{"id":307,"date":"2026-04-10T14:56:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T14:56:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/?p=307"},"modified":"2026-04-10T14:56:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T14:56:23","slug":"crack-free-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/crack-free-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Crack Free Home: Construction Process Step-by-Step Part 3"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/crack-free-home\/#Crack_Free_Home_Construction_Process_Step-by-Step_Part_3\" >Crack Free Home: Construction Process Step-by-Step Part 3<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/crack-free-home\/#Step_9_Masonry_Wall_Construction_Crack_free_home\" >Step 9: Masonry &amp; Wall Construction: Crack free home<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/crack-free-home\/#Step_10_Roofing_Waterproofing\" >Step 10: Roofing &amp; Waterproofing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/crack-free-home\/#Step_11_Electrical_Plumbing_HVAC_Rough-in\" >Step 11: Electrical, Plumbing &amp; HVAC Rough-in<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/crack-free-home\/#Step_12_Plastering_Flooring_Work\" >Step 12: Plastering &amp; Flooring Work<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/crack-free-home\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Crack_Free_Home_Construction_Process_Step-by-Step_Part_3\"><\/span>Crack Free Home: Construction Process Step-by-Step Part 3<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a sunny afternoon on the construction site. Contractor Kaka is carefully checking the plumb of a newly built brick wall. Engineer Babu arrives carrying the Plumbing Layout Drawing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBabu, Steps 5\u20138 (Structural &amp; Superstructure) are completed. Now we are entering Part 3 \u2013 Steps 9 to 12. This is the phase where we build the actual \u2018Body\u2019 of the house. You give me the technical planning side, and I will show you the hands-on construction methods, common mistakes, and correct procedures.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kaka smiles and says, \u201cBabu, now that the structure is ready, it\u2019s time for walls, roof, pipes, and plaster. Even a small mistake in this phase can cause leakage, cracks, or moisture problems. Today, I will show you how things are actually done on site. According to NBC 105:2025, earthquake-resistant wall ties are also very important. Come, let\u2019s start Episode 16.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this episode, we bring you <strong>Construction Process Step-by-Step Part 3<\/strong>. Out of the total 16 steps, here are <strong>Steps 9 to 12<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Step 9<\/strong>: Masonry &amp; Wall Construction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 10<\/strong>: Roofing &amp; Waterproofing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 11<\/strong>: Electrical, Plumbing &amp; HVAC Rough-in<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 12<\/strong>: Plastering &amp; Flooring Work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Engineer Babu explains the technical planning as per NBC\/IS Codes, while Contractor Kaka shares practical on-site construction tips, material selection, and quality control. This guide is based on the 2026 Nepal market and <a href=\"https:\/\/giwmscdnone.gov.np\/media\/files\/NBC_105_2025_Seismic%20Design%20of%20Buildings%20in%20Nepal_lqqvx6a.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>NBC 105:2025<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_9_Masonry_Wall_Construction_Crack_free_home\"><\/span><strong>Step 9: Masonry &amp; Wall Construction: Crack<\/strong> free home<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The walls in a house not only divide the rooms but also protect the building from the external environment and provide stability to the frame during an earthquake. According to Nepal\u2019s National Building Code (NBC 105:2020\/2025), the following points should be considered while doing masonry work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Babu\u2019s Technical Planning (The Engineering Perspective)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From an engineering point of view, a wall is a load-bearing unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Material Selection:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Clay Bricks<\/strong>: Traditional and good for thermal control, but heavy, which increases seismic weight.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cement Blocks<\/strong>: Faster to construct and more economical.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AAC Blocks<\/strong> (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete): Modern, lightweight, reduces earthquake damage, and keeps the house cooler.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mortar Ratio:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>9-inch load-bearing walls: <strong>1:6<\/strong> (1 part cement : 6 parts sand)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4 or 5-inch partition walls: <strong>1:4<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Technical Connections:<\/strong> It is mandatory to use <strong>Wall Ties<\/strong> or <strong>Starter Bars<\/strong> between the wall and column. This prevents the wall from separating from the column during an earthquake. Bands must be provided above windows and doors to prevent cracks at corners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kaka\u2019s Practical Experience (Construction Reality)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Soaking Bricks<\/strong>: Dry bricks absorb water from the mortar, making it weak. Soak bricks in water for at least 2 hours before use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Plumb &amp; Level<\/strong>: Check plumb and level in every layer. Even a slight tilt can make the entire house unbalanced.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Daily Height Limit<\/strong>: Do not build more than 1.2\u20131.5 meters height in a single day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Running Bond Pattern<\/strong>: Vertical joints should not come one above the other.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gap with Beam<\/strong>: Leave a 20\u201325 mm gap between the top of the wall and the beam, then fill with mortar later. This gives flexibility during earthquakes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Masonry Calculations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Number of Bricks: <math xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1998\/Math\/MathML\"><semantics><mrow><mi>N<\/mi><mo>=<\/mo><mfrac><msub><mi>V<\/mi><mrow><mi>w<\/mi><mi>a<\/mi><mi>l<\/mi><mi>l<\/mi><\/mrow><\/msub><msub><mi>V<\/mi><mrow><mi>b<\/mi><mi>r<\/mi><mi>i<\/mi><mi>c<\/mi><mi>k<\/mi><mtext>&nbsp;with&nbsp;mortar<\/mtext><\/mrow><\/msub><\/mfrac><\/mrow><annotation encoding=\"application\/x-tex\">N = \\frac{V_{wall}}{V_{brick \\text{ with mortar}}}<\/annotation><\/semantics><\/math>N=Vbrick&nbsp;with&nbsp;mortar\u200bVwall\u200b\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Nepal, approximately <strong>500 bricks<\/strong> (with mortar) are required per cubic meter of wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dry Volume of Mortar: <math xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1998\/Math\/MathML\"><semantics><mrow><mtext>Dry&nbsp;Volume<\/mtext><mo>=<\/mo><mn>1.33<\/mn><mo>\u00d7<\/mo><mo stretchy=\"false\">(<\/mo><mtext>Wet&nbsp;Volume&nbsp;of&nbsp;Mortar<\/mtext><mo stretchy=\"false\">)<\/mo><\/mrow><annotation encoding=\"application\/x-tex\">\\text{Dry Volume} = 1.33 \\times (\\text{Wet Volume of Mortar})<\/annotation><\/semantics><\/math>Dry&nbsp;Volume=1.33\u00d7(Wet&nbsp;Volume&nbsp;of&nbsp;Mortar)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_10_Roofing_Waterproofing\"><\/span><strong>Step 10: Roofing &amp; Waterproofing<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Babu\u2019s Planning:<\/strong> \u201cThe roof slab must bear load and be completely water-tight. Provide a positive slope (minimum 1:80) as per NBC. Waterproofing methods: Bitumen, Cementitious Coating, Liquid Membrane, or APP\/SBS Sheet. For heat insulation: EPS\/XPS Board or Brick Bat Coba.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kaka\u2019s Hands-on Construction:<\/strong> \u201cAfter casting the slab, curing is most important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step-by-Step Process:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Start curing within 4-6 hours of slab casting (Water Ponding Method for 14 days).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clean the surface and fill cracks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apply primer + waterproofing material (extra at corners and pipe junctions).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lay insulation layer and slope screed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Final protection layer (tile or screed).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>I have seen many houses leaking during monsoon just because of poor curing. Now I do 14 days of ponding and a 24\u201348 hour water test before proceeding.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_11_Electrical_Plumbing_HVAC_Rough-in\"><\/span><strong>Step 11: Electrical, Plumbing &amp; HVAC Rough-in<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Babu\u2019s Technical Planning:<\/strong> Use concealed systems for a clean look. Proper load calculation, separate circuits, ELCB\/RCCB, color-coded wires, CPVC\/PPR pipes, correct slopes (1:40\u20131:60), P-Traps, and pressure testing are mandatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kaka\u2019s Practical Tips:<\/strong> \u201cEmbed conduits and pipes in walls and slabs before plastering \u2014 it becomes very expensive later. Always do pressure testing (1.5 times) before covering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"585\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/step-by-step-1024x585.png\" alt=\"crack free\" class=\"wp-image-309\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/step-by-step-1024x585.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/step-by-step-300x171.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/step-by-step-768x439.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/step-by-step.png 1344w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_12_Plastering_Flooring_Work\"><\/span><strong>Step 12: Plastering &amp; Flooring Work<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Babu\u2019s Planning:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>External Plaster: 1:4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Internal Plaster: 1:5<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flooring: Vitrified tiles (common), Marble\/Granite (premium)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kaka\u2019s Method:<\/strong> Apply plaster in two coats (12\u201315mm + 6\u20138mm) with proper curing for 7 days. For flooring, prepare a level base and use uniform grout spacing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Common Mistakes to Avoid in Steps 9\u201312:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Not tying wall to column \u2192 High earthquake risk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inadequate curing \u2192 Cracks &amp; leakage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wrong plumbing slope \u2192 Blockage &amp; backflow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Poor plaster bonding \u2192 Peeling &amp; hollow sound<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Kaka says at the end, \u201cBabu, Steps 9\u201312 are where the house actually becomes a proper home. Good planning and careful construction are the only way to get good results.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Babu: \u201cIn the next episode, we will cover the final part \u2014 Steps 13 to 16 (Painting to Handover).\u201d and if you want to read previous <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/home-construction-process-in-nepal\/\">click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n    <div class=\"xs_social_share_widget xs_share_url after_content \t\tmain_content  wslu-style-1 wslu-share-box-shaped wslu-fill-colored wslu-none wslu-share-horizontal wslu-theme-font-no wslu-main_content\">\n\n\t\t\n        <ul>\n\t\t\t        <\/ul>\n    <\/div> \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Crack Free Home: Construction Process Step-by-Step Part 3 It\u2019s a sunny afternoon on the construction site. Contractor Kaka is carefully checking the plumb of a newly built brick wall. Engineer Babu arrives carrying the Plumbing Layout Drawing. \u201cBabu, Steps 5\u20138 (Structural &amp; Superstructure) are completed. Now we are entering Part 3 \u2013 Steps 9 to &#8230; <a title=\"Crack Free Home: Construction Process Step-by-Step Part 3\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/crack-free-home\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Crack Free Home: Construction Process Step-by-Step Part 3\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":310,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,8],"tags":[28,17,18,22],"class_list":["post-307","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-construction-tips","category-site-guide","tag-building-house","tag-construction-cost-2026","tag-house-construction-nepal","tag-nirman-sutra-pro"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/307","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=307"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/307\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":311,"href":"https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/307\/revisions\/311"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/310"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=307"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=307"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.nirmansutra.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=307"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}