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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Today let
us talk about some finer points with regard to additions and alterations:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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