Skipping PCC in Foundation Nepal, Save 20,000 Hidden PCC Scam and the Homeowners’ Risk -Nirman Sutra
Returning from a site in Basundhara, Contractor Kaka looked unusually worried. The man who always cracked jokes and puffed on his cigarette was silent and serious today. Engineer Babu asked, “What happened, Kaka? Your face looks like a stormy cloud today.”
Kaka sighed deeply and said, “Babu, I visited my friend’s company site today. They had dug 11 foundations, completed the soling, but started fitting rebar and formwork without doing any PCC (Plain Cement Concrete). In 5-6 pits, they had already poured the concrete! It hurt my heart to see it, Babu. This is literally weakening the legs of the house.”
Babu was shocked and replied, “Kaka, skipping PCC in a seismic country like Nepal is like playing games with the very foundation of the house. NBC 205:2024 clearly mentions leveling PCC (1:3:6). Let’s calculate the savings using tools.nirmansutra.com and discuss the technical risks properly.”
How Much Does the Company Save by Skipping PCC? (2026 Realistic Calculation)
Babu opened the calculator and explained:
One foundation pit (5′ × 5′ × 3″ PCC): Volume ≈ 6.25 cubic feet 11 foundations ≈ 68.75 cft (approx. 1.95 cubic meters)
PCC Mix: 1:3:6 (Lean mix – ideal for leveling and protection)
Savings across 11 foundations:
- Cement: 9 bags (PPC is most suitable)
- Sand: ≈ 32 cft
- Aggregate: ≈ 64 cft
- Labor + Time: Almost 1/2 day (3 workers)
2026 Prices (Kathmandu/Basundhara area):
- Cement (PPC) ≈ NPR 780–800 per bag → 9 bags = NPR 7,020–7,200
- Sand + Aggregate = NPR 10,000
- Labor = NPR 3200
Total Savings for the Company: NPR 20000 (average NPR 20000).
Kaka said gravely, “Babu, risking a 80 lakh or crore-level house just to save 20,000? This is inviting long-term disaster for short-term profit.”
What Is the Real Purpose of PCC? Why Should It Never Be Skipped?
Babu explained clearly:
Purpose of PCC (Leveling Course):
- Provides a level surface – It creates a clean, even base over the soling so rebar and footing concrete get proper support.
- Corrosion Protection – It shields the reinforcement bars from soil moisture, sulphates, and chemicals. Without PCC, rebar starts rusting quickly.
- Controls Water-Cement Ratio – It prevents the footing concrete’s mixing water from being sucked into the soil, ensuring better strength and no honeycombing.
- Even Load Distribution – It helps spread the building’s weight uniformly into the ground.
Which Cement for PCC?
PPC (Portland Pozzolana Cement) is the most suitable for PCC because it is a lean mix that offers excellent long-term durability, moisture resistance, and crack control. For structural RCC members (columns, beams, slabs), use OPC 43/53 Grade for early strength.
Risks of Skipping PCC in Nepali Homes (Especially in Seismic Zones)
- Rebar Corrosion -Steel bars can rust within 5–10 years, weakening the footing.
- Differential Settlement – The house may sink unevenly, causing cracks in walls and slabs.
- Honeycombing & Reduced Strength – Air pockets form in the footing concrete, increasing failure risk during earthquakes.
- Seismic Vulnerability – The 2015 Gorkha earthquake showed how weak foundations can compromise the entire structure. Even proper ductile detailing (as per NBC 105 and 205) becomes ineffective if the base itself is compromised.
- Dampness & Long-term Damage – Ground moisture rises, shortening the lifespan of the entire house.
Kaka spoke seriously, “Babu, in my 26 years on sites, I’ve seen many problems appear 4–5 years later in buildings where PCC was skipped. When an earthquake hits, the consequences are even worse. They saved some money, but the homeowner and their family lost safety.”
5 Important Checks Every Homeowner Must Do
- Check the Structural Drawing – Does it clearly mention PCC (1:3:6 mix, 3-inch thickness)?
- If you see rebar and footing casting starting right after soling, stop the work immediately and call the engineer.
- Look under the columns after casting – There should be a visible white/grey PCC layer. If not, PCC was skipped.
- Ask the Supervision Engineer: “Is this work as per NBC 205:2024? Will you submit the report to the municipality?”
- If concrete has already been poured, consult a registered structural engineer immediately for additional reinforcement or retrofitting options.
FAQ -PCC Skip Risks in Nepal
How much does the company save by skipping PCC?
For 11 foundations of 5×5 size, approximately NPR 20,000–25,000 (materials + labor).
Which cement is best for PCC?
PPC for durability and moisture resistance. Use OPC for structural parts.
What happens if PCC is skipped?
Rebar rusts, cracks appear, uneven settlement occurs, and earthquake risk increases significantly.
Why do some companies do this?
To increase profit in fixed-price contracts. Responsible and reputable companies never skip it.
“Babu, weakening the foundation of your own house just to save 20,000 rupees means putting your family at risk,” Kaka said. “In Nepal, the threat of earthquakes is always there. Never skip basic things like PCC.”
Has PCC been done properly on your site? Or did the contractor suggest skipping it?
Share your experience in the comments or send photos – Kaka and Babu will give you advice!
Want to build a safe house?
Visit tools.nirmansutra.com today and use the BOQ Calculator and Material Estimator.
Get a detailed BOQ for just Rs 999 so you can check the numbers yourself and keep the company accountable.
Take our Nirman Sutra Construction Audit service to monitor the work properly.
Stay alert. Never skip PCC.
A strong foundation = A safe house = A happy family.
🏗️ Engineer Babu and Contractor Kaka — Always by your side on every site! 🇳🇵
Read Series 6