Architectural & Construction Consultation
Online
I give straight, practical advice online for building and designing homes that work for Indian families, covering everything from waterproofing and material choices to layout tweaks and safety tips.
Pricing Guide
Quick Expert Sanity Check
Session Structure
- Duration: 15 Minutes dedicated telephonic connect.
- Mode: Audio Call (Direct line with Design Team/Sourabh Jain).
- Pre-Call Prep: Review of 1-2 specific questions or photos submitted by the client prior to the call.
Advisory Scope (Pick Any 2)
- Material Validation: Immediate confirmation on material grades (e.g., verifying if 18mm BWP Plywood is being used for kitchen carcass vs. BWR).
- Brand Selection: "Buy or Bye" advice on specific brands for windows (UPVC vs System Aluminium), sanitaryware, or hardware based on budget.
- Mistake Avoidance: Quick check on critical measurements (e.g., confirming 24" vs 36" fridge gap, or 32" counter height).
- Contractor Fact-Check: Verifying if the contractor's claim (e.g., "Double height saves money") is true or a myth.
Deliverables
- Verbal confirmation and expert opinion.
- No written report or drawings included.
Floor Plan & Layout Optimization
Session Structure
- Duration: 60 Minutes intensive video consultation.
- Mode: Video Call with Screen Sharing (Annotating over client's PDF/AutoCAD plans).
- Expertise: Direct interaction with the Principal Designer/Architect.
Architectural Review
- Space Optimization: Realigning walls to increase usable carpet area and eliminate dead corners.
- Furniture Layout: Strategic placement of beds (checking fan centering), wardrobes (Walk-in vs Slider logic), and heavy furniture.
- Kitchen Ergonomics: Reviewing the "Work Triangle," ensuring minimum 3.5ft clearance for islands, and designating zones for wet/dry areas.
- Door & Window Planning: Optimizing door swings (2ft from corner rule) and resizing windows for cross-ventilation vs. heat gain (South/West checks).
Technical & Utility Planning
- Electrical Audit: Marking location of critical points often missed by builders (e.g., Under-sink RO point, Dishwasher point, 52-inch height TV switchboard).
- Service Integration: Planning routes for AC ducting (especially in double-height rooms) and false ceiling drops.
Deliverables
- Annotated suggestions on the screen (Client expected to take notes/recordings).
Construction Material & Quality Audit
Session Structure
- Duration: 60 Minutes technical video consultation.
- Goal: Defining the "Bill of Quantities" (BOQ) quality parameters.
Structural & Civil Guidance
- Waterproofing Specs: Prescribing the exact chemical treatments (e.g., Total 2K) for terraces, bathrooms (sunken slab), and balconies to prevent future seepage.
- Material Grading: Advice on Cement types (OPC 53 for structure vs PPC for finishing) and Steel grades.
- Termite Proofing: Strategy for foundation treatment and selection of termite-resistant base materials (BWP Ply vs WPC vs SS).
Finishing Material Selection
- Fenestration: Selection advice on Window systems (System Aluminium vs UPVC) and Door frames (Granite/Tile frames vs Wooden chaukhats).
- Flooring & Cladding: Recommending tile sizes (avoiding small 2x2), grout types (Epoxy vs Cement), and alternatives like SPC flooring.
- Kitchen & Wardrobe Base: Specifying the carcass material (18mm BWP Plywood vs Stainless Steel) for longevity.
Vastu Analysis & Remediation
Session Structure
- Duration: 60 Minutes video consultation.
- Focus: Purely Vastu Shastra compliance analysis.
Analysis & Corrections
- Zonal Check: Verifying the placement of the "Big 5" zones : Master Bedroom (SW), Kitchen (SE), Entrance, Toilet (avoiding NE), and Prayer Room.
- Functional Vastu: Aligning sleeping positions (Head direction) and cooking orientation.
- Non-Destructive Remedies: Suggesting color therapy, mirror placement, or furniture realignment to cure Vastu doshas in apartments where structural changes are restricted.
- Energy Flow: Advice on window openings and heavy furniture placement to balance energy flow.
About Architectural & Construction Consultation
Real Talk: Practical Guidance for Your Home
I don't believe in making homes just for show. My advice is all about what works for real Indian families. No fancy jargon, just seedhi baat (straight talk) and simple tips to save you money and headaches.
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Waterproofing and termite treatment are a must at every critical stage. Trust me, skipping this means trouble later.
- Electrical planning needs to be done before slab casting, or you'll end up paying more for false ceilings just to hide wires.
- Fan placement seems minor, but wrong placement ruins comfort. Always think about your furniture first.
Material Choices: Dimaag Lagao (Use Your Brain)
- Never use wooden frames for doors or windows - moisture and termites love them. Go for granite or full-body tile frames. UPVC and Aluminium windows are way better for our climate.
- Not all cement is the same. OPC 53 for slabs, PSC near coasts. I'll help you pick the right one.
- Flooring matters. Larger format full-body tiles look better and last longer. SPC flooring is my go-to for a budget-friendly wood or marble look.
Design That Fits Your Life
- Small layout tweaks, like moving a door, can give you more usable space.
- Bathrooms should be elder-friendly with anti-skid tiles and grab bars - safety first.
- Walk-in wardrobe dimensions depend on layout, and I’ll tell you exactly what works.
Online Help, Wherever You Are
All my architectural and construction guidance is online, so you get practical, budget-friendly home construction tips no matter your location. Building a home is a big deal - let's do it right, together.
Meet your Expert
Sourabh Jain
10814 connects in last 3 months
My Story
I'm an architect and design educator, but honestly, I just help people make homes that feel like theirs. 'Aazadi chahiye mujhe... meri he daarti hui soch se'—that’s me breaking out of my own fears. I want you to feel that same freedom at home. Log kehte hain achha design sirf paisa walon ke liye hai—nonsense! I’ll show you how to get that luxury vibe without wasting money. My travels taught me, design is about being real and practical. No bandishein, only homes that work for you.
My Work
What We Do - Architectural consultation, home interior design, design education workshops, and practical advice for your home.
How We Work - Ghar banana hai, museum nahi. We focus on practical Indian home design and explain the 'kyun' and 'kaise' behind every choice.
What You Get - Straight advice on value-for-money materials, budget home interior tips, and loads of 'ye mat karna' and 'ye best hai' suggestions.
Who Should Call Us - If you’re building or renovating and want a home that’s stylish, safe, and easy to live in, let’s talk.