After completing all the requisite planning, fine tuning of budget as well as manpower arrangement for the repair/ modification works for his home, Mr. Singh's never anticipated that he'll be bombarded with a dozen of questions at the cement vendor's shop as what kind of cement he required for the works.

The technical jargon used by the vendor in naming the cement products were feeling like awkward bouncers and bodyliners that have undoubtedly troubled almost all the cricket batsmen on the field. Mr. Singh had never bothered in his planning as which kind of cement he would be requiring while carrying out the tedious planning. He had always known cement as cement, and never as:

• OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement),
• PPC (Pozzolana Portland Cement),
• PSC (Pozzolana Slag Cement),
• SRC (Sulphate Resisting Cement),
• White Cement,
• Quick Setting Cement, etc. etc. etc

Or in that matter of fact as:

• 33-grade,
• 43-grade, or
• 53-grade.

Like Mr. Singh, the majority of masses and classes have no idea to similar queries of the cement vendors (barring the ordinary shopkeepers, who themselves don't know beyond the word- 'CEMENT'). The last resort left with Mr. Singh was to tell the vendor to give him whichever type the vendor felt right. And no doubt, like most of the vendors would have done in such a situation, Mr. Singh was handed over the type of cement bags, which had huge profit margins for the vendor.

• HAVE YOU ALSO EXPERIENCED BEING LIKE Mr. SINGH'S AT SOME POINT OF TIME?
• DO YOU ALSO HAVE PLANS TO GET CARRIED OUT SOME CEMENT BASED WORK IN THE NEAR FUTURE AND DON'T KNOW WHICH CEMENT PRODUCT TO BUY?
  

As we pointed out earlier, a number of people like you and me would identify themselves with Mr. Singh.

We suggest keep looking out for this space here on BRICKS-n-MORTAR wherein we would try to let you know the basics of CEMENT, and to what you require for different type of works.

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"Vaastu", as we commonly know this terminology in its short form as, has been derived from the original Sanskrit word "Vāstu Śāstra" or more commonly "Vaastu Shastra". The Wikipedia defines Vaastu as:

"an ancient Vedic science of layout planning of buildings that is said to be influencing peace and prosperity of the inhabitants by dealing with the management of cosmic energy in Building & Structures. The principles of Vaastu Shastra extend from the macro level to the micro level- site selection, site planning and orientation, zoning and disposition of rooms, proportional relationships between the various parts of buildings and the character of buildings."

Quoting Wikipedia text again to explain to our readers (for the simple reason of it being an authenticated compilation of simple and multi-contributed as well as thoroughly analyzed inputs from numerous contributors and scholars),

"Vaastu is the science of direction and architecture that combines all the five elements of nature and balances them with the man and the material. Vaastu Shastra is creating a congenial settings or a place to live or work, in most scientific way taking advantages of the benefits bestowed by the five elements called “Pancha Maha Bhootas” of the nature thereby paving the way for enhanced health, wealth, prosperity and happiness in an enlightened environment.

The world comprises five basic elements, also known as the Panchbhootas. They are Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Space.There is an invisible and constant relation between all the five elements. Thus, the man can improve his conditions by properly designing his buildings by understanding the effectiveness of these five natural forces.

In modern times, the knowledge of house building technology has grown so vast, that it has been branched off into special fields such as architecture, engineering and Interior decoration. Architecture deals with the Internal comfort and external beauty, Civil engineering deals with the structural stability but Vaastu provides with the knowledge to be adopted in building a house so as to make the native happy, healthy and prosperous. Vaastu principles are applicable to individual residential houses , industry, educational institutions, commercial complexes, theaters, hospitals, churches, etc. If colonies, villages and cities are planned on its principles, it is said that they will all be very prosperous. To understand Vaastu all one needs is a little knowledge about Astronomy. We know that our earth, while moving around the sun, continues to spin on its own axis with a tilt of 23.5 degrees. While spinning, the earth moves from West to East. You will observe that car is designed in such a way that its front part is kept lower than the rear part, to enable it to overcome the wind resistance when in speed. Similarly the nose part of the plane and rocket are kept tapering forward. Since our earth is moving from West to East, if your building is lower on the East and higher on the West, only then it will be able to withstand the resistance of winds easily and get filled with positive energy from North-East, leading to peace and prosperity of the inhabitants. Thus a clear understanding of the principles of science can help you to delve into the true meaning of Vaastu Shastra and reap its benefits."

Having understood the basics of Vaastu, the readers of this post might want 'team:bricks-n-mortar' to enumerate a few basic and most sought-after Vaastu tips for home and commercial spaces. A few of these tips are listed below for quick reference. It should however be understood that these are only a few of the ideal-condition considerations. The whole snapshot of a particular property or living place may depend upon several related combinations and factors.

• A plot with all four corners as 90 degrees to each other is always better than one having oblique or skewed sides.
• A plot with at least two sides open to a park or road should be preferred rather than one closed from all sides.
• The open space left in North and East should be more than South and West.
• A house should be designed in such a way so that there is maximum entry of sunlight and proper cross ventilation.
• The maximum construction should be done in South, West and South-West portion of the plot.
• A pond or a water body should be placed in North-East corner of the house.
• A house should ideally be not constructed over a filled up water body, like a well, pond, etc.
• The hearth or oven must be arranged in Eastern or South-East directions of the house in such a way that the person cooking faces the East.
• Trees of any kind should not ideally be grown in Eastern, Northern and North-East directions.
• Only small plants should be grown in North, East and North-East directions.
• Shadow of a Banyan (peepal) tree should not fall on the house.
• Pictures of any war scenes, demons, portraits in anger should not be placed in the house.
• The slope of the property should be from West to East or South to North.
• The best direction for master bedroom construction is South-West. South-East direction is not right for bedroom purpose.
• If a bedroom need to be constructed in the North-West direction, then prefer using it as a guest room or as a room for daughters.
• For constructing children room, West or North is the perfect direction.
• The children study tables should be placed in the Northern or Eastern corner of the room.
• The beds should be so placed that sleeping with one's head facing North side of the room be avoided.
• Green color is recommended to be used for wall painting in the study room as it enhances intelligence.
• For prayer room, yellow or sandal wall color is just perfect.
• For placing TV or computer in the living room, South-East corner is just right.
• For ensuring peace in the house, the main bedroom should be constructed in the South direction.
• While sleeping, make sure that everyone sleeps with his or her head pointing towards the South corner. North direction should be completely avoided, as it acts as a source of nightmares and disturbed sleep.
• Avoid placing the divine idols in the bedroom.
• For constructing the master bedroom, South-West direction is just perfect. Other bedrooms can be constructed on the Eastern or Northern side of the master bedroom.
• A married couple should not use East direction bedroom. There is no problem if a child uses such a room.
• Bed can be placed in the South-West corner.
• It is better to avoid placing the mirror just on the opposite side of the bed especially in children room.
• Don't place the furniture sticking to the wall, as it obstructs the flow of positive energy.
• The study desk should be placed in such a manner that the child faces Eastern, Northern or North-Eastern corner while studying. East is the most appropriate direction, as it paves way for enhanced concentration.
• Avoid placing the electronic gadgets like TV and Computer in the kids' bedroom. But still if you wish to install one, then for computer, the right place is South-East corner and North-West corner for TV.
• The North direction is ideal for the construction of a drawing room.
• Southern and Western corners of the room are perfect for placing the furniture.
• The perfect place for placing sofa lies in North-West.
• TV can be kept in the South-East direction while the showcase, cupboards, almirahs in the South-West corner.
• Seating arrangement for the guests should be done in such a manner that the guests face Southern or Western direction.
• Center table can be in the shape of square, rectangle or even round.
• Avoid placing L shape sofa in your drawing room.
• The ideal location for the construction of dining room is the West portion of the house.
• Construction should be done in such a manner that the dining room and kitchen both are on the same floor, lying adjacent to each other.
• Square or rectangle shape dining table is just perfect for the room.
• Dining table should not be sticking to the wall.
• If you want to place a fridge in the dining room, then South-East direction would be just apt.
• If you want to make provision for the fitting of washbasin in your dining room, then the right place would be either Eastern or Northern corner.
• The ideal place for the location of kitchen is the South-East corner. An alternative choice can be the North-West corner of the house.
• The ideal location for kitchen are Northeast, mid-north, mid-west, southwest mid-south or the center.
• Make sure that the cooking platform does not touch Eastern or Northern side wall.
• The best direction for cooking is facing East, as this direction is considered to be auspicious.
• No shelf should be placed above the cooking platform.
• Refrigerator can be placed on the North-West corner in the kitchen.
• While constructing the kitchen, make adequate provision for cross ventilation.
• For bathroom construction, the most appropriate location lies in the Eastern portion of the house.
• As a part of Vaastu remedies for bathroom, it is suggested that the geyser should be placed in the Southeast corner.
• Drainage system should be in the northeast direction. Therefore, it is advised that the taps and showers should be fixed on the Northern side.
• As per Vaastu for bathroom, the door should not be in the South-West direction of the bathroom.
• For keeping the washing machine, the suitable directions are South-East and North-West.
• Bathtub can be placed on the west side.
• For parking purpose, North-East side should be used.
• The drainage system for commercial buildings should be towards the North-East direction.
• While constructing the doors, make sure that the main gate is higher than other doors.
• If you wish to construct a storeroom for the office, then choose Southern or Western portion of the plot for this purpose.
• Make adequate provision for sunlight and proper cross ventilation system

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Image sources: Vastu_shastra_article.pdf Part description from: Wikipedia

 
Suggested related stuff:

• Wikipedia article on Vaastu
• Vaastu Tips : by Your Astrology Guru
• Reinterpreting Vaastu : An article in The Hindu by Shashikala Ananth
• Subhavaastu : Consultancy and advice by Suresh
• Understanding science of directions & Vaastu tips at rudraksha-ratna
   

Often when a Greenfield project site is in the pipeline ready to hit the ground so as to take a physical shape, it takes enormous time for the managing and executing agencies to get the works rolling with the planned momentum. So, what does happen when even the plans are in place on papers, but still the progress isn’t taking off in the required direction? The blame-game starts in such a situation with one agency accusing the others for the delays; the delays in turn becoming compounded; and the project cash flow going negative.

The key to avoid such a gloomy picture at any stage of a project, perhaps more importantly in the beginning stage of the project, is effective planning and monitoring, together with an all-aligned site organization. Since opening the site marks the physical execution of the project, it becomes imperative to take notice of the key points beforehand so that the project site is organized well to perform efficiently and economically.

Key Points to Remember

Like any important work, the early stage planning and orientation tools always help in chalking out the success path of the subsequent periods. The things to remember and implement are:

Making a clear picture

Knowing the contract, project requirements, plans, budgets, site organization, schedules and everything related to chalk out a clear picture of the project comes handy to get acquainted with the project. This helps in reducing the buffer time, which often gets wasted at the start of a project.

Earmarking an effective site organization

No matter if you are amongst the Client, the Consultant or the Contractor, it always helps to have an effective and balanced project as well as back-office teams created to suit the specific nature of the project and the project-site. A balanced and motivated team can do wonders in any sort of conditions.

Dividing the site into manageable sections

A site has different needs and functions from time to time. Creating functional and manageable core teams ensure that monitoring and aligning/realigning of the teams as well as the project activities are always under control. Such teams can be enhanced with or merged to garner more strength and skill as the project goes beyond initial embryonic stage.

Micro & Macro planning

Once the project has followed the macro plans, micro scheduling of activities should follow immediately by respective teams, but in concurrence with each and every correlated team. Such schedules and plans should be regularly monitored and updated vis-à-vis the actual progress and availability of resources. This helps in reflecting the bottlenecks and delays to the managers, who can thereafter take remedial measures without affecting the overall progress much.

Time management

It is unavoidable at any project to have automatic balance between the pressure of work and the remaining time in hand. But this bottleneck can be resolved stage by stage with effective time management. The art to learn and master is to prioritize the important activities first than the secondary ones, and planning to cater to the important ones foremost. All successful managers thrive on this very craft of time management on the first place beside of course other trade and/or personal qualities.

Authority and Responsibility

Delegation of suitable authority and responsibility to every functional member of the team is the last, but definitely not the least of the key requirements of a successful site organization. This helps in clear-cut roles that all the team members are required to perform in the organization.

So, what have we learned from this article?

As like they say, a successful and effect start predominantly leads to a remarkable and desired results. By doing better planning and following the same at site with necessary corrective measures, the projects can become more economical and financially viable. This not only helps the parent companies, but also helps every team member of the project team professionally, personally, financially and morally. The one member which the gains the most, however, is the Project itself.

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Read previous similar posts: Tips-n-Bits, TechTalk

Network Guest Article by: Jenny Austin

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So the time has come for the home interior to undergo a serious revamp, with the current financial situation throughout the country many homeowners decide to overhaul their home interiors rather than go through the rigmarole of purchasing a new property.

BnM>>It can be difficult to know where to begin in the home and extremely challenging to rustle up inspiring ideas without the help of a hired design professional. Here are a few common tips used by professionals in the interior design industry which should give a good starting point for project ideas to be worked from.

Do not be afraid to try out new decorating ideas, your aim is to create ambiance in each area of the home. It is important when picking pieces of furniture or other accessories to enhance the unique look of that area, if a chosen piece is bizarre it should be displayed in the area in such a way so as not to detract attention from the other features within the area.

Research your theme; it is worthwhile spending time viewing theme ideas, as with the majority of tasks completed well preparation is everything. Once a theme is decided upon it is essential to keep it in mind, it will prevent areas ending up a hotch-potch of items you like. Keep theme ideas simple yet not boring, if the plan is too elaborate the area becomes cluttered and that creates an unsettling atmosphere. It is not easy to achieve a simple theme that is not dull and many people air on the side of caution and settle for a boring interior. A good tip is to mix furniture of neutral colours with various unusual accessories, this will take some practice although it is beneficial to choose this approach to an interior as the look can be dramatically altered just by changing the accessories. Another method often used by professional interior designers is to place pieces of contemporary furniture along brightly coloured walls.

Think about your lighting preferences while deciding themes, if you rather have a soft light in the dining area the theme you choose should compliment this. Consider how much light is available naturally to the area and what aura are you planning to recreate. A dark room will benefit greatly from an injection of bright colour, paints are available nowadays that have special light reflecting qualities. A very light area sounds ideal but can often lack definition of purpose, to help ground the room a accent wall can be used try to enhance any features of the room. If the space is light it can be a perfect opportunity to experiment with darker colour, which if planned with a complementary theme can produce fantastic results. The lighting effects within a room are probably the single most important factor to get right, what you choose will dramatically affect the way furniture and colours look within the space. Do not limit lighting to merely ordinary ceiling lights; there are a great variety of lamps, side lights, coloured lights and bulb strengths to select from. Importantly choose appropriate lighting for the area, it is no use creating a wonderful relaxed kitchen/dinner with soft lighting if you can’t see to prepare a meal.

Author Resource:- Jenny Austin is an expert in bistro Furniture, for further information on how to choose your Floor Sanding , or which Readymade Curtains service to choose please visit claremontupholstery.co.uk.

Article From Talkinmince Article Directory  | Tips to Revamp your Home