Carpentry

If you are building a house in India typically we use bricks and mortar for construction, and the most important work which adds to the aesthetics of the house is Doors and Windows. I am now seeing this trend of UPVC windows for houses. I am personally not a fan of UPVC windows, as I feel it does not go with the climate of our country. In my workplace they have used UPVC windows extensively and I can smell plastic in the midday sun. Its upto you to decide what works.

After you have finished the electrical conduits, and before plastering we would start carpentry work.

So what are the things to look out for doors and windows and how to proceed, let me share what I missed and what are the options.

In India right now the most expensive raw material after steel is wood (Hardwood), if you get hold of a carpenter who is good and charges reasonably, and you can source wood at lower cost, you can look at the two frame windows like the picture below. There are two sets of window frame one that opens from inside and the other that opens outside. The inner frame contains steel mesh and the outer frame Glass. This is a permanent mosquito screen which is more durable.

One of the important aspect you should look is the thickness of the window frame. we opted for 6ft by 6ft windows and it required thick frames. Also the picture below is one of the door type French window on the upstairs balcony. The steel frame is includes in the frame itself. 

This is one of the big windows we kept in the front façade of our building, we believe it gives a lot of light and makes the rooms look bright.

  What other things you should look out for.

• Door Hinges and Knobs - If your budget permits go for brass hinges for all the doors it is more durable
• Latches- Go for good quality latches, as sometimes the builders might get cheaper varieties
• Window mechanism - The window can use sliding hinges or normal hinges, which ever pleases it you can opt, I would suggest sliding hinges as it gives a firm feel when you open windows
• Main Door lock.- At this stage you should decide on which lock you are going to use on the main door as the carpenter has to make marking on the door to install the locks. I would suggest the godrej vertibolt locking system as it is very useful and comparatively  safe.

  

  You can also ask the carpenters to make small shelves for keeping phones or books with the remaining wood.

Hope I was able to give some ideas, if you have any queries please do ask questions.