Category: House Construction

House Construction Process

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Construction new home is one of the biggest investments one can ever made because it entails a big amount of money as well as effort and time. One should know or at least familiarize himself on the house construction process so that the owner will understand if the house is properly constructed.

Building your dream is always exciting most especially when you understand the construction process. Here are some basic house construction process:

1. Preparing for the site
It include the clearing the area such as removing trees and other obstacles and cleaning the area. Also, making barracks for the construction workers as well the storage of materials such as cement and the like.

2. Excavation and layout
Once the clearing of the area is done, excavation and lay outing will be the next step. The excavation and layout process will begin by positioning a surveying instrument directly over the work points that was located seen in the house plan.

3. Foundation
Foundation process includes creating footings, slab, sub slab, foundation drainage system, foundation walls, anchor bolts and beam rockets, water proofing, slab and backfill soil. It involves the pouring of cement.

4. Framing
Framing is the process of fitting together a pieces to give structure a support and shape.

5. Roofing
Roofing activities includes making trusses and installation of roof on the house

6. Door and window installation
The door and windows will be installed to your house. The door can be made of wood while the windows can be sliding windows or jalousie windows depending on the house plan.

7. Electrical
Electrical process includes temporary electric and underground conduit, the rough in, more temporary needs, modification and warranty.

8. Plumbing
Plumbing is the installation of pipes, tanks, fittings, and other materials that will be used for water supply, heating and sanitation. It also includes the installation of kitchen and bathroom faucet, showers, toilets, jetmatic and the like.

9. Plastering
Plastering is used as coating for external and internal surface of the wall. Cement plaster is usually applied to the wall.

10. Ceiling
A ceiling is the overhead interior surface that covers the upper space. Ceiling can be metal furring or flywood.

11. Septic Tank
A septic tank is a component of septic system. A septic system is a self-contained underground in which sewage is collected and allowed to decompose through bacterial activity before draining be means of leaching field.

12. Flooring
Flooring is the installation of tiles or granite on the floor.

13. Cabinet
Setting up kitchen cabinet and built in cabinet.

14. Painting
Painting is the process of applying paint on walls, ceiling, and other parts of the house.

How to Contract your Own Home

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Are you dreaming to have your own home but don’t want to have a contractor and as far as you know you are capable of doing the job of the contractor. So here are some steps to contract your own house?

1.    Do a Financial Plan

Ideally, you have to do a budget before thinking of having your own house. You should follow the allotted budget for the lot purchase to balance between land cost and construction cost and to make sure that you are develop within your means.

2.    Finding a lot for your home

Of course, before planning to construct your dream home, you should have lot or a piece of land where you can build your home. You should choose a lot that is suited to your budget. Investigate first before buying a lot to know if the area is safe to live and has amenities as well if the place is accessible to your work, school, church, market, etc.

3.    Prepare for house plan

Decide whether you construct a bungalow or two-storey house.  You can get the help of a draftsman or an architect in order to do a house plan which shows how the house will be built as well as the plans and specification of materials. House plan will determine what the home will look like and how big it is as well as the materials to be used.  It includes the foundation plan, floor plan, site plan, elevation, and other construction details.

4.    Do estimates

One should prepare an estimate for house construction in order to know how much money needed for your house construction.  Cost estimates include the materials to be used in your house construction and the labor cost such as subcontractor cost. You can be dealing with different subcontractors in order to choose the best price with quality works. Also, you can go to different supplier (hardware) for the estimates of materials.  Also, includes the cost of required documents for your house construction.

5.    Make house construction schedule

It consists of detailed schedule showing the sequence of construction procedures.  It only shows how activities overlap for instance two or more activities going on at the same time. Also, it includes the duration of each activity.

6.    Prepare for financial budget

Prepare your financial budget for your house to avoid delays of your house construction.  If you decide to lend some money from bank or other lending institution, make sure that you have stable job so that you can pay your loan on time.

7.    Secure building and construction permits

Make sure that you have all the necessary permits and documents before proceeding to house construction.

8.    House construction process

As contractor of your house, you will be in-charge of all the duties and responsibilities including hiring a person who will construction your house such as mason, labors, foreman, etc., dealing with subcontractors, computing payrolls, paying for the bills, purchasing of materials, etc. It is also a good idea to hire someone knowledgeable about house construction processes; it could be an engineer or architect to check for quality of works.

9.    Supervise and monitor house construction

It is important that you monitor the works of your people to avoid modification of work.

10.    Move in

After house construction, you and your family can now move in to your dream home.

Free Bungalow Estimates

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Last 2010, me and my husband decided to build our home, bungalow type since we have a 150 sq. meter land. Let me share the bill of materials estimate of our Architect and contractor of our home way back 2010.

Every year, the cost of materials increase as well as labor so better decide and plan on how to be able to save for your dream house. If you decide to have mortgage loan, go ahead, just make sure that you are ready emotionally and financially. Building your own house is stressful so one must be prepared to handle the possible problems during house construction. Make sure that you have estimates for your dream house so that you can foresee the possible cost and be prepared for it.

Let me share our bill of materials for our bungalow house way back 2010. Expects that it is pretty high today compared to the below estimates. Our bungalow is 65 sq meter floor plan with 3 bedrooms, 1 cr/bathroom, living room, dining room and kitchen.

Bill of Materials and Estimates

I. Concrete and Masonry Works – Php 398, 502.50

II. Carpentry – 38,778.00

III . Steel Trusses – 45, 485.00

IV. Roofing Materials – 61,772.50

V. Doors – 20,792.00

VI. Windows – 45,300.00

VII. Plumbing Rough In – 15,340.00

VIII. Tile Works – 57,345.00

IX. Electrical Works – 16,720.00

X. Painting Works – 53,750.00

XI. Embankment / Earthfill – 45,000.00

Total – Php 798,782.00

SUMMARY

A. Material Cost – Php 798,782.00
B. Labor Cost – 399,391.00

Total Probable Project Cost – Php 1,198,173.00

House Construction Requirements

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In today’s busy world, many people chose to buy a ready house to avoid the tedious work of submitting documents as requirements for house construction. Some are get a developer or contractor that will take care of all the requirements including documents and the people who will construct the house. Preparing documents for the construction is stressful for someone who is busy for their work and family but if you know how to acquire those documents, you can save more money that can be added to your house construction budget to avoid overcharged of your contractor or home builders.

Here are some of the requirements to be submitted in your municipality in order to build your house

  1. Xerox copy Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT)
  2. Xerox copy tax declaration
  3. Xerox copy of current Real Property Tax Receipt
  4. In case the applicant is not the registered owner of the lot
  5. Three copies of duly notarized accomplished application form of locational clearance
  6. 2 sets of Building Plans 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. Bills of Materials including estimated cost and specifications.
  8. Xerox of Barangay Construction Clearance
  9. 1 pc brown envelope long
  10. Other requirements that may be necessary upon evaluation of the submitted documents

Steps for House Construction

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Everyone wants to have their own home but the real problem is they do not know how to start aside from financial matters. Of course, before planning to own a home, one must have an area or a piece of land where the home will be built. Also, one should finalized budget and know what designs or type of house they want. Some are planning to avail loan either from bank, lending institution or Pag-ibig.

Home is the biggest investment that anyone will ever make so it is important to do the right thing. Here are some helpful steps to start on:

  1. Hire an architect or draftsman that will make a house plan for your home. House plan contains house perspective, construction or working drawings that define all the construction specification of your house including dimensions, materials, layout, installation method and techniques.
  2. Secure building permit for your home. Building permit is issued by your municipal office and it is a requirement before proceeding to the construction. It is a formal approval by the government as meeting the prescribed codes and approval of drawings and specification.
  3. Choose a contractor that is trustworthy or, hire skilled persons who will be able to build your house. These skilled persons include mason, carpenter, welder, painter, etc. You may also hire someone who will supervise and look for your house while constructing so that you may know the development of the construction. This someone should have knowledge the proper way of constructing the house and knows how to follow the specifications and materials in the house plan. This can be an engineer or architect.
  4. Make sure that all information needed for the construction is written in the contractor’s agreement before signing it. You can hire consultant to see if the contents of contractor’s agreement are correct and complete.
  5. Do not rely on your contractor everything. You have to check the construction of your home regularly to see if the contractor follows the materials and drawing specification on your house plan and contractor’s agreement.

Home Construction Checklist

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Are you planning to construct your house? Is so, it is very important to determine some things needed for house construction and be ready for it. Remember, have a house construction is much more complicated than buying a house.

Here are some construction checklists:

•    Is there a lot or area to construct a house?

Of course before thinking of having own house, you should have available area or lot.  Make sure to choose the right location for your house so that you will not regret in the future. Remember house is a big investment.

•    How much is your budget for your house?

It is very important to have budget or enough money for your house construction.  Are you planning to finance your house on your own or get a loan from bank.

•    What type of house is suited to your budget?

Decide what type of house do you want; it can be bungalow or two-storey house.  Also, decide the size of your house and decide for your desired floor plans.

•    How much money is needed to construct a house?

Consider the cost of your desired house and if this cost is suited for your budget.

•    Who will create your house plan and house perspective?

Look for a draftsman or architect who will create and design for your house.

•    What are the other expenses aside from house construction?

Constructing a house is very complicated since you should have funds for non-budgeted expenses including cost of the permits such as building permit, electrical permit and so on.  You should also a budget for cost overruns, missed deadlines, and house construction modification.

•    Who is your house builder or contractor for your house?

Hire a builder or contractor who is trusted. You can review all the qualification and look for their project to know if they delivered a quality house.

•    What are the things to look before signing a contractor’s agreement?

Before signing a contract, you should check all the details properly. These details include the scope of works, materials specification, time frame, terms of payment, and warranty

•    Who will inspect your house during construction

Do not rely everything to your contractor once you construction is starting.  It is important to check if the contractor follows what is written in the contractor’s agreement. You can hire someone to supervise and check the construction so that someone may report to you the development of your house. This someone must be an engineer or architect so that he may know the right material for your house and the way it construct.

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Types of House in the Philippines

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House is one of the most important asset that a person can have most especially if you have a family. Having own house or home can be a greatest accomplishment since it is a big investment which involve large amount of money and patients.

A house is a shelter that protect us from sun, rain and other elements. It is a place where we are allow to rest, relax and unwind as well it provides as comfort and safety. Also, it is a place that brings family, friends, and loved ones together.

The following are the type of house available here in the Philippines:

1.    Bungalow

It is a single-storey house in which living room, kitchen, dining area, bedrooms, comfort room, bathroom are all on the same room.  Bungalow house is suitable for those who have difficulty to take stairs.  Also, construction of bungalow house is simpler and requires less cost than multiple storey houses.

2.    Two-Storey house or Multiple Storey house

A multiple storey house is an structure that have 2 or more floors. Areas such as living room, dining area, bar counters, kitchen, powder room may located at the ground floor while bedrooms, bathroom, family hall and other private can be on the second floor or other floor of the house.  This multiple storey house is recommended for families with five or more members. Also, the best option for those who want larger space.

3.    Condo Unit

A condo unit is usually located within a mid-rise or high-rise residential building in the cities where more people live but it is more expensive compare to other type of house. It is single housing unit in a multi-unit building. The owner holds sole title to the unit but owns land and common property such as elevators, halls, roofs, and stairs jointly with other unit owners and they shares the upkeep expenses on the common property/

4.    Town Houses

A town house sometimes called apartment. It is constructed as two or more storey unit with a common wall or walls bordering the adjacent unit. Also, it shares a common roof, parking area and other outdoor spaces with other townhouses.

Common Causes of House Construction Delays

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Construction delays is means the late completion of work based on the planned schedule or contract schedule. It can be minimized only when you are aware of the causes of delays and be prepare for it and prepare of possible solution.

Here are common causes of house construction:

•    Bad weather

Severe rain can affect house construction and it is unavoidable situation so better to start your house during summer or hot day season.

•    No sufficient manpower

If there is insufficient labor to do the job, delay is expected so if you have contractor, be sure that he has sufficient people and if you do your house construction make sure that your labor are enough.

•    Labor disagreement

Disagreement sometimes is also unavoidable most especially if some labor is hard headed and do not want to follow instruction. Just make sure that you are still available person to do the job in case of labor dispute and disagreement

•    Lack of materials

Always check and monitor the materials to be used in the construction and purchase materials in a timely manner.

•    Delivery delays

Make sure that your supplier will be able to deliver the materials on time.

•    Poor communication

Make sure to communicate properly what you want in your house. It is suggested to put in writing everything so that your labor or manpower will have checklist of their work.

•    House modification

If there is something you want to change in the design of your house. Sometime minor modification can have large impact to the construction.

How to Hire Right Contractor

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Hiring a contractor can be tricky. But of course, it is best to analyze and take a look how to have a right contractor for your dream house.  It is really important that your contractor has good reputable.

Here are some tips on hiring the best contractor suited to your needs.

  1. Make sure that your contractor has license.  The contractor should have license in order to do the work properly.
  2. Ask the contractor when to start your project.  Some contractor may not be able to start a new project immediately most especially if the contractor have a lot of work to do. Make sure that the contractor have enough people to do the work.
  3. The contractor should willing to put his commitments on writing to prevent problem just because something was not written down.
  4. Know who will be taking care of necessary permits for the project.
  5. Ask you contractor if they are responsible of cleaning the site at the end of the day.
  6. The contractor should be able to communicate with you regularly to update what’s going to happen.
  7. Know the easy way to keep in touch with your contractor and their team to easily take care the issues that may arise.
  8. See the past projects of the contractor to give you an idea on what to expect. It is a good idea to contact contractor’s past client to ask for their feedback.
  9. Ask for the quote or estimated cost of the job so that you may know if the project cost is within budget or not.
  10. Verify what is included in the contract such as the design as well as the scope of work.
  11. Know the terms of payment with the deposit up until the final payment.
  12. Confirm the extent of the warranty of work. This should be warranty to ensure quality of work. The contractor can provide a long warranty if he confident in the materials and processes used in the project.
  13. The contractor should provide a breakdown of work with corresponding number of day completion and date of completion.
  14. Know what will be the consequences if there will be a modification in the scope of work. If there is additional charges. It is important to know the details before moving on the project.
  15. Know also the suppliers of the contractor if they are able to supply quality materials.

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How to Avoid Constructor Fraud

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In this modern society, it is hard to trust someone since scammers are everywhere.  Building a house is requires big amount of money so better to know who can entrust your money.  Contractor’s fraud is an illegal acts committed by a single contractors or firms. These acts includes using substandard repairs or offering services that scam the other party. For homeowner, the contractor’s fraud is very costly because fraudulent acts can lead to more bills or cause damage to property.

Here are some tips to avoid contractor fraud:

  1. Ask for contractor’s license. Make sure that the contractors has license to perform the job.
  2. Make sure that your contractor will be in charge of securing permits such as building permits, electrical permits, and among others to prevent problems in the future.
  3. Watch out for contractors that requiring upfront payments.  It is not all unusual for a contractor to request some up front payment before beginning a job.  The up front payment should only be a very small percentage of the total cost, ten percent (10%) at the very most.  If a contractor request for a larger percentage before the job starts, it might be a sign of contractor’s fraud.
  4. Review final contract.  Make sure that verbal agreement also includes in the contract. Some contractors do not include verbal agreement and at the end, they will required you for the extra fees.
  5. Make sure that your contractor has a good reputation. You can get referral from your friends, family, suppliers, and colleagues. Take time to visit their previous work and talk to their former clients.