Home Construction Process in Nepal- Part 2

It’s a hot afternoon on site. Contractor Kaka is guiding the workers as they tie reinforcement bars. Engineer Babu walks in, holding the structural drawings.

Babu says:
“Kaka, yesterday we completed the first 4 steps (Planning). Today we move ahead with House Construction Process 2026 – Steps 5 to 8. I’ll explain the technical side, and you show the real site work, mistakes, and correct methods.”

Kaka lights a cigarette and replies:
“Babu, now planning is done — real construction begins. If structural design is weak, the house won’t survive an earthquake. Today I’ll show you how things actually work on site – from 26 years of experience. Without proper ductile detailing as per NBC 105:2025, no structure is truly strong. Let’s start.”

In this episode home construction process in Nepal (Part 2 of 16 steps):

• Step 5: Structural Design & Engineering (with MEP Planning)
• Step 6: Site Preparation & Excavation
• Step 7: Foundation Construction
• Step 8: Superstructure – Column, Beam & Slab

Engineer Babu explains technical planning based on NBC/IS codes, while Contractor Kaka shares practical site knowledge — reinforcement, concreting, curing, and real mistakes.

Step 5: Structural Design & Engineering (Including MEP)

Architectural drawings decide how the house looks.
Structural design decides how strong it is.

Engineer Babu spreads a large blue structural drawing. Kaka adjusts his glasses and studies the bar detailing.

Babu explains:
“This step is about creating the skeleton of the house. A licensed structural engineer calculates loads and earthquake resistance as per NBC 105:2025.”

Babu’s Technical Checklist

1. Load Calculation

• Dead Load (self weight)
• Live Load (people, furniture)
• Seismic Load (earthquake force)

2. Earthquake-Resistant Design

• Ductile Detailing: bars are bent and tied to absorb shock
• Lap Length: minimum 40d–60d overlap
• Material: Fe500D steel + M20/M25 concrete

3. MEP Planning

• Electrical conduit layout
• Plumbing slope (1:40 to 1:60)
• Solar system provision (2026 standard)

Contractor Kaka’s Reality Check

“Even if the drawing is perfect, mistakes in bar tying will ruin everything.”

• Weak joints → first failure in earthquake
• Always add extra stirrups at joints
• Use proper concrete cover blocks (not stones)
• Use chairs for double mesh

Babu’s Note: “Freeze the Design”

Once finalized, do not change layout on site.
Random changes = unsafe structure + code violation.

Step 6: Site Preparation & Excavation

Planning is done. Now ground work begins.

Kaka marks the site using lime and measuring tape. Babu checks alignment digitally.

Kaka says:
“Starting excavation without proper layout is like jumping in the dark.”

Practical Process

1. Cleaning – Remove topsoil (15–30 cm)
2. Center Line Marking – Mark columns precisely
3. Excavation – Depth: 1.2m to 3m
4. Shoring – Support loose soil
5. Leveling with Batter Boards

Kaka’s Warning

“One inch mistake can cost lakhs.”

He shares a real case:

A 1 ft marking error led to a column inside the neighbor’s land → Rs. 2 lakh loss.

Babu’s Technical Tip

• Never pour concrete on muddy surface
• Use dewatering if groundwater appears
• Follow NBC depth & width strictly

Step 7: Foundation Construction

Now the roots of the house are built.

Kaka personally supervises reinforcement. Babu checks column alignment.

Kaka says:
“The life of the house depends on the foundation. People spend lakhs on finishing but compromise here.”Foundation Steps

1. Compaction
Tighten soil using rammer

2. Soling (Must-do layer)

• 150–225 mm stone/brick layer
• Distributes load + blocks moisture

3. PCC Base (M10)

• 50–75 mm thick
• Creates working platform

4. Reinforcement

• Hooks (90° bend) for anchorage
• 50 mm cover using spacers
• Chairs for double mesh

5. Concrete Pouring

• Use M20/M25
• Use vibrator (avoid air gaps)

6. Curing & Protection

• 7–14 days curing
• Anti-termite + waterproofing

Kaka’s 26-Year Experience

• No hooks → bars slip
• No cover → rust starts in 2 years
• Weak binding → mesh moves during pouring

Step 8: Superstructure (Column, Beam & Slab)

Now the structure rises above ground.

Kaka stands on shuttering, checking levels. Babu measures reinforcement spacing.

Column & Beam Work

• Minimum 8 vertical bars in columns
• Stirrup spacing: 100–150 mm
• Closer spacing at joints

Most critical area = beam-column joint

Formwork

• Must be straight (check with plumb)
• Poor fixing = leakage + honeycombing

Concrete

• Use vibrator
• Never add extra water

Slab Casting

• Strong shuttering support
• Double mesh with chairs
• Check electrical/plumbing before casting

Curing

• 14–21 days (Water ponding method)

Kaka’s Site Truth

• Don’t remove formwork early (minimum 14–21 days)
• Don’t load slab early → causes sagging
• Poor curing → cracks like spider web

Babu’s Note: RMC vs Site Mix

Type	Advantage	Risk
RMC	Uniform quality	Higher cost
Site Mix	Cheaper	Human error

For bigger spans or multi-storey → use RMC

Common Mistakes (Avoid These)

• No ductile detailing → earthquake risk
• No cover/chair → corrosion
• No curing → cracks
• Early formwork removal → collapse risk

2026 Cost Example (1500 sq.ft house)

• Structural Design: Rs. 1.5–2.5 lakh
• Excavation + Foundation: Rs. 8–12 lakh
• Superstructure: Rs. 15–20 lakh

FAQ

Conclusion: Design + Execution = Strength

Kaka:
“60% of house strength is decided in Steps 5-8.”

Babu:
“Good design gives safety. Proper construction gives life.”

Call to Action

• Use Footing & BBS Calculator on your tools site
• Get full Structural BOQ at Rs. 999 (WhatsApp)
• For Part 1 Home Construction Process in Nepal Part 1: From Land Selection to Design with Legal Advice – Nirman Sutra
• Subscribe for Part 3 (Steps 9–12: Masonry to Finishing)