Our Struggle.....our Result....

[RBM]

A thanks to all readers and posters for advice and support throughout our build. Now enclose a few pics for anyone interested.

We started with an engineer highly recommended by the land vendor and an ex pat whom he had built a house for. We since found out one and possibly two received commission. To close our deal he offered P12k per sq meter which is just not possible.

Unfortunately having zero experience in construction it took some time to wake up we were being ripped. About halfway through the build due to cost over runs and suspected cheating, sky high stress I stopped all work flat. Went abroad for a couple months to recover. My partner also took a break.

Upon return we had lengthy discussions with engineer and away we went. Within a month we terminated him and interestingly the workers stayed on saying they could finish. Fortunately we had an excellent foreman.

What shocked me mostly was the high level corruption in multi national companies, mid and senior management wanting cash for large discounts. Even the two brothers whom own the joinery shop were at it. One brother visited privately saying I will do job myself no need go through the shop. imagine cheating his own brother...Sad but seems zero scruples.

Our electrician was amazing, excellent work, the plumber not so, most of the guys worked good within their capabilities. Interestingly both plumber and electrician work for city hall, still did out work on city hall time...No sunrises I guess.

We have not used any timber other than doors and joinery which is laminated, will get eaten but expect 10 years first. Looked at plastic how ever must be made in China and shipped over. Could be alternatives unknown to us.

House around 190 sq, and still adding up costing which expect around 17--18k per sq. went for the 3 meter ceiling heavy duty Excel roof and plastic guttering.

Learnt a lot and made heaps of mistakes which happy to share, think I rambled on enough now so try figure out how to upload these pics.

[i am bob]

Nice!

[RBM]

Nice!

Thanks Bob, unfortunately the front pic did not come out so well, it's second to last, for some reason it uploaded two of the back...Guess I screwed up here.

Was it worth it, for the other half yes.....for me if I was honest no, just to much of an ordeal.

[Thomas]

Nice!

We have not used any timber other than doors and joinery which is laminated, will get eaten but expect 10 years first. Looked at plastic how ever must be made in China and shipped over. Could be alternatives unknown to us.

Aluminium is an alternative. I like the LOOK of wood best, but aluminium don't change shape as wood do by the moist so it's much less risk aluminimum framed get stucked.

[Guy F.]

Very nice. Our builder favors PVC window frames.

[bows00]

Where in the Philippines did you build your house? What is your address? When's the party?

[chris49]

We started with an engineer highly recommended by the land vendor and an ex pat whom he had built a house for. We since found out one and possibly two received commission. To close our deal he offered P12k per sq meter which is just not possible.

 

Too bad most of the learning was ex post facto.

 

The whole "recommended by" is one giant set up. Per your previous post there was a lot to be learned on this project.

 

RBM? No trees in the area? That house is going to be heavily susceptable to the heat? How about solar energy, probably 200k to put in a system?

 

It looks like the roof (steel frame?) will be good long term. There is supposed to be a 1-2 year warranty by agreement on that. If it starts leaking they should be the ones to repair it?

[RBM]

We started with an engineer highly recommended by the land vendor and an ex pat whom he had built a house for. We since found out one and possibly two received commission. To close our deal he offered P12k per sq meter which is just not possible.

 

Too bad most of the learning was ex post facto.

 

The whole "recommended by" is one giant set up. Per your previous post there was a lot to be learned on this project.

 

RBM? No trees in the area? That house is going to be heavily susceptable to the heat? How about solar energy, probably 200k to put in a system?

 

It looks like the roof (steel frame?) will be good long term. There is supposed to be a 1-2 year warranty by agreement on that. If it starts leaking they should be the ones to repair it?

Yes distinct lact of trees, we have been flat out planting. We factored this in when buying, last couple places we rented we experienced considerable problems with locals burning, trying enjoy coffee and chocking. This was a strong factor.

Our area is elevated and heat is definitely no problem, quite the opposite. Temp gauge in car port never been over 29 and at night need sheet no fan. Now at 7.30am it's 27.

Chris our office fitted medium Excel roof which they said lasts around 7 years as on the beach. That was 13 years ago and no leaks, they have replaced the gutters many times, hence went plastic.

Yes a huge expensive learning factor, also mentally. Could never do it again, the cheating and lieing was to much.

[RBM]

Very nice. Our builder favors PVC window frames.

Whish I knew about this sounds the perfect answer......alas to late.Our biggest window stress is the swing doors, so far unable to find a successful stopper to hold open. Last week bought two door closers from citi hardware at p1700 each which they said will do it. Now need get el fatso to fit..

[RBM]

Our best, perhaps only good purchase was the solar water heater from citi hardware, I still kinda figure there must be a heater in it. Even after a week of rain water is warm, amazing and I recommend to anyone. We lashed out and bought the top of the line Ravoni shower with all the trimmings, this with the solar water was difinitely no mistake, love the early am showering.