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.

Two Storey House Construction Contract

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PROJECT TITLE: Proposed Two (2) Storey Residential with three (3) bedrooms

LOCATION: Lot 19 Blk 03 San Jose Village, Oriental Mindoro

OWNER: Mr. and Mrs. Erwin B. Macabenta

GENERAL CONDITIONS OF THE CONTRACT

This agreement is made and enters into this June 7, 2001 by and between Jc Mer Navarro, ABC Home Builders Consultant, and Mr. and Mrs. Erwin B. Macabenta . The BUILDER will be the ABC Home Builders with office address at Mer Building, Sta Cruz, Oriental Mindoro.

This Agreement is subject to the following terms and conditions:

1. Project

The Project is a Two Storey Residential with fence to be finished at Lot 19 Blk 03 San Jose Village, Oriental Mindoro with a lot purchase from the BUILDER and construction cost of Three million three hundred ten thousand pesos only (Php 3,310,000.00) to be paid by the OWNER (Mr. and Mrs. Erwin B. Macabenta)

2. Scope of Work

The BUILDER shall exclusively undertake, pursue and manage the completion of the project and shall likewise provide all the necessary materials, labor, tools and equipment necessary for the construction of the said project, and shall perform all such works in accordance with the approved plans and specifications, inclusive of, but not necessarily limited to the items set before this, see Succeeding pages.

The BUILDER shall not carry out extra or varied works without the permission and approval of the OWNER and/or his authorized representative. In the same manner any additional construction, revision i.e., not covered by the construction plans and scope of work specified, shall be subject to separate billings by the BUILDER.

All additional constructions and amendments to or changes in the plans and specifications from the date hereof and the corresponding costs thereof shall be subjected of a written agreement between the parties; and the amendments or changes shall have the effect of reducing or increasing the contract price hereinbefore stipulated, the same shall be correspondingly adjusted.

3. Contract Period / Time of Completion

The work to be performed under this agreement shall commence from and after the receipt by the BUILDER of all approved construction permits and licenses required for the project, and down payment by the OWNER.
The work shall be completed by the BUILDER within ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY (180) working days. Provided, however, that any delay of reason of force majeure of fortuitous event, or by reason of additional constructions or amendments to or changes in the construction shall be excluded.

4. Contract Sum

The OWNER shall pay to the BUILDER for the performance of this agreement the sum of THREE MILLION THREE HUNDRED TEN THOUSAND PESOS only (Php 3, 310,000.00) construction cost and lot cost.
Reservation fee of Php ___________ will be deducted on the total project cost.

Upon signing of this agreement, from and after the receipt, and or the advice of the BUILDER, the OWNER agrees to pay a down payment of Php __________.The said down payment will be deducted on total project cost.

The down payment will be used as mobility fund and to cover materials and labor expenses for the project. The remaining balance of Php _______ will be paid by Pag-ibig fund housing loan.

The remaining balance will be paid in progress billing or monthly stipulated as follows:

Reservation Fee – (Php _____________)
Down Payment upon Signing of Contract (Php ___________ )
First Billing (Pag-ibig loan) – Php __________
Second Billing (Pag-ibig loan) – Php __________
Third Billing (Pag-ibig loan) – Php __________
Four Billing (Pag-ibig loan) – Php __________

If the Pag –ibig loan is not on time for their release of loan ,the contractor has the right to stop the construction 20 days prior to the expected release of loan set by Pag-ibig. Or the owner may provide payment to continue the house construction.

5. Pag-ibig Loan Application

Processing fee, appraisal fees, notary fees, registry of deeds payment, BIR payment and other fees related to Pag ibig loan application shall be shouldered by the OWNER/BORROWER (Mr. and Mrs. Erwin B. Macabenta).

6. Guarantee

The OWNER and the BUILDER agree on the application of the following conditions for the faithful performance of the Contract/Agreement.
The BUILDER hereby guarantees that the project shall be constructed strictly in accordance with the scope of works and condition of this contract .

7. Warranty

Warranty: One (1) year from the date of final acceptance of the project. The contractor shall replace defective job at his own expenses during the entire period.On the other hand ordinary wear and tear intentional or accidental breakage is excluded in the warranty.

8. Changes

There are alterations, additions, or omissions of work or materials specified or shown in the drawings during the progress of construction.

a. All changes on the approved plans shall be approved by LJI Home Builder’s Architect and the owner.

b. If such changes are made the corresponding value or amount must be agreed upon in writing or mutual between the OWNER and the BUILDER. The OWNER will be in charge of all the cost of labor and materials.

9. Termination of Contract
Work under this contract may be discharge by performance if both parties are not able to comply with their respective obligations

Conforme:

Mr. and Mrs. Erwin B. Macabenta, Owner

Engr. Jc Mer Navarro
Owner, Builder / Consultant of ABC Home Builders

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.

Things Need to Know for Building a House

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The first thing you need to know is to find a piece of land that will be the place for building your dream house. This lot should be suited to your need and fit to your standard of living. Check if the place is safe and free from flood.
There are many things you need to know before house construction starts including the house plan, contractor, building permits, suppliers, and funding availability.

The following are some things to consider in building a house:

• Contractor or House Builders

Choose a contractor or house builders that have a nice background. It is advantageous that you choose a builder that has license to operate the business. Check their previous work to check the quality and also interview some of their previous clients.

• Building Permit

Secure the building permit needed on your municipality before building a house to avoid penalty and other charges. Local laws have rules and regulation for building a house. They will check whether your house plan is follow according to their rules such as building codes and restrictions.

• Building Cost

Know the estimated cost of your dream house. Get help to your contractor for reality check of the cost of your dream house. After you know the cost of your house, you might consider eliminating some features to suit to your budget. Remember to add 25% to the total project cost to cover unforeseen construction expenses such as increases in material cost, additional payment for the change of design or features of the house.

• Budget

If you have enough funds to sustain the construction of your dream house, there is no problem about it just making sure that you have contractor’s agreement or contractor’s contract for payment agreement. If additional funds are needed, you need to secure a house construction loan. Apply for the funding institution that offers low interest rate and will approve your house loan application.

How to Build Quality Houses

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Most contractors nowadays are only after their profits so they focus on quantity rather than quality. They build low cost housing and sell it on high prices.
For the buyer or owner of the house, it is necessary to inspect he house before buying it. It is important to know the structure of the house not focus on finishing touch. If you choose a contractor, make sure that the contractor has good reputation and see previous work or project.

Here are some tips on how to build quality houses:

 

  1. Make sure that the house has ground beam. A ground beam is the reinforced concrete for supporting walls, joists, etc. The function of the beam is to resists loads and applied loads. It is also protection against earthquakes because it is use to supports columns of the house.
  2. Use only quality materials such as standard steel. The construction should follow the house specification on the house plan that is duly signed by architect and engineers.
  3. Granite and tiles should be properly installed. Squeaky floors mean improperly mount or fit.
  4. Electrical wiring should be properly installed by well-trained electrician with good reputation. Use quality materials such as branded materials to avoid repair work in the future.
  5. Plumbing system should properly fit. Use quality pipes, drain pipes, vent pipes because plumbing system is complicated and one of the costliest system to repair and install in the house.
  6. Doors and windows should properly fit. Well-fitting doors and windows are signs of quality construction.
  7. Use hardiflex and metal furring for ceiling.
  8. Pay attention also to the roofing of the house such as the thickness should be 0.5 to 0.6 mm branded colored roof for protection from heat and rain.

House Construction Loan Process

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For those who own a lot, building their dream house is possible through loan financing. The advantages of building your own house is customized the design and features you want and lower the repair cost since you will be using quality materials.

Make sure also to have start up money before proceeding to house construction loan. You will need to pay for building permit, house plan, down payment for the house construction, loan processing fees, etc.

Here are the steps or process of obtaining house construction loan:

  1. Prepare necessary document to be submitted to your lender. These documents include lot tile to be used as collateral and proof of income such as payslip, annual tax, etc.
  2. Meet your lender either bank, in-house financing, or Pag-ibig to get pre-approved in order the amount you can afford.
  3. Decide what kind or type of house you want.
  4. Choose a contractor or house builder and get quote. Hire a builder with a strong reputation.
  5. Submit required documents on your lender in order to process your loan and wait for approval. Your lot will be your collateral to your house construction loan. Other documents are house plans and specifications, contractor’s agreement, vicinity map, total house estimates, etc.
  6. Your lender will visit the site in order to evaluate the construction of house such as the percentage of work. The initial payment of is depends on the work completed.
  7. The lender will usually pay after each interval of work is completed. It usually four installment payments.