Construction FAQs FAQs

Construction cost in Chennai varies based on built-up area, floor count, specification level, and site conditions. Standard spec (M25 RCC, economy tiles, standard electrical) typically falls in ₹1,800–₹2,400/sq.ft. Mid-range is ₹2,400–₹3,200/sq.ft. Premium is ₹3,200–₹4,500+/sq.ft. Always ask for an itemized BOQ — not just a per sq.ft. rate.

A standard G+1 house (1200–1800 sq.ft.) typically takes 10–14 months from agreement to handover. A single-floor house may be completed in 8–10 months. Timeline depends on specification level, monsoon season impact, and material availability.

A BOQ (Bill of Quantities) is a detailed itemized list of all materials, quantities, and rates in your construction contract. Without a BOQ, your cost is a guess and contractors can claim "extra work" at will. A proper BOQ locks your contract and prevents hidden cost escalation.

Yes. A Soil Bearing Capacity (SBC) test is essential before foundation design. SBC values vary significantly across Chennai. Using assumed values without testing can result in undersized foundations that cause settlement and structural cracking.

M25 is the standard recommended grade for all structural RCC elements (columns, beams, slabs) in residential construction. M20 is acceptable for some non-critical elements. Never allow less than M20 for any structural RCC work. Specify grade explicitly in your BOQ.

Fe500D (Thermo-Mechanically Treated bars with higher ductility) is recommended for all structural reinforcement. The "D" indicates higher ductility — important for seismic performance. Always demand Mill Test Certificates for each delivery.

Ask for site visits to completed projects, client references, and request a detailed itemized BOQ. A reliable contractor will not hesitate to provide these. Check for proper structural engineering involvement, not just a mason-led approach.

In practice these terms are used interchangeably in Chennai. A contractor executes construction work based on your design and BOQ. A builder may provide design, engineering, and construction as a package. Buildogram provides an engineer-led construction-as-a-service approach — design, BOQ, execution, and documentation.

PMC is an independent supervision service where an engineer represents your interests — not the contractor's. PMC engineers verify milestone completion, check quality, and report to you. Especially useful for NRIs or homeowners who cannot visit the site regularly.

A milestone payment schedule ties each payment to a specific, verifiable construction stage — foundation, plinth, each slab, plastering, etc. Always use milestone payments — never release money in advance or on demand without milestone verification.

It is very helpful to be present for major structural pours (foundation, column, slab). At minimum, ensure your engineer or PMC representative is present. Request slump test records and cube casting confirmation for every structural pour.

Cube specimens are cast from fresh concrete during structural pours and tested at 7 and 28 days for compressive strength. This confirms the concrete achieved the specified grade. Cube test records should be part of your construction documentation.

Buildogram's construction service includes: SBC soil testing, structural design, itemised BOQ, partner coordination, engineer supervision, concrete tests, milestone verification, client portal access, snag list, and a permanent Property Passport at handover — including the execution partner's warranty documentation. Structural warranty terms are provided by the appointed execution partner and recorded within the project documentation.

We assist with plan preparation and documentation for approval submission. However, approval timelines are governed by local authorities (CMDA, DTCP, municipality) and are beyond our control.

Your construction contract should include delay penalty clauses. Buildogram's contracts have defined timeline commitments with documented extension conditions. PMC service tracks milestone completion dates and provides documentation for delay claims.