Category: House Construction

Danger of using Substandard Building Materials

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It is very important to know if your contractor is using a quality materials for your home. Always remember that the house structure is very important than the finishing. Don’t ever reduce the cost if suffer the structure of your house like putting a tie beam in your house, reducing the steel and among others.

The more hands on during the construction process, there is less chance of major defects in the future due to substandard materials. The lot of involvement may save you from future headaches.

Here are some tips in order to ensure that your contractors is using quality materials:

• Before signing a contract, make sure that the contract outlines everything from project scope to payment agreements, to deadlines for the house construction.
• Be sure also to include the materials specification as well as the brands to be used in the construction
• Educate yourselves on what types of products or materials will be used in your home so that you will understand of what to expect in terms of quality
• Aside from asking the experts or professional, you may get a customer review on the brand or types of products to be used like for instance for your window or door, materials to be used in plumbing and electrical, etc.

The use of substandard building materials will not lead to the sustainability of any building most specially if the there is a natural disaster like earthquake. It may stand for a while but not last for future generations.

Substandard building materials will be responsible for high incident of building being collapsed. It also the cause of structure deformation within the short period of time including cracked walls, leaking roofs and susceptibility to flooding.

Car Wash Construction Specification

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Car Wash Construction Proposal

Project: PROPOSED CAR WASH WITH OFFICE AND BEDROOM
Location: LUCBAN, QUEZON CITY

SPECIFICATION

GENERAL CONDITIONS

A. MASONRY AND CONCRETE WORKS

  1. Class “A” concrete mixtures for footings, tie beams, columns, beams and slabs.
  2. Class “B” concrete mixtures for all wall plastering.
  3. Masonry walls- the size of CHB on exterior and interior walls are 5” respectively. All masonry walls shall be reinforced with 10mm deformed bars.

B. CARPENTRY WORKS AND WINDOWS
A. Walls

  1. All new walls high partition to be done double wall ½” gypsum board on 2”x 3” vertical and horizontal metal studs.
    B. Ceiling
    1. ½” thk gypsum board for ceiling on metal furring.
    C. Others
    1. ¾” thk plywood for closets and counters, granite tiles on countertop.

C. STEEL WORKS

  1. Steel truss shall be ¼” x 2” x 2” thk. angle bar (top chord and bottom chord) and 3/16” x 1 1/2” x 1 1/2” thk. angle bar (web members).
  2. Use 1.2mm x 2” x 3” c purlins.

D. ROOFING AND TINSMITHRY WORKS

  1. Roof sheeting – shall be 0.4mm thick long span roofing sheets with complete accessories.

E. HARDWARE

  1. Full Extension guide for counters.
  2. Loose hinges for doors.
  3. Lockset for doors in satin chrome finish.

F. FLOORING

  1. 600mm. X 600mm. Granite Floor Tiles on Bedrooms.
  2. 300mm. X 300mm. Ceramic unglazed Floor tiles at all Toilets.
  3. Installation of ceramic tiles with the same color of grouting.
  4. Floor finishes not indicated on plans shall be Plain Cement finish.

G. WALLING

  1. 300mm. x 300mm. Ceramic Wall tiles, glazed at Toilets.
  2. Semi-gloss latex paint at all exterior and interior walls.

H. CEILING

  1. Use 4.5mm thick ‘Hardiflex” ceiling board on metal furring frames at all Interiors.
  2. Use ‘Spandrel’ metal ceiling board at ceiling eaves.

I. WINDOWS

  1. Use Aluminum ‘Analok’ Windows with 6mm thick clear glass, provide Security Grilles as per design.

J. DOORS AND FENESTRATION

  1. Solid Wood Panel door at Bedroom Doors.
  2. PVC toilet door with louvers at Toilet.

K. PLUMBING
GENERAL CONDITIONS

All plumbing works shall be done in accordance with the existing and ordinance of the local municipality.

  1. Sewer lines- use PVC pipes (series 600).
  2. Water lines- use PVC pipes for all water lines.
  3. Plumbing fixtures- all plumbing fixtures indicated in the plans shall be of standard type.

L. ELECTRICAL WORKS

GENERAL CONDITIONS

All electrical works and installation shall be done in accordance with the existing rules and regulations of the local power company. Installations shall be done under the supervision of a license electrical engineer or master electrician.

  1. The work consists of furnishing of all labor and materials, tools and equipment’s and necessary services to complete the electrical work ready for operation as shown in the drawings and specified as follows:

a. Supply and installation of the main and sub-feeders from electrical panel boards up to service entrance.

b. Supply and installation of electrical panel boards, gutters, pull box and accessories box as required.

c. Supply of wiring devices, porcelain receptacles, outlets, switches, etc., complete with suitable cover plates as per specifications.

d. Supply and installation for all branch feeders circuits from panel boards up to all outlets, switches, controls or other loads; other wiring as shown in plan.

e. Installation of all Owners’ furnished materials such as lighting fixtures and electrical control.

f. Grounding system as per EE requirements

M. PAINTING
GENERAL CONDITIONS

All works shall be done by workers and materials to be used shall be Boysen or approved Equal.

  1. Walls shall be in semi gloss roller paint finish.
  2. Doors, counters shall be in semi duco white semi gloss finish.
  3. Ceiling shall be flat roller paint finish.

House Construction Proposal

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Sample House Proposal

Project Name:
Two Storey House

Project Description:
The project is for a Two Storey Layug House with the total floor area of 240 sqm floor area with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms to be built for Mr. Edwin Rodriguez. It will be built at Hi-way near Arellano High School, Balanga City, Bataan.

Work Scope:
This proposal is a comprehensive estimate for the full range of services required to complete this project from start to finish. All materials, labor, goods and services are included in this estimate.

Time Frame:
The project will be completed 7 to 8 months

Project Specification:
• 50 cm house elevation, with Tie beam , Backfill are not include(tambak)
• Rib type colored roof united pentagon 0.5mm thickness, Spandrel off white United pentagon
• Stainless gutter original 304 smoke
• Downspout Alasco series 600 pvc pipe orange
• Phelps dodge electrical wire , Panasonic for outlet, plate and switches wide series
• Pin light 3 way and cob light LED
• PPR for plumbing installation
• Hardiflex for ceiling and metal furring 0.5mm
• HCG brand for toilet bowl,lavatory, faucet and shower
• Sliding window, sliding door aluminum white
• Steel grills for windows and air con
• Mahogany solid door for main and exit and flush door for rooms
• Door knob raider/ henry brand
• Bedroom build in cabinet and kitchen cabinet
• Granite kitchen 60×60 double coating
• Granite flooring 60×60 double coating superwhite
• CR ceramic tiles 30×30 and 30×60
• Boysen paint
• Accent 30×60 tiles for Living Room and Dining only Note: Other interior design are not included


Total project cost————————————— Php 7,100,000 ( 240 sq. m house plus garage)

House Construction Budget

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It is important to have an idea how much money needs in order to finish your dream house. Developing a budget may know the allocation of funds for each stage of house construction.
First of all, determine the money needs in order to build your dream house. Like for instance, the budget is depends upon your dream house such as the type of house, size of house as well as the type of finishing.

Here are some factors affecting house construction budget aside from house construction expenses:

  • Expenses on requirements for house construction such as Building permit, electrical permit, etc.
  • Architects professional fee for house plan
  • Installation of water such as jetmatic and deepwell
  • Construction fee and Bond fee if the location is in subdivision
  • Fees for applying temporary electrical installation
  • Additional expenses if there are house modification during construction

The usual cost of house construction for bungalow is 18k to 30k per sqm for bungalow and 22k to 35k per sqm for two-storey houses depending on the design and finishing type of the house . It is important to ask your contractor what will be included in their cost so that you may know if there is an additional expenses aside from house construction. Like for instance, make sure to include kitchen and bedrooms cabinets, lights and fixtures, grills, screen doors, door knobs and locks, etc.

Before signing the contract, make sure to know the job included in your house construction as well the materials to be used in the finishing stage to properly budget your money for your dream house.

Quality House Construction Tips

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It is easy to build a house just by hiring a workers that will help constructing the house. The question is how you make sure that your house is a quality house. When we say quality, there will be no major repair in the future and it is safe to live.

Here are some steps to ensure that your house is a quality house.

• Site Clearing

Make sure that the site is cleared and get rid of the top soil, shrubs, trunks, debris and other unwanted materials to have a clear platform for the building foundation.

• Materials to be used

If you really want a quality house, do not compromise the materials to be used in the construction to prevent from constant repairs. Make sure to use branded materials and standard materials to avoid regret in the future.

If you have a contractor, make sure to specify a list of materials to be used in your dream house and monitor these materials during construction.

• Reinforcement

Ensure that the concrete is made stronger by the reinforcements including the size of the steel bars, mesh and specification to be supervised by the prospective structural engineer. These concrete is use to make foundation footings, columns, beams, slabs and other building forms.

• Foundation of the house

It should have the strong foundation because foundation is the key aspect that support and give the whole structure stability and durability.

• Curing

Curing process should be implemented during house construction to ensure that the house is durable. Curing is done to protect the cement from the loss of moisture and keep from the reasonable temperature. The purpose of curing is to increase strength and decrease permeability.

• Conduit works

The plumbing pipes and electrical fittings should be fixed into the walls before plastering than doing ti afterwards and plastering again to cover pipes and conduits.

House Building Checklist

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Building a house is complicated if it is not monitored properly. It is important to have communication always with your contractor or builder to ensure that the construction is going to plan based on construction table time. Make sure to have periodic visit during house construction to check if there is something wrong with the construction. This will prevent from modification. Modification means additional payment for the builder or contractor.

Here are checklist for house building:

House loan financing

  • Choose a bank or financing institution that offers low interest rate.
  • Construction pre-approval

Builder or Contractor Selection

  • Choose a contractor with high reputation
  • Visit to previous work or project of the builder
  • Check builder’s license
  • Previous client’s feedback

Permits

  • Secure necessary permits such as building permits, electrical permits, fire permits, etc.
  • Is permits are included to contracts

House Plan

  • Check the floor plan such as the area of each area of the house including the living room, kitchen, dining room, bedrooms, comfort room, bath room, dirty kitchen, terrace, etc.
  • Finalize the perspective of the house such as the color and design of the house.
  • Type of house such as bungalow or two-storey building

Contract Signing

  • Check the material and technical specification before signing the contract
  • Note the warranty of the house
  • Be sure to include terms of payment, construction time table
  • Know your right in terms of legal issues

Home Construction Tips

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Everyone wants to have their own home. Some choose to construct of their house instead of buying a newly built home. Here are some points to remember when you are planning to construct your home.

• Budget

Thinks of how much you can afford to construct your dream house. You may need a financial assistance from bank or financing institution through construction loan or mortgage loan. It is important established your budget to fit for your house construction as well as the cost of site location.

• Location

Of course, you need to choose a site for your house before planning for house design and floor plan or other details. Some factors to consider in terms of choosing a location includes soil condition, drainage, electrical and water supplies, zoning, accessibility of the place, subdivision rules if it is a subdivision, neighborhood, safety, etc.

• Designer and Contractor

Select a designer preferably a professional like architect to design your house. Choose an designer or contractor that has good reputation. Get reference from your friends and family or visit previous work and know their previous clients.

• Floor Plan and House Specification

It is very important to tell your designer or architecture the design and floor plan you want as well the house specification. Specifies the sizes of each part of the house such as bedrooms, kitchen, living room, dining room, etc.

• Contract of Agreement

Once you approved the house plan and designs, make sure to have a written agreement signed by you and your contractor/designer. It should include the house specification, house construction timetable, schedule of payment, Amend also in your contract, if you or your builder makes changes to the project later.

• Permits needed

You have to secure all permit needed for house construction before the start of house construction such as building permit.

House Construction Cost

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It is very important to know how much money do you need in order to build your dream house either it is a bungalow or a two storey residence. Knowing the cost of your budget will ensure that there are no delays in the project and can follow timetable for house construction.
Some people prefers to buy a newly built homes because there is no additional construction cost but other still favor of building a new home. The motivation of building a new home is owning a house of your own design and building exactly what the owner wants. However, the building a house is complicated because it takes too much effort and time from hiring a contractor, securing permits, purchase materials and some other unexpected expenses has to spend on.

Here in the Philippines, the cost of per sqm of house construction is approximately 15,000 pesos to 35,000 per sqm depending on the finishing type of the house. The cost of the house is depending on the final design of your house, types of finishing such as to standard to elegant type, lot location,

Aside from materials needed in your house construction, you need to secures documents such as architectural plan, barangay permit, building permit, and occupancy permit. It is important to use a budget to set aside a exact money for your dream house.

Finalized the design you want as well as the type of house so that you may know the specific budget for your house. Set an amount for permits as well as for the professional fees of your architect. If you hired a contractor, make sure that your contractor is duly licensed and has a commendable track record of building homes that are of quality and within the right specification based on Philippines Building Code.

Before signing a contract, make sure to read carefully the technical specifications and bills of materials as well as the floor plan is designed based on your criteria. All the details should be written in the contract. The cost of your house will be depends on the type of house and house specifications.

Lower House Construction Tips

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Summer is approaching here in the Philippines that is why more people are planning to build their own house. Some Filipinos have limited budget that is why they are thinking of the ways in order to lower the cost of house construction. Some of them get help from bank or other lending institution such as Pag-ibig Fund to finance the house construction. Below are some tips to lower house construction.

Building your dream house divided into categories in order to lower house construction.

Land Cost
Choose a location that suit to your budget but make sure that it accessible to your work, school, market, hospital, etc.. Location level plot should not be lower to road level because there will required more quantity of filling material and increase the cost of construction. Check also the development regulation if it is too costly.

Laisoning Costs
It includes government permits such as building permits, barangay construction permit, electrical permits, etc.

Design Cost
It includes the architectural design of your dream house. Make sure to know what exactly what you want so that revision is minimize and you can ask for discount to your architect or designer. Choose also a simple design that can make the construction not to be complicated and materials is not costly.

Material Cost
It contains the purchases of materials to be used during construction such as cement, steel, sand, bricks, blocks, tiles, and other finishing materials. Order materials in bulks so that you can get discounts from suppliers. Of course, you should go to branded materials in order to have quality house.

Labor Cost
It includes the manpower cost for building and construction of house. Hires a team of workers that is resourceful, trustworthy and dependable to ensure that your house will build properly. Make sure also that you supervise your house to prevent from delays and revisions. Revision means additional expenses to construction.

Locational Clearance Requirements

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When you are planning to build or construct a house, you need to apply for permits including building permit. Building permit is simply a compliance with the proper construction of a house of building following the requirements set by law or National Building Code.

Locational clearance is one of the requirements when applying for a building permit. It is a pre-requisite in the issuance of building permit to warrant the conformity with the city or local comprehensive land use plan and zoning ordinance.

  1. Xerox copy of TCT
  2. Xerox copy of tax declaration
  3. Xerox copy of Current Real Property Tax Receipt
  4. In case the applicant is not registered owner of the lot
  5. Three copies of duly notarized accomplished application form of locational clearance
  6. Two sets of building plan including site development plan and vicinity map signed and sealed by the Registered Civil Engineer or Architect in case of Architectural and Structural Plan. Sanitary Engineer in case of Sanitary Plan and Electrical Engineer in case of electrical plan.
  7. Bill of materials including estimated cost and specifications.
  8. Xerox Copy of Barangay Construction Clearance
  9. 1 pc brown envelope
  10. Other requirements that may be necessary upon evaluation of the submitted documents.