Choosing a place to live in plays an important role in the life of everyone. In addition to location, budget, security, and many other factors, many Indians use Vastu Shastra to choose the property. The traditional Vastu principles include directional considerations, arrangement of rooms, light, ventilation, etc.
Learning how to check Vastu for a house before buying or renting will help you compare the properties and choose the features you like. Find out more about the main Vastu checks you need to know before choosing a new home.
Why Is It Important to Check Vastu Before Buying or Renting?
Vastu Shastra is an architectural practice that includes considerations related to directional orientation and spatial arrangement. For many families, the Vastu principles are important since people believe in the association of prosperity, harmony, and peace of mind with these principles.
Checking Vastu before purchasing a property will help you notice the features that will be hard or expensive to change later, such as the entrance, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. This will make you pay attention to practical aspects, such as the availability of sunlight, proper ventilation, etc. Although Vastu beliefs are not scientifically proven and cannot guarantee prosperity and well-being of the people, they can be used along with the basic property requirements.
1. Check the Direction of the House
Firstly, you should define the direction of your property to check Vastu. North and east directions are preferable for many Vastu-aware homeowners, although the direction cannot define the complete Vastu of the property.
Follow these steps to check the direction:
- Go to the main entrance and stand there looking outside.
- Use a compass or any other calibrated application that measures the direction.
- Compare the direction on your device with the indicator of north direction on the floor plan.
- Check the direction of the entrance to the individual flat, not the gate of the society.
East-facing homes are associated with new beginnings, while north-facing properties symbolize prosperity. However, it does not mean that the south- and west-facing homes have to be rejected immediately, as they also have their own layout and entrance placement.
2. Examine the Main Entrance
One of the most important areas in Vastu Shastra is the entrance, as it is considered the entrance for energy into the house. To check the Vastu during the inspection of the property, you should pay attention to the following:
- The direction of the entrance
- Door placement
- Entrance accessibility
- Surrounding structures
Make sure that the entrance is not blocked and there is enough lighting in it. North and east directions are usually preferable for the entrances according to Vastu. However, the entrance should also be practical, secure, and easily accessible. Make sure that this area is clean and not cluttered.
3. Review the Complete Floor Plan
Always look at the complete floor plan rather than judging the property only according to one Vastu principle. You should ask the owner or the builder of the property to provide you with the detailed floor plan, which will show you the entrance, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, balconies, utility rooms, and prayer rooms.
According to the Vastu Shastra, the home should be divided into directional zones. In case you are going to buy an under-construction flat, you should check the floor plan before booking because some changes will not be made after the construction.
4. Check the Kitchen Placement
The southeast direction is preferable for the kitchen according to Vastu, while the northwest direction is the second-best option.
While inspecting the kitchen, you should pay attention to the following:
- The direction and available workspace.
- The kitchen ventilation and presence of windows and chimney.
- The placement of the cooking platform and stove.
- Plumbing, gas connections, and utility arrangement.
The Vastu guidelines also say that you should face the east direction while cooking. However, it is better to pay attention to the ventilation, gas connections, and other practical considerations.
5. Bedroom Assessment
According to traditional Vastu, the master bedroom should usually be located in the southwest direction as it stands for stability and grounding. While comparing different options for purchasing or leasing, you need to pay attention to such criteria as the presence of sufficient space, privacy, ventilation, and good furniture arrangement.
Moreover, you may also think about the Traditional Vastu tips according to which the bed should be placed with the head in the direction of the south or east. It is up to you how to use them in arranging your bedroom. Nevertheless, do not reject the property just because the bedroom is placed in another direction.
6. Northeast Corner Assessment
The northeast corner, called the Ishan corner, enjoys a particular significance within the framework of the Vastu Shastra teachings. According to many recommendations, this corner is supposed to be quite spacious and neat.
Thus, try to pay attention to the presence of bulky furniture and buildings in this direction. There are also some traditions that suggest locating the prayer area in this zone, although the presence of the pooja room is not necessary if the corner can meet this purpose.
7. Assessment of Bathrooms and Toilets Location
The traditional Vastu prefers the northwest or west directions for placing bathrooms and toilets and does not advise using the northeast zone for this purpose. Take into account the exact location of these facilities on the floor plan.
Do not forget to check the presence of drainage, ventilation, plumbing, and waterproofing, and to look for damp spots, leaks, bad smells, and broken installations during the visit. Renters need to clarify who is going to repair all the problems, and future buyers should make sure that the plumbing installations are good before making the final decision about the property.
8. Assessment of Property Shape
According to the traditional Vastu rules, the square or rectangular shape of the property is usually preferred since it is considered to be regular and balanced. The irregular shape, extensions, and missing corners require more attention.
If you are assessing the plot or an independent house, you should pay attention to its boundaries and shape in general. If the property is an apartment, you need to focus on the shape of the flat itself.
It is good to identify any awkward corners, passages, and areas that will complicate the furniture placement. A good layout helps to use all available areas properly, even if the property is not perfect from the Vastu point of view.
9. Check the Presence of Natural Light, Ventilation, and Surroundings
Natural light and ventilation are important factors that need to be taken into account during the assessment of the Vastu of the property. It may seem perfect on paper, but actually it is not well-lit or ventilated.
Check the following factors:
- Sunlight
- Ventilation
- Surrounding buildings
- Balconies
- Noise levels
The Vastu-conscious buyers prefer the open and bright areas, especially from the north and east sides. Good ventilation, daylight, and privacy are also important factors for a comfortable life, no matter which direction the property faces.
10. Use a Vastu Checklist Before Making the Final Decision
The following checklist may help you in comparing several options before paying a booking fee or signing a lease contract.
- Confirm the direction of the property.
- Make sure of the entrance and door placement.
- Study the floor plan.
- Check the kitchen and master bedroom location.
- Evaluate the northeast zone and prayer space.
- Inspect bathrooms and toilets.
- Examine the property shape and layout.
- Check natural light, ventilation, and surroundings.
- Determine the presence of any expensive and complicated modifications.
Besides Vastu, it is important to make sure about the property ownership documents, building plan approval, RERA registration (where it is required), quality of the construction, carpet area, maintenance charges, and reputation of the builder/landlord. Moreover, take into account the cost of the property, its connectivity, safety, and correspondence to your way of life.
Conclusion
Knowing how to check Vastu for a house before buying or renting allows you to assess the entrance, room location, kitchen, bedrooms, northeast zone, bathrooms, property shape, and surroundings. Consider the whole layout of the property and not only its facing direction. Take into account your Vastu preferences, budget, safety, and everyday comfort as well.