Knowledge Base
Answers to 138+ questions about building your project
House design, construction cost, map approval, DPC, rain water harvesting, engineering, interiors, farm houses, landscape, valuation and Vastu — clear answers from our architects and engineers.
About Panache 10Architecture & Planning 12Construction Cost & Budget 9Interior Design 10Approvals, Documentation & Liaisoning 12DPC & Plinth Level 6Rain Water Harvesting 6Structural, Electrical & Plumbing 10Valuation & Estimates 6Farm Houses & Mini Farm Houses 7Landscape Design 6Vastu Shastra 6Site Visits 6Choosing & Working with an Architect 7Offices, Showrooms & Commercial 5Schools, Hospitals & Institutions 4Factories & Warehouses 53D Visualisation 3Project Management 4Renovation & Existing Buildings 4
About Panache
Panache Architect is an end-to-end architecture and project consultancy in Delhi NCR. One team handles architecture and planning, interior design, farm house and landscape design, structural, electrical and plumbing drawings, approval documentation and liaisoning, valuation and cost estimates, site visits and Vastu consultation. #
Panache Architect is based in Faridabad, Haryana, and works across Delhi NCR and nearby regions including Gurugram, Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Sonipat, Karnal, Rewari, Bhiwadi, Meerut, Mathura, Agra and parts of Uttarakhand. #
Using one coordinated team means the architectural, structural, electrical and plumbing drawings agree with each other, the approval file matches the actual design, and the estimate reflects what will be built. It also gives you a single point of contact instead of several consultants. #
Yes. Projects are led by architects registered with the Council of Architecture (COA), supported by in-house designers and engineers. #
Panache has delivered over 3,500 projects since 2016 across residential, commercial, institutional, farm house and landscape work. #
Yes, for suitable projects. We regularly work across Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, the Rajasthan NCR belt (Bhiwadi, Alwar, Bharatpur) and Uttarakhand (Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Roorkee). #
Book a consultation or a site visit through the website, call, or WhatsApp. We discuss your requirement, visit the site if needed, share a preliminary estimate and then give a written scope and fee proposal. #
The first discussion about your requirement and a preliminary cost range is free. Detailed design, drawings, site visits beyond the first discussion and formal reports are part of a paid, written scope. #
Our core work is design, engineering, documentation and supervision. We supervise construction and can coordinate contractors; project management (PMC) is available as a separate service. #
Keep your plot size and location, ownership papers, any existing drawings or sanctioned plan, a list of rooms or spaces you need, your approximate budget and your expected timeline. #
An architect studies your plot and bye-laws, plans the layout, designs the elevation, prepares drawings for approval and construction, coordinates structural and services drawings, and can supervise construction so it matches the design. #
Concept planning decides the overall layout, zoning and design direction. Working drawings are the detailed, dimensioned drawings — plans, sections, elevations and details — that a contractor builds from. #
Typically you need architectural working drawings, a structural drawing set, electrical and plumbing layouts, and the sanctioned building plan. Door-window schedules, staircase and toilet details and a rain water harvesting layout are also commonly needed. #
Concept options usually take one to two weeks after the site study. The complete working drawing set is typically issued in stages alongside construction, so the contractor always has the drawings for the next stage. #
Yes. We plan builder floors to maximise permissible floor area, light and ventilation while keeping each floor independent with separate entries, parking and services where required. #
FAR (Floor Area Ratio), also called FSI, is the ratio of total permitted built-up area to plot area. It decides how much you can legally build, so it is checked at the concept stage before planning floors. #
Setbacks are the minimum open distances required between the building and the plot boundaries. They vary by plot size, road width and authority, and are one of the first checks in any design. #
Yes — offices, showrooms, shopping complexes, schools, coaching institutes, hospitals, clinics, hotels and banquet halls, as well as industrial buildings and warehouses. #
Yes. We assess the existing structure, advise whether to renovate or rebuild, and design a new layout that uses today’s bye-laws and your current needs. #
Yes. Elevation 3D views are part of the design stage so you can approve the look, colours and materials before construction begins. #
Yes. Compact plots need careful planning of staircase, light and ventilation, and we design them regularly across Delhi NCR. #
Site planning decides how a building sits on the land — orientation, entry, driveway, parking, open areas, levels and drainage, and the location of tanks, septic or STP and meters. #
As an indicative range, construction in Delhi NCR commonly costs about ₹1,800–2,500 per sq ft for standard specifications and ₹3,000 per sq ft or more for premium finishes, excluding land and approval fees. Actual cost depends on design, specifications, site conditions and current market rates, so get a project-specific estimate. #
A per-sq-ft figure usually covers structure (foundation, columns, slabs, walls), plaster, flooring, doors and windows, basic electrical and plumbing, and paint. Interiors, modular furniture, lifts, landscaping, approval fees and professional fees are usually extra — always check what a quote includes. #
Architects commonly charge either a percentage of the construction cost or a fixed fee per square foot of built-up area, depending on the scope. Panache gives a written proposal with a fixed fee, the drawings included and payment stages before work begins. #
A BOQ (Bill of Quantities) is an item-wise list of all work in a project with quantities and rates. It lets you compare contractor quotes on the same basis and control payments during construction. #
Yes. Panache offers a free initial estimate discussion — share your plot size, number of floors and expected finish level to get a realistic cost range. You can also try the free construction cost calculator on our website. #
Get a proper structural design (it avoids over-use of steel and concrete), finalise drawings before starting, compare contractor quotes against a BOQ, choose standard sizes for doors and windows, and phase interiors and landscaping if needed. #
Keeping around 5–10% of the estimated construction cost as contingency is a sensible practice for price changes, site surprises and small design changes. #
Estimates change with material price movements, design changes, specification upgrades and site conditions discovered during work. A detailed estimate based on final drawings is more reliable than an early per-sq-ft figure. #
There are two parts: government fees and charges paid directly to the authority, which depend on plot size, use and location; and professional fees for drawings and documentation. We share both clearly after reviewing your papers. #
An interior designer plans the layout of furniture and storage, selects materials, colours and lighting, designs custom furniture and prepares execution drawings so the space looks good and works well for daily use. #
Yes — offices, cafeterias and cafes, jewellery showrooms, salons, gyms, clinics, coaching centres and retail stores, as well as homes and farm houses. #
Jewellery showrooms need display counters designed for the product, focused accent lighting, security zoning with a strong room and CCTV planning, and comfortable customer seating — all coordinated from the start. #
Salons and gyms need correct plumbing, power and exhaust points, durable flooring and finishes, good ventilation, mirrors and lighting, and a layout that lets staff and customers move easily. #
Office interiors start with the number of people and teams, then plan workstations, cabins, meeting rooms, reception, pantry and storage, along with data, electrical and AC points and brand elements. #
Yes. Key areas are shown in 3D so you can approve layouts, colours and materials before execution begins. #
Yes, and it is the best time. Planning interiors early lets electrical, plumbing and AC points be placed correctly before plastering, which avoids breaking walls later. #
Yes — furniture layouts, false ceiling, electrical and lighting layouts, flooring and wall finish plans, and detailed joinery drawings that a contractor can execute. #
Interior design fees are usually quoted per square foot or as a fixed amount, depending on area and level of detail (layouts only, full design, or design with supervision). #
Yes. Farm house interiors use natural, durable, low-maintenance materials with open living and entertainment areas suited to weekend and family use. #
Building plan or map approval is the permission from the local development authority or municipal body to construct as per submitted drawings. It confirms the design follows applicable bye-laws such as setbacks, FAR, height and parking. #
No consultant can guarantee an approval — it is granted by the concerned authority. Panache prepares complete, bye-law-based drawings and documents, supports the submission and handles follow-up and liaisoning. #
Commonly needed are ownership documents, a site plan or demarcation, ID proofs, architectural drawings, area statements, structural stability details and, where applicable, earlier approvals. The exact checklist depends on the authority. #
It varies by authority, plot and completeness of documents — from a few weeks to a few months. Complete and correct documentation is the biggest factor in avoiding delays. #
Liaisoning is the coordination with the concerned departments after submission — replying to objections, arranging missing documents, attending site inspections and following up until the file is closed. #
A completion certificate (CC) confirms a building has been built as per the sanctioned plan. It is usually needed for water, sewer and electricity connections, and an occupancy certificate (OC) may also be required to legally occupy the building. #
A fire NOC is generally required for commercial, institutional, hospitality, assembly and taller residential buildings, depending on height, area and use as per the applicable fire rules. #
Depending on use and location, projects may need fire, pollution, airport height, highway access, environmental or other NOCs. We identify the ones applicable to your project and prepare the supporting documents. #
Sometimes. Where bye-laws allow, minor deviations can be compounded or regularised on payment of charges. We assess the case honestly and advise what is permissible. #
We prepare documents for authorities across the region, including MCD and DDA in Delhi, MCF, MCG, GMDA, HSVP and DTCP in Haryana, Noida Authority, Greater Noida Authority, YEIDA and GDA in Uttar Pradesh, and development authorities in Uttarakhand and Rajasthan. #
No. Authority fees, challans and third-party charges are paid directly to the department. Our fee covers drawings, documentation, submission support and follow-up. #
Usually yes. An additional floor needs a revised or fresh sanction and a structural check that the existing building can take the extra load. #
DPC (damp proof course) is a waterproof layer laid at plinth level, below the walls, to stop ground moisture from rising into the walls. It prevents dampness, peeling paint and salt marks. #
Several authorities require an inspection once construction reaches DPC (plinth) level to confirm the footprint and setbacks match the sanctioned plan. The certificate or approval at this stage allows construction to continue. #
Setback or footprint mistakes are easy to fix at plinth level but very expensive later. Checking the work at this stage protects your approval and your completion certificate. #
DPC is commonly done in cement concrete of a suitable mix with a waterproofing compound, sometimes with bitumen coating, at a specified thickness at plinth level. #
Rising damp can cause wet patches, efflorescence (white salt marks), peeling paint and plaster damage on ground-floor walls, which is difficult and costly to fix later. #
Yes. We check the plinth work against the sanctioned plan, prepare the documents and coordinate the inspection with the authority. The certificate itself is issued by the authority. #
In most Delhi NCR authorities, a rain water harvesting system is required for buildings above a specified plot size as part of building plan approval. The threshold varies by authority, so it is checked for each project. #
Rain water from the roof is collected through pipes, passes through a filter or silt chamber and is sent to a recharge pit or well that refills groundwater, or to a storage tank for reuse. #
The size depends on roof area, local rainfall and soil conditions. We calculate the runoff and design the pit, filter and pipes to suit your plot. #
Yes. Filtered rain water can be stored in a tank and used for gardening, flushing and cleaning, reducing dependence on the municipal supply. #
Typically in an open area away from the building foundation, septic tank and borewell contamination sources, where roof pipes can reach it easily. #
Yes. We design the system and prepare RWH drawings in the format required for the building plan submission. #
Yes. Structural design decides the size and reinforcement of foundations, columns, beams and slabs. It is the most important safety decision in a building and usually saves material compared with guesswork. #
Structural drawings include foundation plans, column and beam layouts, slab details, reinforcement details, staircase and water tank details and, on request, a bar bending schedule. #
A bar bending schedule (BBS) lists every steel bar’s size, shape, length and quantity. It helps the contractor order and cut steel accurately and reduces wastage. #
Electrical design places switches, sockets and lights where you need them, calculates loads, sizes circuits and distribution boards and plans earthing, inverter and AC provisions — preventing overloads and later rework. #
Plumbing design covers water supply and hot water lines, drainage and soil pipes with correct slopes, water tanks and pumps, rain water harvesting and sewer or septic connections. #
A centre-line or layout drawing shows the exact position of columns and walls with dimensions so the building can be marked correctly on the ground before excavation. #
Site supervision includes stage-wise visits to check reinforcement before casting, levels and dimensions, and electrical and plumbing work before plastering, with a report of observations. #
Yes. We can review existing structural or services drawings and advise on corrections or improvements. #
It depends on the existing foundations, columns and material condition. A structural assessment is needed before adding any floor. #
Common causes include settlement, thermal movement, poor bonding between materials, overloading and water seepage. Hairline plaster cracks are common; wide or growing cracks should be inspected by an engineer. #
Property valuation is an assessment of the value of land and building, considering location, size, construction quality, age and condition, usually documented in a valuation report. #
We prepare estimates in the format banks commonly ask for. Final acceptance depends on the bank’s process, and some banks require valuation by their own empanelled valuer. #
A preliminary estimate gives a realistic cost range from area and specifications at an early stage. A BOQ is a detailed item-wise quantity and rate list prepared from final drawings. #
It gives a realistic planning range. Accuracy improves as drawings and specifications are finalised; a BOQ from final drawings is the most accurate basis. #
Yes. We assess land and building value for owners and families planning partition, sale or other decisions. #
A mini farm house is a compact weekend home on a smaller land parcel — typically a living area, one to three bedrooms, a kitchen and a verandah facing a lawn, sometimes with a small pool. #
Start with the land: decide the approach road, house position, lawns, pool, parking, trees and service areas first, then design the house, landscape and interiors together. #
Site and master planning, architecture and elevations, 3D views, landscape layout, interiors, structural drawings, electrical and plumbing layouts, and borewell, tank and septic planning. #
We design farm houses across the Chhatarpur and south Delhi belt, Surajkund, Sohna, Pataudi, Farrukhnagar, the Yamuna Expressway belt, Sonipat, Baghpat and other areas around NCR. #
It depends on the land use, location and local rules. We advise on what applies to your land and assist with drawings and documents where an approval is required. #
Borewell and water storage, septic tank or STP, rain water harvesting, power backup with a solar option, boundary wall and gate, and staff quarters where needed. #
Yes, if planned for it — event farms need larger lawns, a stage area, catering kitchen, toilets and ample parking, along with any permissions applicable for commercial use. #
A landscape architect plans outdoor spaces — lawns, gardens, pathways, pergolas, water features, pools, lighting, planting and irrigation — so they are beautiful, usable and easy to maintain. #
Climate-suited and water-wise plants that tolerate hot summers and cold winters work best, with native shade trees and hardy shrubs. We select plants for sun, shade and maintenance level. #
Yes. Rooftop gardens need a check of waterproofing, load capacity and drainage first, then planter layout, soil depth, seating and plant selection for sun and wind. #
Drip irrigation suits beds, shrubs and trees; sprinklers suit lawns. Both save water compared with manual watering and can be automated with timers. #
Yes — pool and water-body locations, fountains, reflecting pools, decks and poolside landscaping, along with lighting. #
Yes. We design campus greens, courtyards, play areas, event lawns, poolsides and entrance landscapes for institutions, hotels and commercial projects. #
Vastu consultation applies Vastu Shastra principles of direction and placement to a home, office or shop — covering the entrance, kitchen, bedrooms, pooja room, staircase, toilets and water tanks. #
Yes. Integrating Vastu while planning the layout avoids awkward corrections later and lets it be balanced with light, ventilation and bye-laws. #
Often yes. For existing properties we suggest practical, low-disruption remedies and a priority list of changes that matter most. #
North, east and north-east entrances are traditionally preferred in Vastu, but the right answer depends on the plot orientation and road. We assess each plot individually. #
The south-east is traditionally preferred for the kitchen, with north-west as an alternative. We balance this with ventilation and practical planning. #
Yes — owner cabin and seating directions, reception, cash counter, display and storage placement for offices, shops and showrooms. #
On site we see orientation, road width, neighbouring buildings, levels, existing structure and services — details that shape a good design and an accurate estimate. #
We inspect the plot or property, note key measurements, discuss your requirements and budget, give initial pointers on approvals and suggest the right next steps. #
Yes. A pre-purchase visit helps you understand what can realistically be built, likely approvals and any issues with the plot before you commit. #
It depends on location and scope. Any visit charge is confirmed clearly when you book, along with how it adjusts if you appoint us for design. #
Property papers or plot details, existing drawings if any, and a rough idea of your requirements, budget and timeline. #
Residential plots, houses, farm houses, offices, showrooms, commercial properties, institutional sites and existing buildings needing renovation. #
Look at completed projects similar to yours, check that the architect is registered with the Council of Architecture, ask what drawings and site visits are included, and get the fee, scope and timeline in writing. #
Yes. Good planning on a small plot makes the biggest difference to light, space and cost, and proper structural and services drawings prevent expensive mistakes during construction. #
A clear scope, list of drawings and 3D views, number of site visits, timeline, fee, payment stages, exclusions such as government fees, and what happens if the scope changes. #
Yes. You can appoint us only for design and drawings, add supervision visits as needed, or take a complete package including project management. #
Small changes are normal. Major changes after drawings are issued may affect approvals, structure and cost, so they are discussed and agreed in writing before revising drawings. #
Yes. We provide drawings your contractor can follow, answer site queries and can make supervision visits to check the work. #
Yes. We work with NRI clients through video calls, share drawings and progress photos online, and coordinate site visits and supervision on their behalf. #
A typical office fit-out takes several weeks depending on size, scope and site readiness. Finalising the layout, materials and services early is the best way to keep it on schedule. #
Space planning, civil changes, false ceiling, flooring, partitions, furniture, electrical, data, lighting, air-conditioning, fire safety provisions and signage. #
We plan the customer journey from the entrance, place hero displays in sight lines, design lighting for the product, and keep billing, storage and staff areas practical. #
Yes. We plan the kitchen workflow, service counter and seating together, with exhaust, gas, plumbing and electrical points coordinated with your kitchen equipment. #
Many commercial spaces need fire safety provisions and, depending on size and use, a fire NOC. We design fire exits and layouts and prepare the related documentation. #
Yes — classrooms, labs, libraries, hostels, sports areas and campus landscapes, planned for safety, ventilation, circulation and the applicable norms. #
Yes. Healthcare spaces need careful planning of patient flow, clean and dirty zones, services and fire safety; we plan clinics, nursing homes and hospital blocks with these in mind. #
Yes. We prepare drawings, specifications, BOQs and estimates in the formats commonly required for institutional and public projects. #
Classroom sizes and acoustics, natural light and ventilation, safe staircases and exits, adequate toilets and a clear reception and counselling area. #
Yes — factory sheds, warehouses, cold storage and industrial buildings in PEB or RCC, planned around process flow, loading, fire safety and future expansion. #
A pre-engineered building (PEB) is a steel structure designed and fabricated off-site and bolted together on site. It is fast to build and economical for large spans such as warehouses and factories. #
PEB suits large column-free spans and fast construction; RCC suits multi-storey buildings and heavy loads. The right choice depends on span, loads, budget and timeline. #
Depending on the location and industry, factories may need building plan approval, fire NOC, pollution consent and a factory licence. We prepare the drawings and documents that support these applications. #
Yes. We design industrial buildings in estates across the region, including IMT Manesar and Kharkhoda, HSIIDC Bawal and Kundli, RIICO Bhiwadi and Tapukara, and SIDCUL Haridwar. #
A 3D elevation is a realistic rendered image of the front of your building showing materials, colours and lighting, so you can approve the look before construction. #
Yes. Share your plans and elevations and we model and render them. #
Yes. Animated walkthroughs show the building or interior as if you are moving through it — useful for decisions and for marketing projects. #
PMC means a professional team manages your project on your behalf — planning the schedule, selecting and coordinating contractors, checking quality and verifying bills — so you have one accountable point of contact. #
If you cannot visit the site regularly or are managing several contractors, a project manager helps control cost, quality and time and reduces disputes. #
Work done is measured on site against the drawings and BOQ, checked for quality, and only then certified for payment. #
Yes. We audit the current status, review drawings and contracts, re-plan the remaining work and help bring it to completion. #
It depends on the structural condition, how much of the layout works for you, the extra floor area bye-laws now allow and the cost comparison. A structural assessment and a design study give a clear answer. #
First find the source — roof, toilets, plumbing leaks or rising damp — then fix it with the right waterproofing, plumbing repair or DPC treatment before repairing plaster and paint. #
Often yes, by phasing the work so part of the house stays usable, though some stages such as major plumbing or flooring may need temporary shifting. #
Internal changes without structural or area changes usually do not, but structural changes, additional floors or change of use typically need approval. We advise case by case. #
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