Having a servant quarter is a necessary part of most homes. The majority of us have help working in our homes and need to accommodate them. A servant quarter should not be an afterthought in your home construction plans and should be planned as extensively as any other part of the house. A substandard or tiny servant quarter reduces the value of your home and is also inconsiderate towards the help who is to live there. There are some basic things you should keep in mind when planning a quarter in your home.
What are the society’s regulations
Many societies have clear-cut rules on the construction and specifications of servant quarters. This helps ensure that people are not living in inhumane conditions and also considers the security of the society. The Capital Development Authority states that for a plot of 501 square yards and above, a servant quarter must have a separate w.c and shower. DHA Karachi states that the minimum size of a servant quarter should be 80 square feet, with the dimensions being 7 feet by 6.9 feet. These regulations must be followed or you could face heavy penalties or even demolition, both of which would be a huge burden.
The effect on your home’s value
A proper servant quarter is one of the most common demands of people looking to buy a home. Contractors state that a well-built servant quarter attached to the house adds significant financial value to it. This includes a bedroom and a washroom with the possibility of a small cooking space as well. They also stated that if a home does not have a servant quarter, buyers will factor in the cost of building one in the future and that will reduce the value of their offer on that house. Thus, a servant quarter is a good financial investment for your house.
Do not compromise on the aesthetic
When building a servant quarter, do not take it as a less important part of your home. If you do not have it designed and built properly, it could be an eyesore in your home. Ensure that it blends in with your exterior and has properly tiled floors. Contractors state that many people make the mistake of building a servant quarter haphazardly at the back of the house and make their exterior look badly designed. They recommend that you should get your architect to treat the servant quarter just like any other room in the house for the best effect. Its maintenance should also be done regularly so that it does not get damaged and detract the overall aesthetic of your home.
Ensure privacy
An optimal servant quarter considers the privacy of the homeowners, the help, and the neighbours. Societies do take this into consideration, so be sure to go over your housing society’s bylaws when constructing a servant quarter. DHA Lahore, for example, requires a purdah wall on the servant terrace to ensure the privacy of the neighbours. In addition, a separate servant entrance is a common feature demanded by homebuyers to help keep the privacy of the occupants of the home as well as the servants.
In conclusion, you need to plan your servant quarter thoroughly as it is an important part of your home and has to be treated as such. To discuss more factors regarding this topic, go to the Zameen Forum.
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