The worn property papers felt heavy in my hands. 100 Gaj, a decent plot in the heart of Delhi, a legacy from my grandfather. But a single-story house, dwarfed by the modern giants around it, seemed like a relic of a bygone era. My dream? A three-storey haven for my growing family. But the cost, a looming mountain.
One evening, sipping chai with my childhood friend Rahul, a successful builder, I voiced my dilemma. “Three floors on a 100 Gaj plot? It’s possible,” he mused, “but building regulations and costs…” His words trailed off.
A spark ignited in my mind. “Collaboration?” I blurted out. Rahul’s eyes widened. It was an uncommon idea – me, the landowner, and him, the builder, joining forces. We discussed the Delhi Building Bye-Laws (UBBL) [mentioning the source can help with credibility]. The increased Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for larger plots offered a glimmer of hope.
Days turned into weeks as we delved into legalities and calculations. We could potentially build three floors, but with limitations. We’d need a permit, and the design would have to comply with regulations regarding ground coverage, setbacks, and building height.
The financial aspect was another hurdle. We explored options. I would contribute the land, reducing Rahul’s initial investment. Profits would be shared based on a predetermined agreement. The risk, though, would also be shared.
Finally, we shook hands, a silent pact formed. The demolition of the old house felt bittersweet. But as the foundation for the new one was laid, a sense of excitement bubbled within me. Weekly meetings with Rahul ensured transparency. We debated layouts, materials, and costs, forging a strong working partnership.
Months later, the three-storey structure stood proudly. The ground floor housed a modern rental unit, generating income. The upper floors, designed to our taste, were perfect for our families. We’d not only built a home, but also a testament to the power of collaboration.
Standing on the terrace, the Delhi skyline stretched before us. It wasn’t just a view; it was a symbol of a dream realized, not through individual might, but through the combined efforts of two friends. The 100 Gaj plot, once a limitation, had become a springboard to a shared success story.
