal modifications, if any, because they form and hold the entire structure of the building in place.

Slabs: These are horizontal RCC platforms that form the ceiling/floor of the flat. The payment schedules of the developers are usually connected to the casting of slabs. Each slab is cast with RCC, and the casting of the next slab usually follows in a period of 45-60 days.

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(This guidance note is an attempt to help prospective buyers of property. It is for the limited purpose of information only. You are advised to consult your advocate/solicitor before undertaking any transaction/documentation. This information is provided solely for the sake of providing a broad overview to property transactions and the concepts and description of documents within this note are only general descriptions. HDFC undertakes no responsibility of determining the applicability and these concepts and documents in each case.)

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(Source: www.hdfc.com.)