There is really a need to promote the significance of low-cost homes, as it helps people who go through extreme financial crises realize their dream of building a house of their own. Appukuttan, a native of Manjeri in Malappuram, Kerala, who owns a small piece of land measuring just 3.25 cents in area, shows the way.
Appukuttan used to regularly appeal to various government departments, for years, to secure financial assistance to construct a house. Finally, he managed to obtain some financial aid through the Prime Minister Awas Yojana and began the construction of his new house.
As the money was released in phases, the construction got lagged a bit. Appukuttan arranged some money by himself to complete the remaining construction works.
The house is designed in the contemporary style with a flat roof. There is a sit-out, living and dining areas, two bedrooms, a common bathroom and kitchen in this house which has an area of 548 sq ft. From building the foundation to plastering and painting, Appukuttan along with his family members, got involved in the construction activities and thereby saved significantly on labor charges. His son Amal who is a graphic designer contributed with the design that enhanced the look of the house.
The construction of the house, including the structure and furnishing, was completed on a meager budget of just Rs 5 lakh. Appukuttan and his family are extremely delighted about their brand new house which is the perfect example of a low-cost house which has all the necessary facilities.
Factors which helped lower the expenses:
Ferro cement doors which cost Rs 1800 a piece are used in the house.
The doors, windows and door frames are made of kayani wood.
Red oxide is applied on the floor of two rooms.
Marbonite is paved in the rest of the house.
The walls are painted with white cement primer.
Tiles with slight damages were bought for half the price.
Estimate
Structure – Rs 3, 20,000
Wiring – Rs 20,000
Plumbing – Rs 20,000
Flooring – Rs 20,000
Painting – Rs 20,000
Labor charges and miscellaneous – Rs 1 lakh
Project facts
Location – Manjeri, Malappuram
Plot – 3.25 cents
Area – 548 SFT
Owner – Appukuttan
Designer – Sherin Payyanad
Year of completion – 2019
Budget – Rs 5 lakhs
