Confused about the area?

If you're planning on buying a house or commercial space - the terms carpet area, built up area and super built up area are most confusing. Most buyers are not aware of the facts associated with these terms. According to a certified auditor in Pune, Carpet Area means the actual area of the flat, that is the internal area of the flat. When it is said that a room measures 500 square feet, it may not be that, it may just measure 400-425 square feet." That's how a prospective buyer spends time trying to figure out where the remaining area is and how do they call it a 500 Sq ft area room. The common man who is not aware of this is often taken for a ride by builders who show them a large apartment and quote prices which seem low to the customers. This may not be the real picture. As far the built up area is concerned, the builder includes the walls of the flat, terrace, the staircase and the parking area. If the builder charges 10% extra for this, it is justified. But sometimes they increase 25% extra in the name of super built up area that includes the garden area and other facilities.

This is not right. There is no super built up area according to law. If any builder ever uses this term, they are just trying to make fast money. Builders should only charge for the actual area of the flat. They can increase the cost if they want, but they should not mislead people showing them a larger actual area of the apartment and offering it to them at a low cost. This is not the truth and neither is it right. Not all builders do this, but one should be aware of the possibility. Due to a slump in the market, not many buyers come forward to purchase ready apartments, apartments under construction or land for that matter. This has affected the business of the builders, as they have to pay for buying the land as well as for getting permission from the authorities. So it is really not feasible for builders to sell properties at lower rates.

WHY DO YOU NEED AN ARCHITECT?

To plan a home or office, why consult an architect? For numerous reasons - from aesthetics and accuracy to costing and engineering.

An architect can coordinate the activities of different tradesmen involved in building, like plumbers, electricians, carpenters, etc., so they may perform their functions in the right sequence.
An architect is academically and professionally trained to be aware of all the elements of building, like aesthetics and structure, engineering, plumbing, electricity, etc.
The architect is well versed in functional aspects like placing plug points, ventilators, etc., and can work according to your needs. For instance, if your family has short people, it won't help to have switches placed high on the wall. It is a misconception that only large-scale constructions need an architect. Even if you are building a hutment , an architect can help you minimise costs.

If you are not careful in hiring a reputed contractor, he may leave you with only a skeletal workforce once 70 per cent of the construction is complete. An architect can guide your payments to the contractor, so the work is completed accurately, within the time frame. An architect can help schedule operating costs.

Choosing the Right Architect
* Before you hire an architect, look at some of his/her work.
* Inspect project sites and take references from at least three former clients
* Find out exactly what services the architect or the firm can offer and take it down in writing.
* Do not judge the architect by the fee charged, either high or low. Visit the architect's office during the course of work, which will help you assess progress. Keep all agreements in writing but trust the architect you hire.

What should you look for in a Builder?

Buying an apartment or building a house is a lifetime investment. So choose a builder who is reliable, who can deliver the goods he promises and on time. A builder should be able to give you real value for money. Be sure of the credentials of the builder. Talk to residents of apartment blocks built by him and ascertain details like:

* If he has promised them plastic emulsion on the walls, has he really given them that or has he used ordinary distemper.
* He could have assured them copper wiring but since the wiring is concealed he could have used cheaper quality wire.
* Has he delivered items like bathroom fixtures according to the prices he charged. The same goes for every little thing that goes into making a house, from the wiring to the tiles, from the doors to sanitaryware. Most agreements with builders specify that payments should be made according to the stages of construction. If the builder has taken up more than one project at a time and you have paid for a certain stage, he may siphon your money to a different project. Your money could be held up, your apartment may be completed much after the time frame. Legally there is a penalty clause which binds the builder to pay you a certain sum of money if he doesn't complete the work in the scheduled time. Vice versa, you are liable to pay the builder a fine if you don't pay him according to schedule.
* When a builder shows you the plans for the proposed project, ascertain that the project is legally sanctioned.
* See if the builder makes arrangements for maintenance, once the construction is complete.
* Ensure that all agreements with the builder are in writing