₦airaland Forum

@Demain, av replied your mail. But I'm not sure if its yours cos it didnt read yr name. Will you mind resending the email with your Nairaland ID. Thanks

Filling of one wing almost complete, hopefully by Friday we should be through. Pic update to follow soon.

@Demain-man, unfortunately I'm not a swimming pool expert but I can give you a number to call. A rough cost is around N2m for that particular one.

@Colin, I'm more interested in facade and most people on NL are as well. That's the reason I posted those 2. The most important part of the building. Most of us live on the outside in. If not see how long it took Am Alone to put finish his roofing alone.

Thanks Fidelo for the prompt response. Different solution apply to different situations, we do not require such in our area but yr structural drawing should tell you. But don't just do it because people told you to do so.

I remember how I spent over N1m to solve a problem that does not worth the pain and cost. Talk to a structural engineer.

Updating from mobile phone is not easy.

@Fhemmmy, how's class today? Today, I learnt that 1 + 1 in building industry is never 2 but 3. Always have a backup plan.

@Euromillion, try talk to the guy. You don't know when you'll need such guys. At least, brief him. I experienced something similar today by some guys who felt their size, status or noise can intimidate me - but his timely intervention helped sort things out.

Too bad! How nice would it have been if the thread can continue till the end of the project. This mean we will have to start over again - or how do we make reference to posts on the former thread. It would be nice, if its cleaned up.

Anyway, I'm here and my name is Brabus. Abi, no be so! Start introduction all over again.

On issue of TRUST, my client entrust his project in my hand and likewise I must find trusted hands to deliver what was agreed within specified timeframe.

One funny thing happened btw yesterday and today. I tried calling the supplier to know why he was unable to supply the laterite as agreed, only to find out that his phones are unreachable. I didn't get to talk to him until around 9:30am this morning. The first person I told about this said "Bosun, you have made a mistake" You shouldn't have given him money, you should have source for the supply from more than 1 person". At first, I thought I was a fool but I remember that even though I paid the guy upfront, I didn't give the money to him directly but to his referee who's a big boy! Immediately, I relaxed and opened my laptop to post updates on NL and also give situation report to my client.

In all of this, what I'm trying to say is this "Wisdom and Trust are the essential ingredient of any successful business". They are ingredient that money cannot buy.

The guy has started delivering the laterite and his reason for the delay is understandable.

The reason for delay would form the basis for another discussion which would target landowners, home owners, developers, agents and stakeholders on Lagos/Ibadan expressway.

The new thread will be titled "Lagos/Ibadan Commercial/Residential Properties - the untold stories"

COST UPDATE AS AT 28TH JUNE, 2011

2,000 Blocks @ N130 - N260,000 (We still have 214 blocks left)
93 bags of Cement @N1,850 - N172,050 (Blinding, Block setting and Casting of Foundation Pillars)
30 tons of Granite - N127,500 (Additional N2,500 on it was for estate dev. and supplier association)
20 tons of Sharp sand - N48,000
30 tons of Soft sand - N36,000
16 lengths of 16mm iron rod + - N56,400
Ring, Binding Wire, Transport
and Iron Bender workmanship
Shed Construction - N30,700 (Zinc - N12k, Wood - 8k, Nails - N1.2k, Workmanship - N8k, Transport - N1.5k)
Water (Tank & Gen rentage, plumber etc) N11,000 (Gen Rentage - N3k, Tank Rentage - N1.5k, Water - N3.5k, Tank Transport to & fro - N1.5k, Fuel - N.5k, Plumber - N1k)
2,000 litre water tank - N27,000
Bush clearing - N8,000
Tie rod/Peg/nails for pegging - N8,000
Site levelling by aboki for block delivery N1,500
20 planks for german floor - N20,000 (We used 6 for foundation pillar, now left with 14)
Bricklayer - N140,000
Pure Water (6 bags) - N600

TOTAL COST = N946,750


OTHER THINGS ALREADY PAID FOR NOT ON SITE

51 bags of Cement @N1,850 - N94,350
7 trips of Laterite @ N14,000 - N98,000
Supervision - N40,000

Nexthome@live.com bosun.davies@live.co.uk

Naija Luxury Homes

Stay tuned for more update

Front Elevation

@Collin Adua, Nice pics here. Why dont you start a thread "Best of Nigerian Homes - Facade"

When you do, I'll post some of the best design compilation in my archive. Some of which I'm directly involved and others that caught my attention. Before then, feed your eyes again "Brabus Home".

I'm sorry we've passed that stage and I dont have any pics for that on this phone with less than 2mb memory space.

Till this moment, I've not received any of the laterite ordered. Na wah, for this suppliers.

Another 1

Pic update

Areas that require little or no filling.

An exciting weekend it is for me and my family. Visited the site yesterday with a friend (Civil Engineer) to check things out. Noticed some errors that can be overlooked but I choose to fix it anyway. Who knows what others may feel about it. Work resumes today, with backfilling and spreading of the top-soil on the foundation to know how much laterite will be required. Let do it again! Pic and cost updates to follow soon.

^^^@tdk, why cant you open a new thread for this discussion? I really dont like when threads are being derailed - I noticed too many of this on Spyder's thread.

Spyder880, kindly advice your loyal contributors so as to keep the thread focused.

@Spyder880, Don't mind Casey! He's not a confused type. You need to see how this guy is scrutinizing me - but I can tell you I'm enjoying every bit of it. Thanks caseymoney.

In this digital age, I still wonder why some people feel so special about where they live - I dont think I need to be in US to buy or know what's happening in US. I think its because we are doing small projects, that's the reason we are limited in our reasoning - I was opportuned to be part of the team that won a renovation contract in one of the CBN branch in SW. Part of the contract includes installation of CCTV cameras for remote monitoring of the project.

I was in Ikere Gorge Dam and Oyan Dam to install IP camera last year for remote monitoring and surveillance when the whole of Isheri and some other parts of Lagos was been flooded. The Minister had no time to visit and sure he does not have to visit the site before knowing what's up. A laptop with Internet access will surely do that. The problem is just a minor one that could have been prevented if things were properly done. There's a guy on NL who is very good at implementing low-cost surveillance solution - nobody will pay attention to that. There are property managers, who will handle all the worries - yet you still see them as a waste. So, why the CRY

You'll see Nigerians putting gatehouse when there's gate motor. I dont plan building a gate house - I'm still young and vibrant!!!

For those living in the dark age - welcome to a new dawn! A New Nigeria is Possible

Once again, if you are deceived, cheated or duped - ask yourself what did I do wrong?

Who builds your home?

Do not make the largest purchase of your life, without doing your homework. If you are ready to build your dream home, you must invest the time, to learn more about the Builders in your area.

Award-winning piece by Brabus on blog.com

Please can you give a better description of the site. I'm interested. Pls mail me nexthome@live.com

^^^ You can PM me or call me on +2348023429122 for the demarcation wall. I'm presently working very close to your site. Arepo is just few minutes drive to Magodo.

Cement Price still stands at N1,800 except you are buying trailer load.
As for the blocks, a visit to the site will determine what to use.

Decide exactly what you want, the cost and the features

Fundamentally, there are only two types of home owners, those who live on the outside looking in, and those who live on the inside looking out. I always advice for the latter.
The simpler the house, the better the value for money. Every time a wall or roof changes direction there is an associated extra cost. So if you choose to build a house that has little nooks and crannies to no real purpose other that to look more intricate and detailed then get ready to pay more for the illusion, or more appropriately the delusion.

As for my client, we were discussing the house he want, not the house I want for him. So, he's paying for what he wants!
When a builder says 'it can't be done' it can only mean one of two things, they either don't want to or don't know how to, such a builder is not for you.

Heed the message

Remember you represent the money side of the transaction, not the logistics.

__________________________________

The final draft design was finished and approved by my client on 23rd May and we received payment for the drawing on the 27th May. Still we don't have a land! Hence, another request was made to help in choosing a land suitable for the design in a gated community. We searched and searched for land that meets our design requirement and my clients' and succeeded in getting one 11th June. All the time we were searching, I was travelling to and fro Abeokuta to check the authenticity of the documents received, had to pay a lawyer for search, make settlement where need be to get information from the Bureau and the neighbourhood.

As at the time we were pegging, sourcing and delivering materials - the documents are not ready but we are doing so to play safe. Should there be any problem, we can always stop the cheque!

I received the documents last week Sunday 19th June when we have finished digging, met with the landlord association and got assurance that there's no problem with the land.

__________________________________

You may want to ask, are you the only one doing this for the client? How long have you known each other? What are the terms? Are there no family member around? Why are you doing this?

My clients aged father was with me in some cases and some others I had to do the job myself. So, TRUST is not the problem! Once, you deal with a reputable firm, N3m, N6m, not even N50m would not good enough as replacement for a good name I've been building for years. At least, I know of myself.
I've known my client for 6 weeks now and have handled transaction worth N10m without any problem. I'm still a Nigerian and I remain one. So, if a family, friend, partner betray you - ask yourself "What did I do wrong?"

The ultimate goal of my business is not just about money, but to build as many reference sites as possible and get more satisfied clients.

Welcome to a new dawn!

I can still recount how I sent money to my friend in UK to buy me an iPhone 2G when it first came out, not knowing that the phone is not in UK market yet. My guy sent me a china model and I did not take any offence because he's not aware. He did not dupe me! He's still my friend. I just told him to be careful next time when he's making purchases for other people.

Now, I've bought iPhone 2G, 3G, 3GS and 4G through the same friend without any problem. Nobody is above mistake.

The past couple of weeks on the construction project showcased on this thread have seen some significant strides.  Below, you will read about the things that happened behind the scene. Depending on your knowledge and experience, these ideas and strategies my sound familiar. This post will bring them closer to you and as you apply them over and over, they will alter the course of your projects in a very positive ways.

Simply put, some people are doing better than others because they do certain things differently and better. Especially, they use their time far, far better than average people.

A simple analogy is this. I'm a seasoned IT consultant, a builder with passion and a father who wants to make a happy home. If I had problem with my car, I think it would make sense for me to take it to the PRO service center where I will obtain parts and labour warranty to fix than wait for weeks or months for the time to personally supervise a quack or "supposedly PRO" who cannot work without supervision.

The simple reason for taking this decision is simply because human beings as never before are drowning in options like never before. As you struggle to get caught up, new tasks and responsibilities just keep rolling, like tides. And for this reason, you may never be able to satisfy your responsibilities - to your God, your family, your work, your nation!

"A plan, goal or project without a deadline has no urgency. It has no real beginning or end". - Brabus


Arepo Luxury Flat: Behind the scene.

Rome was not built in a day. They actually make use of a blueprint.

The whole journey started May 16 when I receive an email from my client requesting  for an architectural design. Here's my follow up email:


Subject: RE: Building Plan

Hello

Thank you for your interest in my house plan.

I'm ready to provide you with a wide variety of prepared House Plans along with the ability and readiness to make modification/customization to fit your requirements, style and ideas.

It's highly recommended you get a House Plan before acquiring a plot. However, if you already have a plot, I can look at your plot layout and tell you whether the House Plan you have selected will fit the plot, and if not, what changes in the plan will be necessary to make.

As first step in exploring the possibilities, let me know the size of your land.

Regards,

SIMPLIFYING COMPLEXITIES. DELIVERING POSSIBILITIES.

_____________________________

I could have sent him different designs that would catch his attention, but the first thing I do with new clients at first meetings/discussion is not to focus on floorplans and upgrade options. Instead, I discuss you: your life, your needs, your vision of what your new home could and should be. I want to know where your kids like to play, if you eat breakfast at the table on in the kitchen, if you entertain often or if your home life is more private. Your budget!

I feel that to design your home, I must get to know you. Who go ahead and marry a lady without a relationship? A fool.
Many people who's request I've attended to can attest to this.

The GROSS mistake most home owners make is to go into into building projects blindly without a clear plan. Such decision lead to confusion, misdirection and numerous mistakes - then you call it DUPING, the same way Nigerian Govt blame everything on CORRUPTION!
We need to change that.

__________________________________________

What follows were private discussions, questions, queries and brainstorming session with my client. We were working together to achieve a draft design - a lot of revisions, adjustments and modifications were made on the board. Even, my client in far away US had to buy measuring tape to take real life measurement of the floor space in his abode! Lots of pain, stress and time went into this. Does it really worth it? YES, its worth it -  when compared with the time, money and risk associated with DIY.

"One of the very worst use of time is to do something very well that need not be done at all" - Brabus

That another style of Nigerian Govt who prefer probing to prosecution.


Decide exactly what you want, the cost and the features

, more updates to follow soon

When I gain time later today, I'll share a lot about what happened behind the scene btw my client and myself. How it started, the rough path and the good ones. These information might even be more beneficial to a lot of people than the one on the thread itself.

@Euromillion, thanks for the bold step you are taking despite sharp criticism and harsh words from us. Its very painful though, but let's thank God for the lessons learnt. I pray you shall rise back to your feet again. Try check back later today on this thread to know how NEXTHOME did it for love-tosin.

Learn how people use the name of God to dupe others.
Learn how to prevent and protect yourself from such in the nearest future.
Learn how to deal with builders, artisans, contractors, suppliers without being physically present.
In short, learn from our fathers mistakes.

_________________
NextHome - Different Approach. Different Result.

Thank you Lawyer and everyone whose comments, critiques, and contributions had nudge me towards creating this thread.

I pray Nigeria will be great again and we will begin to get things right again.

@gtrust, Quite often you will realise that you will come to possess and or acquire greater knowledge, about specific products, than your builder.

As for me, I want to know everything about my client before designing or building for him. His style, interest, nice-to-have and must-have features before designing for him. Another thing that I do for my client is to design the plan before looking for a land suitable for the purpose. In some cases, design based on land topology. But the latter is more preferred. Still his final approval is required - so tell me how he's not directly involved.
If we agreed on a 3 bed duplex with a swimming pool, granite finish, gutter roof and I designed it and he approved it. He paid me and I delivered what was agreed. How do you shift the blame on me?

If you patronise Professionals in Nigeria, you will get what you want!

euromilion:
@brabus
the level of the job done on my site is same as u are @ d moment
although my filling is already done,I'll try to post the pix d moment
I get chance.

Thks again.

Can you PM me for a private discussion? Or reach me on my mobile no +2348023429122. If everybody begin to share their experiences, I'm sure we'll have something to say.

I'll still stick to my advice for you. Dont give up as many are advising you to wait till you have the time! One NAIRA today will never be the same tomorrow. Nobody knows tomorrow!

The project showcased was indeed paid for last 2 weeks and the price was N7.5m but if you go through the property section you will see a plot being advertised for N10m in Journalist estate, Arepo. Its the plot directly behind the one showcased. The property has appreciated by N2.5m in less than a month. My client is N2.5m richer in less than 2 weeks for taking the right step and getting it right. Nobody knows tomorrow!

Psalm 127: 1a, 1 Samuel 2:9b

gtrust:
Great job!
Also, good idea to spend quality time with family.

Excuse my ignorance but try and clarify please:
1- where will the cars park? how many?
2- any hope for boys' quarters?
3- any hope for security post?
4- where will the water tanker/generator house?

I have almost similar dimensions and was wondering what to do with it.
My plan so far is 4 flats but didnot know where to stick the rest of the stuff as above.
Also thought of 2 unit of 4 bed dublex.

Purpose mainly is rental in the long run, so rental yield interests me!
Addendum: In Lagos: what gives most rental yield per annum?

When you managed get online, please, clarify.

Thanks.

The space infront of the house (30 x 57ft) is big enough to park two 33,000 litres tanker which is equivalent of 8 cars (4 on each wing)
There's no provision for BQ as the land is short of whooping 7 ft.
There's provision for 2 security house (one on each wing)
Sure there's provision for water tank and automatic gen/solar panels at the back.

I'm sorry I cannot share more than this for security reasons.

Any homeowner is an employer! Contractors, Builders, Consultants, and everyone involved in his project are his employees.

Any problems that arise in regards to building the house belong to the builder, just as the acquisition of the money to pay the builder/funding of the project are the home owners. Clarification of respective areas of responsibility should be included in any contractual agreement so that there cannot be any misunderstanding, implied or otherwise.

Therefore, a builder is not, and should never be regarded as being, an authority in respect to specific and or all building products.

Once again, STUPIDITY  is what makes a home owner, project manager, or supervisor  who's supposed to be an employer to spend N6m on a project without a thing to show for it! Claiming not being directly involved in the project management as reason for failure. That's OBJ's style. It's like you are saying you want to directly monitor your Aboki at the gate when you have Professional Securities that will do the job for you and still use your precious time doing something constructive.