Site Selection for House

Site Selection

Each family attempts to meet its housing needs through the selection of a dwelling unit. The house is probably the largest single investment you will make in your life. One cannot change one's residence often. Hence it becomes essential for each one of us to have adequate knowledge about selection of a site and house planning. A site in a good locality should be selected.

Now let us see the factors to be considered while selecting a site for the construction of a house.

Physical Features

The site should be regular in shape and should have exact boundaries marked on the land.

A low lying ground is unhealthy because it is likely to cause dampness during rainy season and it becomes a breeding place for flies and mosquitoes.

The site should be on an elevated ground for drainage of water especially during rainy season.

A site on an elevated ground affords wider and brighter view of the house.

Site which faces South/North direction is preferable.

ii. Soil Conditions

The best soil is one where soft soil is at the surface and hard soil beneath 3 or 4 ft.

A mixture of sand and gravel is good.

Rocky surfaces afford good foundation, but poses difficulty while leveling or excavating the ground due to its hardness. On rocky surface, laying drainage pipe is very costly. Besides, it is not-suitable for growing plants.

Clay and sandy soils are unsuitable because clay surface holds water for a long time and sandy soil absorbs water.

iii. Sanitary Facilities

There should be no stagnant pools or water tanks and unused wells around the site.

The site should never be surrounded by public drainage and toilet.

The site should not be selected near cattle sheds, poultry farm and factories for health reasons.

Reclaimed land filled with debris and refuse is unhealthy for building purposes, as it will give out obnoxious gases. During rainy season it becomes a good breeding place for flies and mosquitoes.

The site should be such as to command fresh air, ample lighting and good water supply.

A site in a busy locality may not be suitable for health reasons because of dust and the constant smoke from vehicles.

A site with modern sanitary facilities is the most suitable.

iv. Practical Convenience

The value of the site depends upon the convenience available around.

The site should be within easy reach to school, market, bank, hospital or nursing home, railway station, bus terminus and post office.

v. Good Neighbourhood

The site should be selected near a developed area for safety.

Good neighbourhood adds to the permanent happiness of the family.

The economic and social status of the neighbourhood should be on par with the occupants.

The area should be pleasant and charming.

The site in the neighbourhood of a sea commands pleasant sea breeze. But one disadvantage is that sea breeze carries with it a thin spray of salty water, which corrodes all iron articles.

vi. Legal Characteristics

The legal description of the plot and the exact location of the plot must be known.

The site should be a freehold land without encumbrance.

A legal advisor should be consulted, the place surveyed and the boundaries marked on.