For many families, building a new home is a dream and for those who follow Vastu Shastra every decision with respect to direction and design is believed to impact peace, prosperity and health. Functionality and aesthetics are the main concerns of modern architecture. One of the most common mistakes homeowners commit is ignoring basic Vastu principles while constructing, experts said. Here are some important Vastu mistakes you should avoid while constructing a new house:Plot direction and shape play a very important role in the flow of energy. Plots with sharp corners or irregular shape are inauspicious. Square and rectangular plots give stability and balance. South or west facing plots are avoided and north or east facing plots are said to bring good energy. Main entranceThe main entrance is the point of entry for energy into the house. Not designing the entrance in the right direction is one of the biggest vastu mistakes. The north, east and north-east entrances are considered auspicious. They also recommend keeping the space right in front of the main door free of clutter, pillars or any obstacles that might impede the flow of positive energy. Kitchen facingIn Vastu Shastra, the placement of the kitchen is very important as it is related to the fire element. Big mistake making kitchen in north east. Traditionally the best direction for kitchen is Southeast and the second best is Northwest. Ideally, gas stoves and cooking appliances should also face East while cooking. Poor room locationThe northeast is not suitable for the master bedroom, Vastu says. The southwest corner is considered the best seat for the head of the family as it is the symbol of stability and strength. For better harmony, the children’s rooms and guest bedrooms should be in the west or northwest direction. View to the north east cornerNortheast zone is known as one of the most sacred places in a home. If there is heavy construction, staircases, storage rooms or toilets in this corner, it is a big Vastu defect. The experts say to keep the area open, clean, and bright. Many home owners opt to set up a room for meditation or prayer in the northeast. Toilets in the wrong location According to Vastu Shastra, toilets should not be constructed in the north-east or centre of the house. Such placements are believed to bring negative energy and disturbances in the house. Generally, North-West and West directions are considered better for bathrooms and toilets. Staircase in the middle of the houseOne of the biggest Vastu mistakes is having a staircase in the Brahmasthan, the central zone of the house. It is believed that this is the energy core of the home and should be left open and free of clutter. Usually it is recommended to find the staircases in the south, west or southwest directions. No natural light and ventilationSometimes, design in modern compact homes takes precedence over ventilation and sunlight. Vastu, however, emphasizes the importance of natural light especially from the east. Dark and badly ventilated places are thought to generate stagnant energy and influence the general atmosphere of the house. Underground water tank in incorrect zoneWater elements are also important in Vastu. Generally underground water tanks are preferred in north-east direction and overhead tanks are preferred in south-west direction. If you put heavy water structures in the wrong place, then the balance of elements in the house will be disturbed. Inopportune time to start constructionMany families consult astrologers and vastu experts before beginning construction. In vastu practices, the bhoomi puja and selecting an auspicious day for the foundation laying are important traditions. The experts say that if you build a house at the auspicious timings it will bring peace and prosperity to the house. Vastu and modern living private limitedToday the architects and Vastu experts stress on balancing the traditional beliefs with practical design needs. Not all houses may be able to adhere to Vastu strictly based on the space available, but the basic principles are found to be advantageous by many homeowners who seek spiritual harmony along with modern comfort. Good planning in construction can save you a lot of money on costly structural alterations later on and can ultimately result in a peaceful, functional and positive home.
