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Originally Posted by diyguy Thanks much for your thoughts and pointers - going to start a checklist. I have the extreme end 2 plots of a layout off OMR in Chennai. I have 3 sides open with the closest house being atleast 35 feet away on the south-east side and on the 4th side (East) are likely to get houses with one being owned by my friend. North and west are total open for me - figure below: ![](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/iipcache/154782.jpg)
Since this area is still developing, I should have many years of no neighbors I am guessing.
One thing I have to watch out for are snakes and other critters. Wonder if something can be done for this. A friend lives about 7 KMs away in a more urban area but they see snakes almost daily in their layout!! |
It would have been better if you showed a larger layout with a few more plots. I can see a canal/drain, so my advice of raising the ground to 5 feet or more still holds.
What I suggest may cost you a bit more, but it will be money well spent, as long term maintenance with all its associated head aches will be reduced drastically.
In case the area has a tendency to get waterlogged, you will have to lay a waterproof raft on the ground floor (instead of the normal floor made up of broken bricks and surfacing. It need not be any thing fancy, but 1 foot of concrete with waterproof compound will go a long way in safeguarding your foundations. If you build a stilt parking, ensure that there are plenty of drainage channels (at least 1/2 inch deep and 2 inches wide)
Another thing is to test the soil for bearing pressure, so that you know how much area of "footings" is required. Better have more area than less as with water in the soil, your house may subside deferentially.
If you can afford to, sink at least 4 piles, one in each corner to a suitable depth to anchor your foundations. It is best to tie all the footings with beams to create a more rigid structure.
Lastly find a good and honest "Structural Engineer". He will guide you on proper design of the foundation and the super structure.
Regarding snakes, they are unavoidable in semi rural areas. Consult a good horticulturist on what plants attract snakes (avoid them) and what repels them (plant them). Ensure that the levels in the ground floor are such that the slope is towards the front, so that there is no water logging during rains.
You should "Termite Proof" your foundations. That will also act as a deterrent for snakes burrowing under the house.
I assume that at least initially, your house will be standing alone with no neighbours. If so, ensure that the boundary walls are high enough to deter thieves, and the doors thick enough to deter robbers.
Consult a horticulturist and plan Neem Trees around your house. That will help in keeping pests out.