spyder880:

@ Nexthome, the hardest part about building, from the owners side is funding, while on the builders part is logistics.

NextHome:

I think the hardest part is teaching the people how to plan their home. Too many ideas/revisions may drag out a project.

This is not far-fetched from most typical Nigeria projects. A good rule of thumb is to do all revisions on paper.

spyder880:

@ Nexthome, the hardest part about building, from the owners side is funding, while on the builders part is logistics.

NextHome:

BUILD ROUTES

The build route you choose will affect the cost of your building project.

Here are the different build routes:

Build Route 1:DIY

You can reduce the cost of your building project by 30 - 40% choosing to build by yourself. Research has it that 40% of build cost is spent on labour. If you can substitute labour costs with DIY and employing help with the rest of the building work - you'll save cost.

Best Route if you are planning a small project without a deadline. Not a good option if you are building more than a floor.
______________

Build Route 2: Direct Labour
In this route, you can build using artisans hired directly and giving them daily payment.

Best Route if you are building a house with little funds and if you do not have the time to directly administer and supervise the project (as required in Build Route 1 above).
In this route, you'll need to employ a site supervisor.

______________

Build Route 3: Contractor

This build route involves using a main contractor to build the main structure to roofing stage, with the remaining work being undertaken by subcontractors. The quote you'll receive on this type of build route will be higher as more responsibilities will rest on the shoulder of the contractor.

Best Route if you have no idea of how to kickstart or manage a construction project. The only advice here is 'Be Involved'

_______________

Build Route 4: Build Company
This route involves building using a build company which takes care of everything from planning to landscaping of the finished house, with little or no involvement from the home owner.

Best route if you are planning a big project.

NextHome:

^^^Interesting! Generally, most people think building a house is an effortless job. That you just have to buy bricks, pour concrete the way you want and level it; this is the biggest misconception people have (especially people in the online community). There are numerous preparations to be made before anyone set a stone, because of which it is a wise decision to hire skilled laborers and professionals who have the expertise in constructing houses.  Cost cutting is no reason to do such a hectic job yourself, you might wind up with a disastrous result.

DIYers Beware!

NextHome:

Oga Fhemmmy, are we still on course?

spyder880:

Well said Aventures and Nexthome, DIY= penny wise pound foolish as they say, only trained and experienced professionals can build good houses, and lets not decieve ourselves that we can cut corners, its just not possible.

spyder880:

^^^ Oga mi,he-goat dey sweat o, only that the fur wey cover im bodi dont allow people see say im dey suffer!