Dear Latha
Important Points for Construction
• Before starting a new construction project, check whether your area comes in a Earth Quake prone zone. While doing construction work safety measures should be taken for earth quake protection.• The whole area of the building should be constructed at one time to avoid settlement in any portion of the building. • If the construction is done in small portions, there may be chances of the settlement in foundation.• All components of the building should be tied up with R.C.C. Band at plinth level/DPC level, door lintel level and roof level.
Works while Starting Construction While starting the construction work by contractor at site after approval of the drawings and designs, the following works should be taken in hand. • The site should be cleared if roots of the trees exist; they should be removed up to 2 feet below the ground level.• Layout of the building should be done with fixing centre lines and 'burjis' or brick pillars etc. and mark all the walls, columns on the ground with their proper length and width as per designs or drawings.
Plinth level/DPC level should be fixed keeping in view the H.F.L (High Flood Level) and surrounding buildings and nearby roads. Excavation for foundation should be done according to the designs and exact width and depth of the wall should be dug. If extra depth is made due to any reasons or any soft places found, those should be filled in with coarse sand or concrete. • In case of excavation made through J.C.B. machine, the last layer should be done manually to avoid softening up to the base of foundation. • In case of excavation made through J.C.B. machine, the last layer should be done manually to avoid softening up to the base of foundation. • In case the water comes in trenches, it should be pumped out immediately.
For more detail see the website gharexpert.com start construction section where find lot of material about construction see the link below
http://www.gharexpert.com/articles/Start-Construction-1528/Guidelines-while-Starting-Construction_0.aspx
http://www.gharexpert.com/articles/Start-Construction-1406/Through-rate-contractor;-guidelines-better-rel_0.aspx