It is
relatively a lot easier to design a new building in an empty plot rather than
renovating an existing building to suit newer and modern requirements. For
various reasons including budget, one may want to redo the existing building
with additions and alterations instead of demolishing the existing building
completely. Many will think renovating the building will be cheaper. But
usually, it is only after commencement of work that one will realise the
intricacies and expenses involved.
Before
starting the work, one has to do a careful planning and be doubly sure about
what exactly one wants from the building. Otherwise, one will end up spending
more than what they have planned for or may end up getting a poor building in
many ways.
Renovation
can be broadly classified as:
1. Touch up works which involve some
minor repairs and finishes. This may be redoing a minor work on wiring,
plumbing, sanitary or arresting leakages in the water tank or filling the wall cracks and having it repainted.Leveling of the pavements, repairing the doors
and windows or combination of all the above.
2. Minor renovation may involve redoing
the flooring, altering the entire bathroom by replacing the entire wall and
floor tiles, plumbing and sanitary lines, shifting and adding electrical
points, minor additional civil works, removing and redoing the weathering
course and roof tiles.
3. Major renovation may involve redoing
the floor plans, complete electrical works, sanitary, plumbing, flooring,
doors, windows, grills, gates, painting, interior and exterior finish and elevation modifications. Only exemption could be basic structural system.
Clear
Plan, imperative
Today let us talk about
some finer points with regard to additions and alterations:
1. Step by step process and study are
needed in understanding the nature and the requirement of additions and
alterations of the building. One has to clearly plan on the need and make the
best use of the available building.
2. One has to completely study the
structural system of the existing building so as to modify the floor plans
without much of structural complications.If any part of the building is damaged
extensively, one should not hesitate to demolish that part and redo it.
3. If any part of the building is not
going to be really in use and also going to hinder in fitting in the newer
requirements, do not hesitate to demolish it. After all, redoing work is for
convenience and comfort only. No point in retaining the portion of the building
just for the sake of it.
4. When you alter the building, see to
it that it meets the local Government body rules and requirements.
Apply for the fresh plan
and get the sanction before starting the construction.
Seek
professional help
Do not think it is only
additions and alterations and one can manage without discussing with Architects and Interior Consultants. It is much more necessary to discuss with them to get
an effective result.Any structural alterations have to be done with extra care
and supervision.
If more floors are to be
added, check the existing foundations by an Expert. Even if it is a minor or
major alteration, do not extend the existing wiring lines. Instead, remove the
old wiring and go for the newer ones and the same thing holds good for plumbing
and sanitary lines too.Necessary precautions have to be taken to rework the
dampness on the roof and the wall completely.
One can go for a totally
fresh concept and look. It is not necessary to carry on the previous image of the building. But at the same time, it is worth retaining the image of the
building, if it is reflecting the local culture and architecture even in a very
small way.
More,
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