Frequently Asked Questions — VIZHUMAM™ Design & Build

Question 1

What services does VIZHUMAM™ Design & Build offer?

Accepted Answer

We provide six core engineering services: Structural Design, Architectural Design, BIM Services, Estimation & BOQ, Construction Management, and Structural Audit & Consultancy. We serve residential, commercial and industrial clients across India.

Question 2

Where is VIZHUMAM™ Design & Build located?

Accepted Answer

Our office is located at Thathanur, Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu – 621804. We serve clients across Tamil Nadu and all of India, including remote project support via online consultation.

Question 3

How many years of experience does your team have?

Accepted Answer

VIZHUMAM™ was founded in 2011. Our team of 13+ qualified engineers brings over 10 years of combined experience across structural engineering, architectural design, BIM and construction management.

Question 4

Can I get an online consultation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer consultations via phone, video call and email. Reach us at info@vizhumam.co.in or designs@vizhumam.co.in to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Question 5

Do you work on projects outside Tamil Nadu?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While we are based in Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu, we provide engineering consultancy services to clients across India. Most of our deliverables — drawings, reports, models and estimates — are digital and can be shared remotely.

Question 6

How do I get started with VIZHUMAM™?

Accepted Answer

Simply contact us via email at info@vizhumam.co.in or through our Contact page. Share your project details and we will respond within one business day to discuss your requirements and provide a fee proposal.

Question 7

What types of structural design do you provide?

Accepted Answer

We design RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete), structural steel and composite structures for all building types — residential houses, apartments, commercial buildings, industrial sheds, warehouses and institutional buildings.

Question 8

Are your structural designs IS code compliant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All our structural designs strictly follow the relevant Indian Standards — IS 456:2000 for RCC, IS 800:2007 for steel, IS 1893:2016 for earthquake-resistant design, IS 875 for loads, and other applicable codes.

Question 9

Do you provide structural drawings for building plan approval?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare complete structural drawing sets suitable for submission to local authorities for building plan approval, including foundation plans, column and beam layouts, slab reinforcement drawings and structural notes.

Question 10

Do you include earthquake-resistant design?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Seismic design as per IS 1893:2016 is an integral part of all our structural designs. We determine the appropriate seismic zone, calculate design seismic forces and detail the structure for ductility as per IS 13920.

Question 11

Can you design foundations for different soil conditions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We design isolated footings, combined footings, raft foundations and pile foundations depending on the soil bearing capacity and structural loads. We can also review soil investigation reports and recommend the most suitable foundation type.

Question 12

Do you provide a Bar Bending Schedule (BBS)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide detailed Bar Bending Schedules for all structural elements — columns, beams, slabs and foundations — which are essential for accurate steel procurement and site execution.

Question 13

What does your architectural design service include?

Accepted Answer

Our architectural design service covers the complete design process from concept to construction drawings — site analysis, floor plan design, elevation design, 3D views, interior layout planning, door and window schedules, and local authority submission drawings.

Question 14

Do you design Vastu-compliant buildings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We regularly incorporate Vastu Shastra principles into our architectural designs. We work with clients to understand their specific Vastu requirements and integrate them into the design from the outset, balancing Vastu with structural requirements and building regulations.

Question 15

Can you provide 3D elevation designs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide 3D exterior elevation drawings that give you a realistic visual of how your building will look before construction begins. This helps you make informed decisions about the design before committing to construction.

Question 16

Do you prepare drawings for local authority submission?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare architectural drawings in the format required for submission to local planning authorities, including site plans, floor plans, elevations and sections with all required annotations and dimensions.

Question 17

Can you design both residential and commercial buildings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We design a wide range of building types — individual houses, villas, apartments, commercial buildings, offices, showrooms, schools and institutional buildings. Each project is designed to meet the specific functional and aesthetic requirements of the client.

Question 18

What BIM software do you use?

Accepted Answer

We primarily use Autodesk Revit for BIM modelling, Navisworks for clash detection and coordination, and Autodesk BIM 360 for project collaboration. We deliver models in Revit native format and IFC for open BIM workflows.

Question 19

What Level of Development (LOD) do you work to?

Accepted Answer

We can deliver BIM models at LOD 100 through LOD 400 depending on the project stage and client requirements. We agree the required LOD at the start of each project and document it in the BIM Execution Plan.

Question 20

What is clash detection and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Clash detection is the process of automatically identifying conflicts between different building systems — for example, a structural beam clashing with a duct or pipe — in the federated BIM model. Resolving clashes in the model before construction begins prevents costly on-site rework and programme delays.

Question 21

Do you provide as-built BIM models?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can update the design BIM model to reflect as-built conditions at the end of construction, providing a valuable digital record of the completed building for facility management and future modifications.

Question 22

Is BIM suitable for smaller residential projects?

Accepted Answer

BIM is most cost-effective for medium to large projects. For smaller residential projects, the investment in BIM may not always be justified. We are happy to advise you on whether BIM is appropriate for your specific project.

Question 23

What is a Bill of Quantities (BOQ)?

Accepted Answer

A Bill of Quantities is a detailed document that lists all the materials, labour and other items required to complete a construction project, along with their quantities and estimated costs. It is prepared from the architectural and structural drawings and provides the basis for budgeting, tendering and cost control.

Question 24

What rate schedule do you use for cost estimation?

Accepted Answer

We apply current market rates alongside CPWD (Central Public Works Department) and Tamil Nadu PWD schedule of rates, adjusted for local market conditions. We also carry out rate analysis for non-standard items.

Question 25

Can you prepare a BOQ for tendering purposes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare BOQ documents structured for competitive tendering, with items described in accordance with IS 1200 (Method of Measurement). This ensures all tenderers price the same scope of work, making tender comparison straightforward.

Question 26

Do you provide revised estimates when the design changes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We recommend updating the BOQ whenever significant design changes are made. We can prepare revised estimates to reflect design changes, helping you understand the cost implications before the change is implemented.

Question 27

Can you provide a cost estimate before detailed drawings are ready?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can prepare a preliminary cost estimate based on concept drawings or a project brief, using cost-per-square-metre rates for the relevant building type. This gives you an early indication of the likely project cost for budgeting purposes.

Question 28

What does your construction management service cover?

Accepted Answer

Our construction management service covers the full project lifecycle — pre-construction planning, contractor procurement support, programme development, site supervision, quality control, progress monitoring, cost monitoring, variation management and final handover.

Question 29

Do you provide site supervision services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide regular site visits and inspections to monitor construction quality, check compliance with drawings and specifications, and identify and resolve issues before they escalate.

Question 30

Can you help with contractor selection?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can assist with preparing tender documents, evaluating contractor bids and recommending the most suitable contractor for your project based on price, experience and capability.

Question 31

Do you provide quality control testing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We coordinate material testing — concrete cube tests, steel tensile tests, soil compaction tests and others — and review test results to ensure materials meet the specified standards.

Question 32

What is a structural audit?

Accepted Answer

A structural audit is a systematic inspection and assessment of an existing building's structural condition. It identifies defects, evaluates their severity and impact on structural safety, and recommends appropriate repair or strengthening measures.

Question 33

When should I get a structural audit done?

Accepted Answer

A structural audit is advisable for buildings that are more than 15–20 years old, buildings showing visible cracks or distress, buildings before adding additional floors, buildings after a natural disaster (earthquake, flood, cyclone), and buildings being considered for change of use.

Question 34

What non-destructive tests (NDT) do you carry out?

Accepted Answer

We carry out rebound hammer testing (to assess concrete strength), ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) testing (to detect internal defects), carbonation depth testing, cover meter surveys (to check reinforcement cover) and visual crack mapping.

Question 35

Can you design strengthening works for a distressed building?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Where our audit identifies structural deficiencies, we can prepare full structural designs for the remediation works — including jacketing of columns and beams, slab strengthening, foundation underpinning and seismic retrofitting.

Question 36

Is a structural audit required by law?

Accepted Answer

In many states and municipalities in India, structural audits are mandatory for buildings above a certain age (typically 30 years) or height. Requirements vary by location. We can advise you on the applicable requirements for your building.

Question 37

How are your fees structured?

Accepted Answer

Our fees depend on the type of service, the size and complexity of the project, and the deliverables required. We provide a detailed fee proposal after an initial consultation. We offer competitive rates with no hidden charges.

Question 38

How long does a typical structural design take?

Accepted Answer

Turnaround time depends on the project size and complexity. For a typical residential house, we can usually complete the structural design within 7–14 working days after receiving all required information. Larger projects take longer and we will advise you of the programme at the outset.

Question 39

What information do you need to start a project?

Accepted Answer

To begin a structural design, we typically need the architectural drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections), the site location and soil investigation report (if available), and the intended use of the building. For a BOQ, we need the complete architectural and structural drawings.

Question 40

Do you offer a free initial consultation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation to discuss your project requirements, understand your needs and explain how we can help. Contact us at info@vizhumam.co.in to arrange a consultation.

Question 41

In what format are your drawings delivered?

Accepted Answer

We deliver drawings in AutoCAD (.dwg) and PDF formats as standard. BIM models are delivered in Revit (.rvt) and IFC formats. Reports and estimates are delivered in PDF and Excel formats.

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