|
|
Post by Brabus on Dec 9, 2015 7:47:09 GMT
One of the most disconcerting (or simply annoying) aspects of home ownership surfaces when a part of your house you normally take for granted fails to function. This thread is created to share our construction experiences in the hope of helping first-time home owners or the busy ones in their builds. So for those who have had a home built, the engineers, builders, architects, real estate developers - this is the thread to provide all those lessons learned, things you would have done differently, things you're glad you did, etc.... By sharing our lessons-learned, we might spare someone else a bit of head scratching and perhaps enable other folks to avoid the mistakes we made.  |
|
|
|
Post by Brabus on Dec 9, 2015 7:48:22 GMT
ORDERING AND DELIVERY OF MATERIALS
I used to have the feeling that timely procurement of materials would aid completion date but now I know that a late delivery, and incomplete load, damaged materials can dramatically slow the building cycle costing not only time but money.
Lesson learned: have supplies delivered a day early to the site and to check the delivery for accuracy. For a small project, working with a smaller company would make more sense. They're still searching for clients and would likely want to impress.
Just-in-time deliveries of structural elements and interior building materials to match the progress of construction will reduce time used for moving or locating materials. Thus reducing the time needed to complete a project.
Time is Money!
|
|
|
|
Post by Brabus on Dec 9, 2015 7:50:18 GMT
CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
I've come to realize that the standard building materials and installation methods that the majority of the people from the USA, Canada and Europe are accustomed to is different from what we're used to in Africa, especially Nigeria.
If you're building in Nigeria for the first-time, you may not initially notice the lack of amenities that you can't do without. Always follow up with your contractors, architects, and builders to be sure you're on the same page.
Down here, there is much less attention paid to finish details by the local contractors and architects. The average Nigerian feels that many of the following amenities foreigners include in their homes are extravagant and unnecessary.
- Hot Water from all Faucets
- Vented Plumbing
- Drains with Traps and Clean Outs
- Sufficient Electrical Outlets
- Screens on Windows that Open
- Shower Sprays located above our Heads
- Garbage Disposals
- 8' Minimum Ceiling Height
- Countertops that are large enough
- Cabinets with sufficient storage
- Roofing that prevents rodent intrusion
- Drive-in Garage
In Nigeria, every man is a republic of his own.
|
|
|
|
Post by Brabus on Dec 9, 2015 7:51:22 GMT
DON'T OVERBUILD!
My advice would be to not overbuild. I have a boss whose house was way too big (a single family apartment with 38 rooms, 92 doors, 101 windows), there were rooms they literally do not go into for years, which was f*cking stupid.
There will be many many things that you think you are "supposed to have" as a successful professional that are really just a waste of money and space, try to fight that and use the money elsewhere.
Always value the location over the actual house.
|
|
|
|
Post by Brabus on Dec 9, 2015 7:53:34 GMT
Working with Builders
Research: Check for references and ongoing projects (to be sure he'll have the time for your project).
Avoid Guess-timates and get more than one quote. Be sure to identify exactly what the job will entail.
Draw up a Project Schedule: Draw up a contract which details the cost and timeframes. It is very important to do so at the initial stage.
Be Involved! Help your builder understand the look you are going for. Show them pictures and magazines of the kind of things you want. Be sure you fully understand what the builder is telling you to avoid nasty surprises. Talk to the site manager or supervisor and not the subcontractors to avoid confusion.
Monitor the Job:Keep tabs on how the job is going. Tell the builder as early as possible, if you feel your agreements are not being met.
|
|
|
|
Post by Brabus on Dec 9, 2015 8:50:05 GMT
Owner-Managed Project
If you don't have any experience with building, then count yourself as another Moses leading the Israelites to the promised land - your subcontractors, suppliers and masons will see you for what you are and take you to the cleaners.
It is very unrealistic to give building project management a shot the first time and expect to save any money. Just get involved in the project for the experience and nothing more.
But just like my friend who believes impossibility can be possible, I do believe that it's possible if you have the time and energy.
Just be ready for surprises!
|
|
|
|
Post by Brabus on Dec 9, 2015 8:51:09 GMT
RAINY SEASON OR DRY SEASON?
Houses can be built in any weather. The key to successful building in extreme weather conditions is getting the foundation installed and the house up out of the ground before the rainy season.
- Get an experienced team with experience to handle extreme conditions.
- When you mix concrete and fill structures in the rain and don't make efforts to cover it, it will definitely wash out and lose certain quality or strength.
- Protect the soil so that rain doesn't wash it off.
- Work under a shed, cover or tarpaulin during rainy season.
- Get meteorological information for the period of construction.
|
|
|
|
Post by Brabus on Dec 9, 2015 8:52:58 GMT
Protecting Your Land Investment
1. If you already have a land, endeavour to register it at the Land Registry
2. If you're purchasing a new land, go to the Land Registry and perform a title search first
3. Make sure you are working with a reputable attorney who knows Nigeria land acquisition laws
4. After purchase, fence your land or build a small room on it to warn off squatters
5. Build on it. Fence and small room are not enough.
|
|
|
|
Post by Brabus on Dec 9, 2015 8:54:35 GMT
'What's Your Budget?' Question
Most home owners that I've worked with in recent time simply gloss over this question when I ask them: “What’s your budget for this project?”
They want to keep that number secret, believing that the contractor will simply quote the job at the maximum budget.
Though, it’s an understandable concern, and very true that the quote of the contractor often comes in quite close to the home owner’s secret number but does it really. matter?.
Why you shouldn't be afraid to tell the contractor your budget?
1. If you reveal your number, the contractors will cut their numbers to their minimum, in order to compete for your bid.
2. Most home owners have some financial skills and have done some research about the cost of work or cost of building a similar house, so getting a build cost for a project is always handy. When contractors notice this, they always tailor their quote to your budget by picking particular finishes and designs, which you can always to suit your taste.
3. It would be hard for any contractor to manage clients expectations when there no budget. Many clients have Champagne taste on a La Casera budget
Giving your contractor a budget: The Approach
1. Give your contractor 70 - 80% of your maximum budget.
2. Ask the contractor for a detailed schedule of values so that you can see where the money is going.
3. Specify features and finishes that should be quality upfront.
It makes sense to start the discussion with your contractor in honesty, you’ll have a good chance of continuing the relationship the same way.
In anything you do, be smart and don't leave any stone unturned. Ask, probe, make enquiries, and be firm.
|
|
|
|
Post by Brabus on Dec 9, 2015 8:56:38 GMT
|
|
