When your new house is ready, there is happiness everywhere. But after building the house, the most important work is taking proper care (देखभाल) of it. According to Lucknow’s weather (मौसम) and soil (मिट्टी), you need to keep some special things in mind. These maintenance tips for new constructions in Lucknow can be very helpful for you.
Important Laws and Legal Requirements You Must Know
Before starting maintenance work, understanding legal requirements (कानूनी आवश्यकताएं) is crucial. In Uttar Pradesh, several laws govern new construction maintenance and homeowner responsibilities (गृहस्वामी की जिम्मेदारियां).
Under the UP Building Bye-laws 2016, every new construction must have a completion certificate (पूर्णता प्रमाण पत्र) from the local development authority (स्थानीय विकास प्राधिकरण). Without this document, you cannot legally occupy (कानूनी रूप से कब्जा) your house. The certificate ensures your building follows safety standards (सुरक्षा मानक) and approved plans (स्वीकृत योजना).
Property registration (संपत्ति पंजीकरण) under the Registration Act 1908 must be completed within four months of construction completion. This registration protects your ownership rights (स्वामित्व अधिकार) and is mandatory for getting utility connections (उपयोगिता कनेक्शन).
The Electricity Act 2003 requires proper electrical safety measures (विद्युत सुरक्षा उपाय). All electrical work must be done by licensed electricians (लाइसेंस प्राप्त इलेक्ट्रिशियन). Faulty wiring (खराब वायरिंग) can lead to legal liability (कानूनी दायित्व) if it causes accidents.
Under the Water Act 1974 and Air Act 1981, you must ensure proper waste disposal (अपशिष्ट निपटान) and sewage management (सीवेज प्रबंधन). Improper drainage (अनुचित जल निकासी) that affects neighbors can result in legal action (कानूनी कार्रवाई).
The UP Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Act requires fire safety measures (अग्नि सुरक्षा उपाय) in buildings above certain heights. Even smaller houses should have basic fire safety equipment (अग्निशमन उपकरण) for insurance claims (बीमा दावे).
Municipal laws (नगरपालिका कानून) require house numbering (मकान नंबर) and building tax payments (भवन कर भुगतान). These are essential for legal residence proof (कानूनी निवास प्रमाण) and accessing government services (सरकारी सेवाएं).
Warranty and liability laws (वारंटी और दायित्व कानून) under the Consumer Protection Act 2019 give you rights against construction defects (निर्माण दोष). Contractors (ठेकेदार) are legally bound to fix structural problems (संरचनात्मक समस्याएं) within warranty period (वारंटी अवधि).
Environmental laws (पर्यावरण कानून) require rainwater harvesting (वर्षा जल संचयन) for plots above 300 square meters in urban areas. This is mandatory in Lucknow Municipal Corporation area (लखनऊ नगर निगम क्षेत्र).
First Three Months – The Most Important Time
The first three months of a new house are very important. During this time, moisture (नमी) keeps coming out from the walls (दीवारें). That’s why air circulation (हवा का आवागमन) in the house is necessary. Open windows (खिड़कियां) and doors (दरवाजे) every morning and evening.
Cement (सीमेंट) and plaster (प्लास्टर) take time to dry completely. During this time, avoid hanging heavy items on walls. Wait at least two months before installing fans (पंखे) and air conditioners (एसी).
Keep checking water drains (नालियां) and pipes (पाइप) regularly. In new houses, small leakages (रिसाव) often happen, which should be fixed immediately.
Taking Care of Walls and Roof
Lucknow’s rainy season (बारिश का मौसम) can cause problems for walls. If you see stains (दाग) or white patches (सफेद धब्बे) on walls, get them treated immediately. This is a sign of moisture (नमी).
Don’t let water collect on the roof (छत). Clean the roof after rain and check if water is flowing properly or not. If water is stopping somewhere, get that place repaired (मरम्मत).
Get wall painting (दीवारों की रंगाई) done only after six months. Give the new house walls a chance to dry completely. Painting in a hurry causes peeling (छिलना) problems later.
Electrical and Plumbing Care
Check all electrical connections (बिजली के कनेक्शन) carefully. New wiring (वायरिंग) sometimes has loose connections. If you see sparks (चिंगारी) or smell burning (जलने की गंध), call an electrician (इलेक्ट्रिशियन) immediately.
Test all switches (स्विच) and plugs (प्लग) regularly. Sometimes new electrical items don’t work properly at first. Keep the main switch (मेन स्विच) off when leaving house for long time.
For plumbing (नलसाजी), check all taps (नल) and pipes daily. Look for water leakage (पानी का रिसाव) around toilets (शौचालय) and kitchen (रसोई). Small problems become big if ignored.
Water pressure (पानी का दबाव) should be checked in all bathrooms (स्नानघर). If pressure is low somewhere, there might be blockage (रुकावट) in pipes.
Floor and Tile Maintenance
New tiles (टाइल्स) need special care for first few months. Don’t use harsh cleaning chemicals (तेज साफ़ाई के रसायन) on them. Simple soap water (साबुन का पानी) is enough for cleaning.
Marble floors (संगमरमर के फर्श) are common in Lucknow houses. These need polishing (पॉलिशिंग) after six months. Till then, just clean with soft cloth (मुलायम कपड़ा).
Check for cracks (दरारें) in floor tiles regularly. Small cracks can become big problems during monsoon (बारिश के मौसम). Get them fixed quickly.
Don’t put very heavy furniture (भारी फर्नीचर) on new floors immediately. Wait for at least one month for floors to settle properly.
Legal Requirements and Government Rules
In Lucknow, you must get completion certificate (पूर्णता प्रमाण पत्र) from Lucknow Development Authority (लखनऊ विकास प्राधिकरण). This proves your house is built according to approved plans (स्वीकृत नक्शे).
Property registration (संपत्ति पंजीकरण) should be done within four months of construction completion. This is required by UP government rules (उत्तर प्रदेश सरकार के नियम).
Get your house number (मकान नंबर) from municipal corporation (नगर निगम). This is needed for electricity connection (बिजली का कनेक्शन) and water supply (पानी की आपूर्ति).
Building insurance (भवन बीमा) is not mandatory but highly recommended. Many insurance companies (बीमा कंपनियां) in Lucknow offer good packages for new construction.
Dealing with Lucknow’s Weather Challenges
Lucknow has extreme weather (चरम मौसम) – very hot summers (गर्म गर्मी) and cold winters (ठंडी सर्दी). Your new house needs preparation for both seasons.
Before summer (गर्मी से पहले), check if all cooling systems (कूलिंग सिस्टम) work properly. Clean water coolers (वाटर कूलर) and service air conditioners.
For winter preparation (सर्दी की तैयारी), check heating arrangements (हीटिंग का इंतजाम). Seal any gaps (दरारें) in doors and windows to keep cold air out.
Monsoon preparation (बारिश की तैयारी) is very important. Clean all drains (नालियां) and gutters (गटर). Check roof waterproofing (छत की वाटरप्रूफिंग) before rainy season starts.
Garden and Outdoor Area Care
If you have a garden (बगीचा) or courtyard (आंगन), soil preparation (मिट्टी की तैयारी) is important. Lucknow’s soil is generally good for plants (पौधे) but needs proper drainage (जल निकासी).
Plant trees (पेड़) and bushes (झाड़ियां) at right distance from house walls. Roots (जड़ें) can damage foundation (नींव) if planted too close.
Install proper lighting (रोशनी) in outdoor areas. This is important for security (सुरक्षा) and also looks good.
Water supply (पानी की आपूर्ति) for garden should be separate from house supply if possible. This helps in water management (पानी का प्रबंधन).
Common Problems and Solutions
Wall cracks (दीवार में दरारें) are common in new construction. Small cracks are normal due to settling (बैठना) but big cracks need immediate attention (तुरंत ध्यान).
Seepage problems (रिसाव की समस्या) often happen during first monsoon. Keep contact details of good waterproofing contractors (वाटरप्रूफिंग ठेकेदार) handy.
Electrical problems (बिजली की समस्याएं) like frequent power cuts (बार-बार बिजली जाना) or voltage fluctuation (वोल्टेज में उतार-चढ़ाव) are common in Lucknow. Install voltage stabilizers (वोल्टेज स्टेबलाइजर) for expensive appliances (महंगे उपकरण).
Pest control (कीट नियंत्रण) becomes necessary after few months. Termites (दीमक) and other insects (कीड़े) can damage wooden items (लकड़ी का सामान).
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start living in my new house?
Wait at least 15-20 days after construction completion. This gives time for paint (रंग) and plaster to dry properly.
How often should I check for problems?
For first three months, check daily. After that, weekly inspection (साप्ताहिक जांच) is enough for most things.
What should I do if I find cracks in walls?
Small cracks are normal, but get them checked by construction expert (निर्माण विशेषज्ञ). Don’t ignore cracks that are getting bigger.
When should I get house painted?
First painting should be done after 6-8 months. New walls need time to release moisture (नमी) completely.
How to deal with monsoon problems?
Prepare before monsoon starts. Clean drains, check roof, and keep contact of plumber (प्लंबर) and electrician ready.
What legal documents do I need?
Completion certificate, property registration papers (संपत्ति पंजीकरण के कागज़), and municipal house number approval (नगरपालिका मकान नंबर की मंजूरी).
How much money should I keep for maintenance?
Keep aside 2-3% of construction cost (निर्माण लागत) for first year maintenance expenses (रखरखाव का खर्च).
Should I hire professional maintenance service?
For first six months, it’s better to handle small issues yourself or hire local workers (स्थानीय मजदूर). Later you can consider professional services.
What about security arrangements?
Install good locks (ताले), consider security cameras (सुरक्षा कैमरे) for main entrance (मुख्य द्वार), and maintain good relations with neighbors (पड़ोसी).
How to maintain warranty on construction work?
Keep all bills and documents (बिल और दस्तावेज) safe. Contact your contractor (ठेकेदार) immediately if you find defects (खराबी) within warranty period (वारंटी अवधि).
Taking care of your new house in Lucknow requires patience (धैर्य) and regular attention (नियमित ध्यान). The first year is most important for long-term durability (लंबी अवधि की मजबूती).
Don’t ignore small problems as they can become expensive repairs (महंगी मरम्मत) later. With proper care, your new house will serve your family (परिवार) well for many years.