Vastu Shastra Appendix C – Contractor Briefs & Drawing Notes (Field-Ready Specs)

Design sings on paper; construction whispers in millimeters. This appendix is your translator—turning Vastu intent and building-science into site-ready briefs, sequences, tolerances, and checklists. Use it to brief contractors, control quality, and hand over a home that behaves.

1) Drawing Pack & Revision Control

  • Minimum set:
    • GA Plans: Site, ground, typical floors, roof with dimensions, levels, north arrow.
    • Reflected Ceiling Plans (RCP): Lighting, switching, HVAC grills, access panels.
    • Electrical: Power, data, circuits, DB schedules, load lists, RCD notes.
    • Plumbing: Supply/return, risers, fixture schedules, slopes, cleanouts, traps.
    • HVAC: Unit locations, refrigerant lines, condensate routing, fresh air path.
    • Interior Joinery: Kitchen, wardrobes, vanities—plans, elevations, sections.
    • Waterproofing: Bathrooms, balconies, planter boxes, roofs—layer build-ups.
    • Windows/Doors: Types, sizes, sill/head/jamb details; hardware schedule.
    • Details: Stair, handrail, ramp, thresholds, drains, light coves, pergola.
    • Finishes: Floor/wall schedules; transition details; skirting/jointing.
  • Title block must include: Project, sheet name/number, scale, drawn/checked, date, revision letter with clouded changes and revision log.
  • Digital controls: PDFs issued as Project_Sheet_Rev.pdf; model files read-only for contractors unless otherwise agreed.
  • Issue protocol: No WhatsApp one-offs. Revisions via formal transmittal; superseded sheets stamped “VOID.”

2) General Notes & Tolerances

  • Units: All dimensions in millimeters unless stated. Levels in meters (e.g., +0.000 = FFL).
  • Tolerances (typical):
    • Wall plumb/flatness: ≤ 3 mm in 2 m.
    • Floor level: ≤ 5 mm in 3 m; slope where required per drawings.
    • Tile joint: consistent ±1 mm; lippage ≤ 1 mm (honed) / 1.5 mm (textured).
    • Door set-out: ±2 mm width/height; diagonals within 3 mm.
    • Countertop level: ≤ 2 mm in 2 m; front overhang consistent ±2 mm.
  • Materials approval: Use specified brands or equal approved via submittal. No substitutions without written approval.
  • Samples: Provide physical samples for all visible finishes before bulk order.
  • Protection: Protect finished surfaces with corrugated sheets/foam; no sand on polished floors; remove protection only at handover.

3) Coordination & RFIs

  • Shop drawings: Required for joinery, glazing, metalwork, waterproofing stacks, HVAC, and switchboards.
  • Clash checks: Coordinate MEP with structure and ceilings; no pipe under shower pan without protection; maintain clear access to valves/cleanouts.
  • RFI process: Contractor raises RFI with drawing refs, photos, proposed solution. Designer responds in writing; field changes not allowed without RFI closure.
  • Site diary: Daily entries: manpower, deliveries, inspections, weather, hold-points passed/failed.

4) Trade Briefs

Civil & Masonry

  • Set-out: Verify grid/centerlines against site datum; record levels before pour.
  • Walls: Plumb and line; no hollow pockets; embed conduits with approved chases and sleeves; avoid diagonal chases on load walls.
  • Floors: Screeds per finish thickness; provide movement joints at 6–8 m or per material spec; decouple brittle finishes from structural movement.
  • Thresholds: Linear drains at wet thresholds; step-downs only where specified; bevel transitions < 12 mm.

Waterproofing (Bathrooms, Balconies, Planters, Roofs)

  • Substrate: Sound, clean, saturated-surface-dry where cementitious; primed where liquid membranes.
  • Upturns: Min. 150 mm at walls; 300 mm at shower screens; wrap over thresholds to drains.
  • Drains: Clamping ring drains with weep holes; test with 24–48 hr ponding before tiling.
  • Planters: Root barrier + protection board + drainage layer + geotextile + soil; overflow to rain line.

Plumbing

  • Water supply: Color-coded PPR/CPVC; hot-left/cold-right convention; isolation valves to each fixture branch.
  • Drainage: Slope 1:40–1:60 for branch lines; provide cleanouts at direction changes; maintain trap seal ≥ 50 mm; vent stacks as per code.
  • Appliances: Dishwasher, RO, washer with dedicated valves, traps, and accessible service space.
  • Testing: Pressure test supply; water test drains; record and sign off before closing walls.

Electrical

  • Protection: RCDs (30 mA) on kitchen, bath, outdoor, and charging circuits; MCBs sized per loads; proper earthing throughout.
  • Circuiting: Separate circuits for heavy appliances (oven, microwave, AC, geyser, dishwasher, washer, dryer). Label DB with schedule.
  • Heights: Switches 1050–1150 mm AFF; sockets 300–450 mm; kitchen counter sockets 200–300 mm above counter; avoid directly over sink/hob.
  • Lighting: Provide dimmable circuits in living/dining/bedrooms; CRI ≥ 90 in food and grooming areas.
  • Data: Cat6 at media wall and study; conduit for future fiber; avoid sharing conduits with power.

HVAC

  • Indoor units: Mount to avoid blowing directly on beds; condensate lines sloped to trapped drains; access panels for coil cleaning.
  • Outdoor units: Ventilated, accessible, vibration-isolated; drip managed; not over pedestrian zones.
  • Kitchen hood: Dedicated duct to exterior; smooth metal duct, minimal bends, backdraft damper; make-up air path provided.

Joinery & Kitchen

  • Carcass: BWR/BWP ply; edges sealed; interiors light color; adjustable shelves with 32 mm system holes.
  • Hardware: Soft-close hinges; full-extension drawers 45 kg rating for pots; pull-outs for spices/oils flanking hob.
  • Countertops: Quartz/granite/sintered stone; cutouts reinforced; overhangs ≤ 250 mm unless bracketed.
  • Sink unit: Drip tray under; moisture barrier; ventilation gap.

Glazing, Doors & Windows

  • Frames: Aluminum/UPVC/wood per spec; installed plumb; packers non-absorbent; perimeter sealed with backer rod + sealant.
  • Glass: Tempered/laminated per safety zones; low-E on West/South if specified; restrictors on higher floors; mosquito meshes where noted.
  • Doors: Solid-core where privacy/noise; soft closers optional; drop seals for noise/odor control at bedrooms/powders.

Flooring & Finishes

  • Tiling: Approved adhesive; correct notch trowel; back-butter large tiles; consistent joint widths; epoxy grout in wet/grease zones.
  • Wood/laminate: Moisture barrier; expansion joints at perimeters; acclimatize boards before install.
  • Paint: Low-VOC where specified; substrate prep per manufacturer; sample walls approved before full run.
  • Ceilings: Framed per spec; access panels for valves/fans; light coves with aluminum profiles; ensure service clearances.

5) Critical Sequences

Bathroom Waterproofing (Typical Stack)

  • Chase/pipe rough-ins complete and pressure-tested.
  • Screed with pre-slope to drains (1:80–1:100).
  • Primer + liquid membrane (1st coat), mesh at corners/penetrations, 2nd coat cross-direction, upturn 150–300 mm.
  • Ponding test 24–48 hrs; sign-off.
  • Tile adhesive + tile; epoxy grout; silicone at junctions.
  • Fixtures fit-off; exhaust with timer; final water test.

Balcony & Door Threshold

  • Set door frame with pan flashing; slope balcony away 1:100; linear drain at threshold.
  • Membrane turned up behind door frame; metal sill flashing; sealants with backer rod.

Kitchen Hood Ducting

  • Confirm hood centerline/height per make; provide 150–200 mm smooth metal duct.
  • Minimize bends; install backdraft damper; external louver; seal joints with foil tape (no fabric tape).
  • Provide trickle/make-up air—slot vent or operable window.

Window Installation

  • Verify opening size/square; fit frame with non-absorbent packers; anchor per spec.
  • Backer rod + sealant perimeter; internal reveals finished after water test; drip edge formed on exterior head.

6) Quality Control: Mockups, Inspections & Hold-Points

  • Required mockups: One bathroom (waterproofing + tile + fixtures), one wall/ceiling paint system, one window installation, one kitchen cabinet bay.
  • Hold-points (work stops until signed):
    • Plumbing pressure test (supply/drain) before closing walls.
    • Bathroom/balcony ponding test before tiling.
    • Electrical insulation/earth test before board closure.
    • Window water test after install, before reveals finished.
    • Joinery carcass alignment before shutters/counters.
  • Inspection records: Use IR (Inspection Request) forms with photos and instrument readings; file in site diary.

7) BOQ, Measurement Rules & Payment Milestones

  • BOQ structure (sample headings):
    • Preliminaries (mobilization, protection, scaffolding).
    • Civil (demolition, masonry, screeds, plaster).
    • Waterproofing (areas by m², details by item).
    • Floor/Wall finishes (tile/stone/wood—material + laying).
    • Joinery (carcass m², shutters m², hardware itemized).
    • Electrical (points, circuits, fixtures, boards).
    • Plumbing (fixtures, piping m, traps, heaters).
    • HVAC (units, piping m, drains, brackets).
    • Glazing/Doors (units, sqm, hardware).
    • Painting (sqm by system).
    • External works (paving sqm, drains m, planters).
  • Measurement rules (examples):
    • Tiling measured net area; deductions for openings > 0.5 m²; skirting in RM.
    • Joinery by visible face area; hardware counted per piece.
    • Electrical points counted; wire/cable in RM by gauge; fixtures by number.
  • Payment milestones (illustrative): 10% mobilization (against BG) → 20% after MEP rough-in passed → 20% after waterproofing tests → 20% after finishes 50% → 20% after finishes 100% → 10% at handover (snag-free). Retention 5% for defect liability period (typically 12 months).

8) Site Logistics, Safety & Environmental

  • Access & storage: Define delivery window, laydown areas, and locked storage for fixtures/appliances. No stacking on waterproofed balconies.
  • Waste management: Segregate debris; cover skips; dispose legally; recycle cartons/metals; no washing grout into drains.
  • Safety: PPE mandatory; ladders tied; live circuits tagged; LPG cylinders ventilated and secured; fire extinguisher at kitchen and entry.
  • Noise/dust: Wet-cut where possible; negative-pressure containment for dusty tasks; quiet hours respected.
  • Neighbor protocol: Notice before noisy works; clean common areas daily; protect lifts and lobbies in apartments.

9) Snagging, Handover, Warranties & O&M

  • Snagging: Room-by-room checklist: alignment, operation, finishes, sealants, silicone, paint touch-ups, clean glass, drain tests, fixture leaks, light/dimmer scenes, AC condensate, door swings, hardware tightness.
  • As-builts: Final marked-up drawings: electrical circuits, plumbing routes/valves, HVAC lines, window sizes/glass types, joinery internals.
  • Warranties: Collect originals: appliances, hood, AC, geyser, pumps, waterproofing, sealants, hardware, lighting drivers.
  • Training: Demonstrate: shutoff valves, DB/MCB/RCD reset, hood filter cleaning, AC filter cleaning, waterproofing care, tile/grout cleaning, stone sealing schedule.
  • Defect Liability: 12 months typical—response times agreed (e.g., emergency 24 hrs, non-critical 5 working days).

10) Symbols, Abbreviations & Lineweights

  • Abbreviations: AFF (Above Finished Floor), FFL (Finished Floor Level), RCP (Reflected Ceiling Plan), DB (Distribution Board), RCD (Residual Current Device), IGU (Insulating Glass Unit).
  • Lineweights (suggested): Section-cuts 0.5–0.7 mm bold; primary outlines 0.35 mm; secondary 0.25 mm; hatches 0.18 mm; centerlines 0.13 mm dashed.
  • North & levels: Always show north arrow; benchmarks on each sheet; elevations with +/− levels referenced to +0.000.
  • Notes style: Numbered keynotes; leader lines clean; avoid paragraphs on plans—push detail to callout boxes.

11) Image & Diagram Brief

  • Flowcharts: RFI process; remedy ladder; inspection hold-points.
  • Stacks: Bathroom waterproofing build-up; balcony threshold with linear drain; planter section.
  • Details: Window perimeter sealing with backer rod; kitchen hood ducting with bends and louver; light cove section.
  • Schedules: Sample DB schedule; lighting scene matrix; fixture schedule with IP ratings.
  • Checklists: Snagging sheet; bathroom ponding test form; pressure test form.

Quick Contractor Brief (Copy-Paste Block)

  • Scope: Execute per latest issued drawings (Rev letter noted). No field change without RFI closure.
  • Tolerances: Floors ≤ 5 mm in 3 m; walls ≤ 3 mm in 2 m; tile lippage ≤ 1 mm honed/1.5 mm textured; door frames within 3 mm diagonals.
  • Tests: Plumbing pressure + ponding; electrical insulation/earthing; window water test; joinery alignment checks.
  • Protection: Protect finished surfaces; no sand on polished floors; remove only at handover.
  • Safety: PPE; RCD on wet-area circuits; LPG ventilated; fire extinguishers active.
  • Cleanliness: Daily cleanup; waste segregation; no slurries into drains.
  • Handover: Snag-free, as-builts, warranties, O&M briefing, and spare tiles/paint left labeled.

FAQ (For the Crew)

  • Can we swap an outlet location? Only via RFI. Hidden clashes happen—propose a fix with photos and dimensions.
  • Recirculating hood okay? Only if drawings say so. Ducted-out with make-up air is default for heavy cooking.
  • Why the drama about ponding tests? Because repairing a shower after tiles is double drama. Test once, build once.
  • Can we grout the same day as tile? Follow adhesive cure times; rush = lippage and hollow sounds later.
  • Why dimmers? To match day, dinner, and downtime without changing fixtures. Wire per schedule.

Final Word

Great homes are built on clear drawings, cleaner coordination, and the cleanest bathrooms (no leaks, ever). This brief makes the invisible visible—so intent turns into detail, detail into work, and work into rooms that feel right when you enter and still feel right a decade later.

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