johnson232:

We don't need all these to know how to select a good contractor. Just click on the moniker of any builder u find interesting & read through his works & comments, so u can get feedback from persons he has worked for....for me i think that will do...incompenent contractors can still penetrate the said platform u intend creating...

Okay .. this is the reason i ask .. I have been burnt by bad workers and most times they start out very good, they earn your trust and hence you give more projects and this is when they go rogue on you. and trust me, i have a lot of bad experiences; i can write a book on it.

I would wait for other peoples' comments.

johnson232:

We don't need all these to know how to select a good contractor. Just click on the moniker of any builder u find interesting & read through his works & comments, so u can get feedback from persons he has worked for....for me i think that will do...incompenent contractors can still penetrate the said platform u intend creating...

. Well said. But I have been following some threads and even looked upon the moniker of certain persons and I am of the view that all you see is not as they claim it to be. They all know themselves because they belong to a clique which they have formed and NL have given them such opportunity.

leumas2009:
Hi Guys,

I have dabbled in buildings (hostels and private apartments) myself in the past and i still need quality builders and other types of workmen from time to time. One thing i struggle with is how to get reputable people, people whose previous work can speak for them. Do you guys think if we had a platform where people can bid for projects, provide estimate, update their clients, show progress of work with pictures would help.

My background is in IT and i can easily build such a platform. I would gain by also having access to a pool of workers and also the app would be monetised in some way or form.

I know there are some popular people on nairaland, but information such as previous works can be difficult to track easily. Also feedback from clients would help so that we can all make an informed decision. I am committed to build this platform to completion if enough interests is shown.

Your building the said site creates a conflict of interest.


In my experience, I have seen reputable and well recommended contractors perform poorly because of the high level of trust that resulted in minimal checks and balance on them.

And I have seen an equal number of competent but dubious, heartless contractors perform remarkably due to adequate supervision and an open promise of more contracts

leumas2009:


Okay .. this is the reason i ask .. I have been burnt by bad workers and most times they start out very good, they earn your trust and hence you give more projects and this is when they go rogue on you. and trust me, i have a lot of bad experiences; i can write a book on it.

I would wait for other peoples' comments.

U do direct labour or contract?
Are these bad contractors from NL?

bixton:
. Well said. But I have been following some threads and even looked upon the moniker of certain persons and I am of the view that all you see is not as they claim it to be. They all know themselves because they belong to a clique which they have formed and NL have given them such opportunity.

How do u mean by the bold? this is a faceless forum, don't be afraid...

Why i really don't take this issue of bad contractors seriously on NL is because the few good ones we have aren't even getting jobs as it ought to be...So who is now awarding contracts to the bad ones? Everybody keeps making reference to brabus, even those who didn't give him any single thing to do keep shouting brabus the bad contractor. We have good contractors like Abdulwastecx & podosci, dubemcapital, spyder, aventures, skimanski, koloshangone...etc they are many, u don't need to spend months on NL to single them...If the good ones to me doesn't seem to be getting more than enough contracts, were do even the bad ones get contracts from? Everyone will begin to scream brabus...even among the 12 disciples....there was Judas...

44chux:


Your building the said site creates a conflict of interest.


In my experience, I have seen reputable and well recommended contractors perform poorly because of the high level of trust that resulted in minimal checks and balance on them.

And I have seen an equal number of competent but dubious, heartless contractors perform remarkably due to adequate supervision and an open promise of more contracts

Your comment is contradictory...How do we now label incompetent contractors?

It will be difficult for a dubious contractor to suddenly care about integrity, they will naturally show these dubious tendecies, it is in them....

44chux:


Your building the said site creates a conflict of interest.


In my experience, I have seen reputable and well recommended contractors perform poorly because of the high level of trust that resulted in minimal checks and balance on them.

And I have seen an equal number of competent but dubious, heartless contractors perform remarkably due to adequate supervision and an open promise of more contracts

I dont think there is any conflict of interest here ...guys have a look at https://www.mybuilder.com/ it is not a new idea at all. I am just looking for a way to get good and quality builders. I believe all i want to do is to try and solve a problem that would benefit me as well.

One the other issue i find, how do you get reports from your builder especially for those in diaspora; imagine a platform where you can attached proof or purchases, building plans, pictures of completed work. You can also submit this for review by other people.

johnson232:

U do direct labour or contract?
Are these bad contractors from NL?

I have done contract in the past as i prefer to deal with one person.

I have never been bold enough to use anyone from NL, cos for me, all i see is comments. But it is not easy to company 3 people on nairaland based on pictorial evidence; it would take a very long time to make judgement of who is a better worker in terms of quality of work, clean finish, attention to detail, sticking to budget, customer service e.t.c

johnson232:

How do u mean by the bold? this is a faceless forum, don't be afraid...

Why i really don't take this issue of bad contractors seriously on NL is because the few good ones we have aren't even getting jobs as it ought to be...So who is now awarding contracts to the bad ones? Everybody keeps making reference to brabus, even those who didn't give him any single thing to do keep shouting brabus the bad contractor. We have good contractors like Abdulwastecx & podosci, dubemcapital, spyder, aventures, skimanski, koloshangone...etc they are many, u don't need to spend months on NL to single them...If the good ones to me doesn't seem to be getting more than enough contracts, were do even the bad ones get contracts from? Everyone will begin to scream brabus...even among the 12 disciples....there was Judas...

Thanks for this list; you have provided. My experience is that even the good ones, sometime would be so busy and they keep on taking on more work which means there is a high chance of inadequate supervision. I have experienced this before. In our immediate env (Nigeria), the moment you take your eyes off work being done, you see corners being cut and by the time you (client) realises its too late to do remediation.

I am yet to meet a builder, that would say i am too busy for the next few months, hence i cannot take on any more work.

johnson232:

How do u mean by the bold? this is a faceless forum, don't be afraid...

Why i really don't take this issue of bad contractors seriously on NL is because the few good ones we have aren't even getting jobs as it ought to be...So who is now awarding contracts to the bad ones? Everybody keeps making reference to brabus, even those who didn't give him any single thing to do keep shouting brabus the bad contractor. We have good contractors like Abdulwastecx & podosci, dubemcapital, spyder, aventures, skimanski, koloshangone...etc they are many, u don't need to spend months on NL to single them...If the good ones to me doesn't seem to be getting more than enough contracts, were do even the bad ones get contracts from? Everyone will begin to scream brabus...even among the 12 disciples....there was Judas...

. Certainly no one should be afraid..........the good,the bad and the ugly all know themselves.

johnson232:

Your comment is contradictory...How do we now label incompetent contractors?

It will be difficult for a dubious contractor to suddenly care about integrity, they will naturally show these dubious tendecies, it is in them....

Am neither here nor there as mileages always differ.

A competent contractor might under-bid a contract ( called the winners curse) due to fear of the competition. He now delivers substandard services to make ends meet as long as he suspects the client might not notice. This does not make him incompetent. I can site multinationals that do this and/or put in variations at the least excuse.

On the other hand, an incompetent contractor, believing it in his best interest to please his client with world class service in order to secure a more lucrative contract, might deliver better services even as far as subcontracting to competent hands.

It is mostly dependent on how the client is perceived: a terminal contract / relationship vs a contract that opens Doors , a knowledgeable and deligent client vs an all assuming trusting one, an affluent but stingy client vs a struggling average income earner.

leumas2009:


I dont think there is any conflict of interest here ...guys have a look at https://www.mybuilder.com/ it is not a new idea at all. I am just looking for a way to get good and quality builders. I believe all i want to do is to try and solve a problem that would benefit me as well.

One the other issue i find, how do you get reports from your builder especially for those in diaspora; imagine a platform where you can attached proof or purchases, building plans, pictures of completed work. You can also submit this for review by other people.

How would you fund the site?
Advertising alone?

44chux:


How would you fund the site?
Advertising alone?

I having thought about how this would work in details but i could make contractors / people offering a service pay a fee. This could also help filter out bad people but people that are genuine and serious about their craft would pay as it is some form of advertisement for them.

There are other services that could be built around this platform to make it a one stop for people like myself that have been badly burnt in the past.

leumas2009:


I having thought about how this would work in details but i could make contractors / people offering a service pay a fee. This could also help filter out bad people but people that are genuine and serious about their craft would pay as it is some form of advertisement for them.

There are other services that could be built around this platform to make it a one stop for people like myself that have been badly burnt in the past.

That sound like a very good idea.

44chux:

Am neither here nor there as mileages always differ.

A competent contractor might under-bid a contract ( called the winners curse) due to fear of the competition. He now delivers substandard services to make ends meet as long as he suspects the client might not notice. This does not make him incompetent. I can site multinationals that do this and/or put in variations at the least excuse.

On the other hand, an incompetent contractor, believing it in his best interest to please his client with world class service in order to secure a more lucrative contract, might deliver better services even as far as subcontracting to competent hands.

It is mostly dependent on how the client is perceived: a terminal contract / relationship vs a contract that opens Doors , a knowledgeable and deligent client vs an all assuming trusting one, an affluent but stingy client vs a struggling average income earner.

. Whoever the client or contractor may be, variations are most likely entertained when the scope of a job are increased or expanded.

johnson232:

I doubt if this guy is for real...u seem fake to me...I doubt if u can pay or even hire a contractor with the way u talk...

I beg u in the name of anything that is dear to u to stop posting rubbish if u have nothing reasonable to say. A lot of us have benefited from NL contractors, if u haven't pls don't generalize. These days architects & engineers hardly attend to questions because of statement like yours. Incompetence is not limited to NL contractors alone, it's everywhere. It is left for u to do your research before entrusting any project with any contractor, be it online or offline. Someone just posted some questions as regard fencing above me, that is how we learn on here. pls don't come here to spoil the minds of our contractors.

You see, this is the problem with 'people whose utterances are guided by what they think they will benefit' from another person (Contractor).
There are many like you on this thread, HYPOCRITES who 'praise sing' at any Contractor, at any opportunity, even when it is not required, just because they HOPE to be in the good books of the person/Contractor being praised and probably get a reduction in charges when the time comes.
To such People, everything done by any Contractor, is good, as long as they are not at the receiving end of the stick!

This discussion is about PRICING of JOBS and many people have said their piece.
Unless you want to tell me that you have not heard/read about all the CONTRACTOR SCAMS on this thread, the list is so long l dont even have to mention usernames. (just this thread only!), then what you wrote about is the most silly comment on Nairaland.

And Yes, we are 'generalising' because the topic is not about attacking one particular Contractor, it is to appeal to both Clients and Contractors, to develop a MUTUALLY FAIR method of Costing Building Projects; So why should any poster be particular and not generalise?

BTW: Why did you not just answer the question asked by the Fencing Person (@RipVanwink) you are referring to, instead of attacking the Poster you attacked?

RipVanWink:
hello gents,
am a newbie here. tried searching , no show

want to fence 100ft x 100ft land, dwarf fence, say about 5ft, am assuming 2coaches in the ground and 3 or 4 coaches on the surface.
would appreciate a rough estimate and breakdown of the cost, or even better someone who has fenced recently could gimme his total cost, i may be able to extrapolate.

2ndly, i intend to use 3 locks to form the spine of the fence, placed every 10ft apart, btw u[b]sing block as spine and using iron rod and concrete, which is better or preffered[/b]?

First, Reinforced Concrete, is always stronger (and more expensive!) than using just blocks for any Column.
So, if you can afford it, use Concrete Columns.

As to your other question, l will suggest you be ready to do small calculations yourself.
Dont expect everything to be handed down to you, without effort.

Here is a Rough estimate, to start you going.

I Block is 18".
1. Find out how many of that you will get in 100ft (1200".Divide by 18 and that would give you "maximum" amount of Blocks required.
2. Do same for 50ft.
There are two sides of 50ft and 100ft in a fence.
3.) Multiply the answer you get in 1 and 2 above, by 2 (double it).
Now multiply the figure in (3) above, by the number of Coaches you want to achieve (5 Coaches?) to get total number of blocks (maximum) required.

Note: You can refine this figure by considering to deduct blocks meant for spaces that would be occupied by Gate, other openings and Mortar used in joining the blocks but also factor-in breakages of the blocks.

Each block cost between #160 - #180 (6" Blocks).

One bag of Cement will set about 40 - 50 Blocks
4.) Divide total number of Blocks in (3), by 50, to get how many bags of Cement you need for Block setting

Use 1:6 Cement-Sand ratio i.e two Headpans of cement (1bag) to 12 Head-pans of Sand.
Multiply the number of Bags pf cement in (3) above, to get the number of Headpans of Sand you need. (You can translate this to Tons of Sand or Tipper of sand)

- Depending on the type of Soil in your Area, you may need to just do Blinding with Cement and Sand and not need to use Concrete Mix of Cement, Sand and Granite + Iron Rods.

But if you do, you can calculate the Volume of Concrete mix, (L x B x H = Volume), measuring the total length of your fence on the Ground.
Use mix ratio 1:2:4 (Cement, Sand Concrete) for the Concrete part


Additional Notes:
*Cement Density of 1506kg/m3 and for a 50Kg Bag of cement
*Density of Granite is 2750kg/m^3 or 2.750/1000 tons

Labour is at an average of #3,500 (#2000 Bricklayer and #1,500 labourer) for setting about 80-Blocks but you can negotiate with your Bricklayer properly, for a discount. Total Labour cost will be Total number of Blocks divided by 80 (max). Blinding may be costed separately but it is better to cost all together.

*Budget for Water to use in mixing the Cement as well, add few Nails and some bags of Pure Water for your Workers.

Do your Homework and at least be prepared to negotiate from a 'position of knowledge'.

@daboomb, great analysis,
twale.... wish someone would help me do such for foundation to dpc of my build

Constructive arguments so far

@daboomb,

thnks for the thorough analysis.

1. any idea how many headpans are in 1 trip of sand?...learnt 1 trip is 10tonnes, am guess 1 headpan should be 30kg?

2. in another writeup i saw, someone said 1 bag of cmt will set 80 to 100 blocks, but will mould 35 to 50 blocks , pls clarify

3. for simplicity, i would stick to using blocks for the spine, and not iron rods and concrete, thus thinking of using the width of 2 or 3 blocks as spine

4. in the writeup some1 used 0.85, wondering why thought it should be 0.66, since 1 block is 18inchies = 1.5ft, the calc below was done for 60ft x 120ft land

.

Find out how many 6 or 9 inches blocks fit into a sq ft by the net wall area. Both are about the same lenght, but just differ in thickness, and a sq ft will take 0.85 block. Meaning that a sq ft will take about a whole block. Now, multiply 0.85 x 3600, that gives us = 3,060 pieces of blocks

.

Daboomb:


You see, this is the problem with 'people whose utterances are guided by what they think they will benefit' from another person (Contractor).
There are many like you on this thread, HYPOCRITES who 'praise sing' at any Contractor, at any opportunity, even when it is not required, just because they HOPE to be in the good books of the person/Contractor being praised and probably get a reduction in charges when the time comes.
To such People, everything done by any Contractor, is good, as long as they are not at the receiving end of the stick!

This discussion is about PRICING of JOBS and many people have said their piece.
Unless you want to tell me that you have not heard/read about all the CONTRACTOR SCAMS on this thread, the list is so long l dont even have to mention usernames. (just this thread only!), then what you wrote about is the most silly comment on Nairaland.

And Yes, we are 'generalising' because the topic is not about attacking one particular Contractor, it is to appeal to both Clients and Contractors, to develop a MUTUALLY FAIR method of Costing Building Projects; So why should any poster be particular and not generalise?

BTW: Why did you not just answer the question asked by the Fencing Person (@RipVanwink) you are referring to, instead of attacking the Poster you attacked?

Get lost!!!! What will i gain if i end up in the good books of contractors?
Are NL contractors the ones paying my bills?
If u have been duped by any contractor on here, come out open and mention theirs names, so we can label them as bad eggs...that is how we can sanitize the system & that is my point. If 3strikes wasn't bold enough to mention brabrus name, probably he would have duped more before being exposed. If u haven't been duped by any contractor...keep shut!!! What do u mean by long list? how many houses have u built that u no longer remember the names of the dubious contractors?

I don't even want to talk about this issue of pricing....until the day all the hotels in nigeria start offering their lodging for same amount, regardless of the facilities...

johnson232:

I doubt if this guy is for real...u seem fake to me...I doubt if u can pay or even hire a contractor with the way u talk...

I beg u in the name of anything that is dear to u to stop posting rubbish if u have nothing reasonable to say. A lot of us have benefited from NL contractors, if u haven't pls don't generalize. These days architects & engineers hardly attend to questions because of statement like yours. Incompetence is not limited to NL contractors alone, it's everywhere. It is left for u to do your research before entrusting any project with any contractor, be it online or offline. Someone just posted some questions as regard fencing above me, that is how we learn on here. pls don't come here to spoil the minds of our contractors.

At Johnson, you are a bastard.
May Sango strike your generation.

I have lost money here and I have nothing to prove to your dickhead.

Sprumbaba:


At Johnson, you are a bastard.
May Sango strike your generation.

I have lost money here and I have nothing to prove to your dickhead.

Truth hurts bro....i understand...Everyone is now losing money on NL...smh

Shame the contractor & save this house from future loss...if u can't do that....keep shut!!!
We know those who can afford to hire an architect or engineer...they don't act like touts....

johnson232:

Truth hurts bro....i understand...Everyone is now losing money on NL...smh

Shame the contractor & save this house from future loss...if u can't do that....keep shut!!!
We know those who can afford to hire an architect or engineer...they don't act like touts....

Nairaland is now going to the dogs. Where are these children of hell springing out from ?

How do you know who can hire engineer on a faceless forum? How many Artisans have you hired here?

I think buhari economy is now affecting your brain.

If you want to see tout in action, drop your number here. You need a brain reset.

My problem with the present day client is their penchant for free services....it irks me...

Nobody wants to pay the QS, they are all looking for free quotes, Nobody wants to pay the Architect, they are all looking for free building plan, nobody wants to pay the structural engineer, they come on here with alternate monikers to ask technical questions so as not to engage an engineer, & later come with another moniker to slam & castigate these same engineers. My question is do u people exhibit any of these before seeking the services of a doctor or lawyer? These guys spent years to study these courses....u pay a doctor & lawyer for consultation fee, but an architect or QS ask for same, u term it as cheating? using standard for pricing & duping as smokescreen because u don't want to pay money. Lets work on our penchant for free services....

jayooh:


Your architectural design and structural design are both needed for an accurate bill. Plus a you willing to pay the QS his fee, abi u want free jaab?

LOOOOLLL!!

johnson232:
My problem with the present day client is their penchant for free services....it irks me...

Nobody wants to pay the QS, they are all looking for free quotes, Nobody wants to pay the Architect, they are all looking for free building plan, nobody wants to pay the structural engineer, they come on here with alternate monikers to ask technical questions so as not to engage an engineer, & later come with another moniker to slam & castigate these same engineers. My question is do u people exhibit any of these before seeking the services of a doctor or lawyer? These guys spent years to study these courses....u pay a doctor & lawyer for consultation fee, but an architect or QS ask for same, u term it as cheating? using standard for pricing & duping as smokescreen because u don't want to pay money. Lets work on our penchant for free services....

Well said.
You forgot to include building plans approval, they avoid it like a plague.
God help us.

Aventures:
Bros understand that getting a quote for a building at least to carcass level from four builders is like getting 4 people to do a professional work for free. too bad. Many people online will collect this quotes and won't even acknowledged the mail and that would be last time u hear from them no even thank you. If you have really for once do a quote for a build extensively you will understand that it is a great task that is really mentally involving, a times you will use your credit to make contacts in oder for you to know current material price at the site locations, spend hours typing on excellent and at the end send it with your purchased data, only for the person to receive it and kept quiet.
The best practice is to engage one QS to do you a bill of quantity if you want to give out your job as contract or a material and labour schedule if you want to be involved, then the QS will provide a copy call blank copy (he would remove his rates leaving only quantities) then d client can contact as many contractor he deems fit capable of doing this work and ask them to fill their rate and then he would check their rates against his QS rate and final sum as well then he is at liberty to choose any one that is in d range of +/-5% from QS rates and final sum also couple with competence and the contractor antecedent (you don't choose base on figure only). Yet it of good manner to communicate with the other contractor appreciating their effort to fill the blank boq ( though this less tasking for a contractor to do and so he has no reason to fill bad if he doesn't get the job) and possibly tell them why they were not chosen for them to be well positioned against another opportunity. Please note that boq help you project flow apart from costing because it would also outline the work process on which you can build your programs of work and proactive purchase and sound project planning.
I am not QS but I know the importance and the key role they play in project but most client want free quote and also and they are quick to comment on the free quote as rip off without any respect for your effort.

@ the bolded...this has happened to me many times on this Nairaland...that's why these days when people are asking for cost or quote on Nairaland, I just dey siddon look them, even when some people may be misleading them.

InvertedHammer:
Why not build your house?
1 week to learn masonry
2 weeks to learn carpentry
2 weeks to become iron bender
1 month in the gym for all the lifting and digging (foundation, concrete, cement,rods,etc)

2 weeks to be an electrician
2 weeks for plumbing.

All added together will be 3 months of preparation.
Then give the middle finger to contractors and artisans.

LOOOOOOLLL!!

Daboomb:


You see, this is the problem with 'people whose utterances are guided by what they think they will benefit' from another person (Contractor).
There are many like you on this thread, HYPOCRITES who 'praise sing' at any Contractor, at any opportunity, even when it is not required, just because they HOPE to be in the good books of the person/Contractor being praised and probably get a reduction in charges when the time comes.
To such People, everything done by any Contractor, is good, as long as they are not at the receiving end of the stick!

This discussion is about PRICING of JOBS and many people have said their piece.
Unless you want to tell me that you have not heard/read about all the CONTRACTOR SCAMS on this thread, the list is so long l dont even have to mention usernames. (just this thread only!), then what you wrote about is the most silly comment on Nairaland.

And Yes, we are 'generalising' because the topic is not about attacking one particular Contractor, it is to appeal to both Clients and Contractors, to develop a MUTUALLY FAIR method of Costing Building Projects; So why should any poster be particular and not generalise?

BTW: Why did you not just answer the question asked by the Fencing Person (@RipVanwink) you are referring to, instead of attacking the Poster you attacked?

There is no fair method of costing in a rendered services. Are u saying the big lawyers in abuja used by our politicians would earn same amount as with those of lower reputation for same case?

My uncle is a lawyer, a very sucessful one based in Abuja. I can still remember the amount he collected from a client for visiting him in ICPC then, just for visitation, i know most lawyers won't earn such amount for all the cases they will defend in their lifetime. Reputation matters alot sir.

Hello Hajj and everyone,
Attached is a photo of what a friend called "Asbestos POP ceiling". I got attracted by the beauty of how it was carefully and beautifully done without any visible trace of "batton" running all over it in square forms. ( As we see in regular asbestos ceilings).
How can one achieve this 2 different styles as shown on the photos. is there any carpenter willing to work in the east for this sole purpose.
I will greatly appreciate your responses please.

Daboomb:


You see, this is the problem with 'people whose utterances are guided by what they think they will benefit' from another person (Contractor).
There are many like you on this thread, HYPOCRITES who 'praise sing' at any Contractor, at any opportunity, even when it is not required, just because they HOPE to be in the good books of the person/Contractor being praised and probably get a reduction in charges when the time comes.
To such People, everything done by any Contractor, is good, as long as they are not at the receiving end of the stick!

This discussion is about PRICING of JOBS and many people have said their piece.
Unless you want to tell me that you have not heard/read about all the CONTRACTOR SCAMS on this thread, the list is so long l dont even have to mention usernames. (just this thread only!), then what you wrote about is the most silly comment on Nairaland.

And Yes, we are 'generalising' because the topic is not about attacking one particular Contractor, it is to appeal to both Clients and Contractors, to develop a MUTUALLY FAIR method of Costing Building Projects; So why should any poster be particular and not generalise?

BTW: Why did you not just answer the question asked by the Fencing Person (@RipVanwink) you are referring to, instead of attacking the Poster you attacked?

Thank you Daboomb, the Johnson232 is a mad man. He too wants to start like Brabus and be forming Know-how.

I was part of those that ranted here about bad roof from one of the most acclaimed roofers on this property section few weeks ago.

I had virtually worked with most guys here and met half of them in person. All I said is I will be doing due diligence more and the son of goat attacked me.