Who's who

Who's who... Before you build your home

Family, Friends/ Relatives, Broker, Lawyer, Contractor, Engineer, Mason, Electrician, Architect, Plumber, Carpenter etc and other professionals who plan and build your home... It not only helps you to know who does what but also helps in knowing Who can help you, How can they help you, and on What terms would they be helping you.

Friend/Relative

People who have recently built homes can be a big help. Talk to them. They'll be only too happy to share their experiences with you.

Broker

A middleman with resources to locate land according to your needs for a fee (generally 1 to 2% of the land cost).

Engineer

Works with the architect in designing the foundation and structure. May be involved in the entire project to oversee construction work. His inputs are critical for the safety and durability of your home.

Lawyer

Conducts the search process for verifying the legal status of the land you want to purchase. Draws up the necessary documents of sale and registration.

Contractor

Takes up a contract for building your home from organising labour, building materials and equipment to getting the construction work done. The scope of his responsibilities may vary widely. Consult your architect about your contractor's scope of work and terms of payment.

Labour Contractor

Takes up the contract for supplying skilled and unskilled workers for construction. His payment terms could be on a per square foot basis or a per man-day basis. (The former is preferable.)

Mason

Lays the bricks and concrete, makes the foundation, makes the slabs and does other such work. Often called the Rajmistry.

Architect

The professional who analyses your requirements, prepares first sketches, then the home plans. He designs your home to make it look beautiful. He may guide you through the entire process. His technical skills and experience can help you cut costs on land, building materials and save you time and money.

Carpenter

Handles all the wood work - doors, windows, frames, furniture and so on.

Electrician

Ideally a licensed electrical contractor who lays the electric lines for your home. Also plans layouts for concealed wiring and electrical accessories in consultation with the architect and you. May also help in getting you the power connection.

Painter Does the priming and finishing jobs in painting exterior and interior walls, wood work and is involved in other such areas.

Labourer

Does the manual jobs such as fetching and carrying materials - bricks, concrete, light structurals. Usually hired in teams and paid by contractor/labour contractor.

Plumber

One who lays the water pipes and helps in setting up the sanitary fittings and sewerage connections.

Professional bodies such as Indian Institute of Architects and Directories such as Real Estate Directory and Yellow Pages can give you more information about Architects/Engineers/Contractors. Architects, building material dealers and hardware stores are good information sources for Labour Contractors. Paint stores, furniture and electricals stores can help you with information on Painters, Carpenters and Electricians respectively