How to build with us

PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES

A. TECHNOLOGY

1. COSTFORD, as a non-profit organization (NPO), is guided by the cost-effective approach and technology set forth by the late Padmasree Dr. Laurie Baker in the design and construction of buildings and their environment.
2. COSTFORD’S work is client, budget and site specific. Natural factors such as wind direction, orientation, vegetation, slope, etc. are given prime importance along with the use of the locally available resources while designing and constructing buildings.
3. COSTFORD uses country burnt bricks when constructing with brick. (Mud, stone, bamboo, wood and other materials are also used when available and appropriate.). This makes buildings environmentally sensitive and climate-friendly while maintaining aesthetics (Plastering and painting of walls is minimised).

B. REGISTRATION

1. After the initial briefing, a client along with family, will be required to visit at least two completed projects of COSTFORD. This is so that they may interact with the residents and see for themselves the materials and techniques involved and hear about the process involved in becoming a COSTFORD client.
2. It is recommended that the client read the materials provided by COSTFORD that outline its philosophy, and design and construction strategies.
3. A client is allowed to register only after they are fully convinced about COSTFORD’s approach and techniques. The registration fee is Rs 1000 (for residential buildings) and Rs. 10000 (for non residential buildings), which is non-refundable.

C. DESIGN, ESTIMATE, AND PROJECT FULFILLMENT

COSTFORD representatives will visit the site after the registration process within seven (7) days. After relevant discussions about design, budget, schedule, etc., the preliminary design will be prepared. Once the design is finalized after review with the client, drawings for securing municipal sanction and a cost estimate will be prepared.

1. The client is responsible for providing the documents and information related to the project such as a legal description of the site, etc. from which an architect can work.
2. While COSTFORD will prepare the required drawings necessary for obtaining sanction, the actual procedure for obtaining sanction is the client’s responsibility.
3. The initial estimate prepared is valid only for 6 months due to inevitable market fluctuations.
4. The client is bound to bear the additional expenditure in the event of an increase in the estimated project cost due to any changes in design or material specifications, or any unexpected expenditure subject to market conditions relating to materials, labour, etc after the commencement of the project.
5. Items such as boundary walls, fencing, temporary sheds and water tanks, public water connection charge, rain water harvesting, electricity connection charge, landscaping, roads, bio-gas plants, solar panels and water heating installations, etc. are not included in the basic construction estimate. The service charge for the above items will be rendered separately.
6. If the client later insists on construction with technologies and materials other than those normally followed by COSTFORD after initial mutual agreement and the commencement of the project, COSTFORD will be forced to disassociate from the project and will not bear any loss incurred in this regard.
7. If the project is abandoned before completion, all service charges and any other funds due COSTFORD relating to the project up to that stage should be paid in full and promptly.

D. LABOURERS

1. COSTFORD will provide trained construction professionals and experienced support crew for each trade.
2. The distribution of the daily wages of the workers is the responsibility of the client and will be paid directly in the case of Consultancy-only projects or by COSTFORD representatives in the case of Consultancy and Project Management projects. However, the rate of wages for workers is at COSTFORD’s discretion as per current market rates and COSTFORD’s commitment to fair labour practices.
3. Holidays and other leave of workers are at COSTFORD’s discretion.
4. Near the end of the project, the client shall remit one day’s wage to all workers as part of their yearly bonus. (COSTFORD will advise as to the number and rate of workers to be paid.)
5. The client should provide accommodation or other facilities for the workers if required. Potable water and toilet facilities should be provided.
6. For outstation projects, the client will be charged for travel expenses and other applicable expenses for workers and representatives of COSTFORD in addition to the regular service charge.

A pdf copy of the GUIDELINES can be downloaded from the link below: