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Properties › Re: General Topic Thread-To Discuss Anything And Everything in Building Construction by brabus(m): 1:38pm On Oct 16, 2015

Oga Egunmogaji, the Jesus you're looking for is not here "He's Risen"

Properties › Re: General Topic Thread-To Discuss Anything And Everything in Building Construction by brabus(m): 1:05pm On Oct 16, 2015

KolaShangOne:
Some things drove up the cost. We had to bring a bulldozer to work, had a site fence, and cement was 1800 then. We also have to buy water and its freaking expensive in that area.

I suspect that you've not started spending money on your equipments maintenance. If you haven't, please save up (when it rains, it pours). Charge clients accordingly.

And it's not good (my own view) to move things from one site to another because it raises suspicion especially when client isn't present.

Nice one!

We've started spending a lot on maintenance of equipment but we are not going to get it all from one project. A little drop makes an ocean. When we sign for a contract, we don't mix match. We are solely responsible for all the materials we budget for in the estimate. That way, there won't be any suspicion raised and there's cost control. Think of it this way, you've already paid me to do a job for you. Am I going to shortchange myself buying materials less than agreed quantity? Definitely, No! I'll have to haggle to get the best bargain at the right price which will still leave out some profits to cater for maintenance and overheads whilst maintaining budget.
Of course, one of the reason why construction cost can never go down in Nigeria is because we don't invest in reusable construction items. Why do I need to keep buying planks at every project site? Because the client can afford it? Because I don't want it to raise any suspicion? Because the fund is not mine and I don't need to explore cost saving alrernative options. Even construction giants who handle multi-million dollars projects don't buy at every project, they either hire or own their tools and equipment.

It's safer, cheaper and help them to stay competitive in the long run.

If we are doing things the right way, you'll agree with me that precast is the cheapest way to build a house. I was in a seminar where a Unilag Professor showcased what they were doing to drive down cost in Lagos and some of their projects where they've used this technologies. If they've come up with mentality of I don't want client to be suspicious or feel I'm cheating, they wouldnt have come up with precast staircases, lintels, door/window frames, interlocking blocks which require no cement. I saw a lot at the seminar and it inspired me to do things differently.

To me, you have to win some and loose some to gain some. As for NextHome, we plough back the profit in order to serve our target market with the right pricing, at the right standard.

Properties › Re: General Topic Thread-To Discuss Anything And Everything in Building Construction by brabus(m): 12:15pm On Oct 16, 2015*

KolaShangOne:
@Brabus The way you shouted carcass only made me laugh.. You no wan enter trouble

I'm at the carcass only stage of a 3 units of 2 bdr in Ibadan and so far we have spent just 4.7million.

But we all know the cost of finishing can Be equal to, more or less, the cost of carcass.

I need shout o because first thing most people will see is the 3D and the figure. They won't bother read the post. You go come hear "shebi you talk Na N10m you take build the house"

______
You're not doing bad with your figure on that project sha. But I still beat you cos by the time you deduct the cost of slab and extra spend on raft. My final figure will come down drastically.

This is only feasible when you have a lot of tools and materials that can help drive down cost at your disposal.

1. Marine boards for foundation and slab. Even we had to transport some of our used bamboos and 2by3 from another site during slab work.
2. Van to move materials. So I don't have to spend anything on transport. The savings comes back to me.
3. Truck to move in granite and sand. Especially during filling stage. Na overloading I dey take my truck carry. All I need do is to settle suppliers 2k per trip.

I once dare the client to bring me a cheaper build cos I want to see what they're doing differently.

Properties › Re: General Topic Thread-To Discuss Anything And Everything in Building Construction by brabus(m): 11:43am On Oct 16, 2015*

@all,

It's possible! I have a personal 4 bed project already done the roof carcass with overall spend at 1.3m. It should have been completed by now due to lack of funds we had to take a break. I have an overall budget of 2.5 for the project and I know it's possible. I don't have pics here though but I know I can still get some shots if I search my phone.

____________
However, if I can conveniently deliver the carcass of a 5 unit of 2 bedroom (all ensuite with a visitors toilet) in Lekki, Lagos. Why can't I spend less (maybe 60% of the same budget to achieve the same build in locations where materials and labour are cheaper?

Here are the areas where I can make a serious reduction in the build cost in location like Ibadan/Ogun state:

1. Because of nearness to quarries, the cost of granite will be cheaper than Lagos cost as I'll be using NextHome truck.
2. Cost of sharp sand and filling sand are almost half of what is obtainable in Lagos.
3. 90% of the plots in these terrains do not require raft foundation. A very Big savings!
4. Even the sandcrete blocks I bought in Abeokuta were sold for 100 and 110 for 6 and 9" block respectively. The same quality of block in Lagos will be above 200
5. There's no need to use reinforcement on the DPC. Hardcore or wire mesh will be sufficient in this terrain.

By the time I sum up all the savings from the above, i would have reduce the construction cost by a whopping 3m leaving each unit at 1.4m per unit.

I can still get more savings by doing it the ijebu way. Taking out all the nice-to-have features such as back staircase, parapet roof, etc. Thus slashing the cost-to-build to something between 1.2 -1.3m per unit.

Pls take note of the slab as been the cost of purchasing another land and probably some foundation work. It means with prudency and effective monitoring I can have a 5 unit of 2 beds built with 10 - 12m

If an ijebu proper man or a typical Igbo man handles such money, he can further drive things down by making more compromises in the following areas:

1. Using gravel instead of granite.
2. Buy Dagbolu sand
3. Replace drop beams with internal/secret beams

I can't say any more than this but attached is the picture of what we did in Lagos for 10m (material, labour, and profit inclusive). Take note, carcass only o!

Think of it this way, you're getting a carcass of a 5 bedroom semi detached duplex on 3 floors for N5m in Lekki, Lagos. Wouldn't you say it's impossible?

So it's not just theories. We actually built it!

1 Like

Properties › Re: General Topic Thread-To Discuss Anything And Everything in Building Construction by brabus(m): 10:50am On Oct 16, 2015

Unfortunately, all the Lasisi, Lamidi, Muri, Ayuba, driving Okada and also living in their houses are not here on Nairaland to give us the expo.

Even if an Okada man is making 20k per day, he can never have N4m in 6 months. I knew a lot of them who now live in their houses. Thank God for them sha.

Even in our own small outfit, the ones who didn't have a house amongst our very young workforce (including the foreigners) is already building his structure with the small monies they get from projects.

Properties › Re: General Topic Thread-To Discuss Anything And Everything in Building Construction by brabus(m): 10:40am On Oct 16, 2015*

twinskenny:
i am working on a 3 bedroom flat... one guest toile, one toilet for the master bedroom, one toilet for the remaining two room.. the building is at lentel level... and the soackaway has been done too.... and i have spent less than 1m... land purchase not inclusive..

not much design oooo just a normal parlour room thingy

anyway am planning to spend less than 2m over all. which include roofing tiling, doors etc.

its a complete dry land though along lagos ibadan expressway.

meanwhile since i dont have enough money now, i couldnt afford building engineer or an archy,,, a friend whos an archy did the design for free then God gave me a season mason from Ibadan who is sincere enough to help manage the little fund..

its well.. i will post picture later today

Oga Twinskenny, ICPC and EFCC dey here o! Don't make us ask you to come and open books o.

I know 2m structure is possible because I don't know where Okada man wey build 4 bedroom house within 6 months wan get N4m. We may need to go back to village and ask how it is been done but seriously some things are very possible. I've seen a lot of boys, earning less than 50k a month, living in their own houses. What about bricklayers? It'll be shocking to know that almost 70-80% of the bricklayers who handle most of our jobs live in their own house. How dem dey do am? We need to learn.

Congrats and well done!

1 Like

Properties › Re: General Topic Thread-To Discuss Anything And Everything in Building Construction by brabus(m): 9:47am On Oct 16, 2015

adanny01:
I thought he was asking how much more on top of N2m will he require to have those quality of materials in the building.

Am sure he was just being sarcastic.

Even at that, I believe such a deal or package should come with upgrade options.

There's no reason to be sarcastic here. I've seen some earthbag constructions that were done as backyard project with good budgets. So who knows what he might be thinking.

Properties › Re: General Topic Thread-To Discuss Anything And Everything in Building Construction by brabus(m): 9:22am On Oct 16, 2015

adanny01:
You cant eat your cake and have it.

You cant dictate cost and quality at the same time. One has to give. If you must build a N2million house, you must give in to quality. If you must build a house with best quality you must give in to cost.

I think he already gave in by asking "how much more?"

1 Like

Properties › Re: Call For Your Epoxy Flooring by brabus(m): 1:52am On Oct 16, 2015

Following with keen interest

Properties › Re: Nexthome Builders: 2014/2015 New and Ongoing Projects by brabus(op): 6:55pm On Oct 15, 2015

K-024 Schmidt Hammer Test (Videos and Pics)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2NnP5l4NDg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXU2u2ihp54

Properties › Re: Nexthome Builders: 2014/2015 New and Ongoing Projects by brabus(op): 6:41pm On Oct 15, 2015*

K-024 Schmidt Hammer Test

Today, we conducted a non-destructive testing to identify the concrete strength with a Concrete Rebound Hammer and Cover meter for the Columns supporting our superstructure.

I was definitely not suprised at the results of the test. We did our best and got 95% of the job right.

K-024: The Test Procedure

• 20 Column selected for testing were marked for identification and we ensure they were all in dry condition.

• The Test was conducted on a smooth and uniform surface. We do not have any honey-comb in any of columns anyway. Although, the test engineer had to use his grinding wheel on some of the surfaces.

• We took 9 - 10 rebound readings at each of selected points. For each reading the hammer was shifted 25 mm and also ensure the same spot was not rebounded twice. The engineer also ensure the point of impact is at least 20 mm away from the edge of the column to avoid false reading/result.

• The compressive strength of the concrete is determined by taking average of rebound reading from 9 - 10 readings.

• We had overall average of 25 N/mm² with the best result at 31.5 N/mm² which is well over the desired value.

The Mix Ratio: 1:2:4
The Materials: Berger Sand, 3/4 inch Granite, Clean Water (Borehole) and Dangote 42.5R Cement
Formwork: Marine plywood and Steel Shuttering
What could improve the result: Vibrating the concrete to remove air pockets.

1 Like

Properties › Re: General Topic Thread-To Discuss Anything And Everything in Building Construction by brabus(m): 10:30am On Oct 15, 2015*

EgunMogaji:
I think this also contributed to the vast amount of unfinished projects in Nigeria.

People commence building with an unrealistic budget.

How do you mean bro? We can ask Bro Sir nigeriancuban to show us a sample of the 2.$omething 4 bed bungalow. I don't even mind if it's having only one bathroom.

We need to learn new things.

Properties › Re: Nexthome Builders: 2014/2015 New and Ongoing Projects by brabus(op): 7:17am On Oct 15, 2015

Backfilling the Alpha Beach site

Properties › Re: Nexthome Builders: 2014/2015 New and Ongoing Projects by brabus(op): 6:09am On Oct 15, 2015

[size=13pt]“The unfortunate thing about money is that it always raises suspicion, even among brothers." ~ Ministerial Nominee, Mr. Fashola. [/size]

1 Like

Properties › Re: Nexthome Builders: 2014/2015 New and Ongoing Projects by brabus(op): 10:01am On Oct 12, 2015

Happy New Week!

Properties › Re: Nexthome Builders: 2014/2015 New and Ongoing Projects by brabus(op): 9:57am On Oct 12, 2015

K-024 by NextHome (The Model)

Properties › Re: Nexthome Builders: 2014/2015 New and Ongoing Projects by brabus(op): 9:54am On Oct 12, 2015

K-024 by NextHome

Properties › Re: Parapet Roofing Questions $ Answers by brabus(m): 6:46am On Oct 10, 2015

@Dominionng, you win!

2 Likes

Properties › Re: General Topic Thread-To Discuss Anything And Everything in Building Construction by brabus(m): 7:28pm On Oct 09, 2015*

spyder880:
Those chippings guys? I comment my reserve.

Thank God for NextHome truck in some of our projects. I can only imagine the huge loss so many clients are making. I've never bought more than 25 tons with the truck and no 30 tons delivered to me (by my supplier o) has ever matched the quantity I get.
Even the 25 tons sef, I just dey agree say Na 25 tons because I no get scale or mind to start counting Chippings one by one.

Anyhow sha, God dey!

1 Like

Career › Re: Towards Achieving Financial Independence! by brabus(m): 5:40pm On Oct 09, 2015

Respect OP!

Properties › Re: Smart Homes | The Technology You Need To Outfit Your Smart Home by brabus(op): 4:16pm On Oct 09, 2015

Energy Saving | Nebia Shower

^{When you think about it, there’s not a whole lot separating one shower head from another. Sure, they can vary in flow from high pressure - which feels like painful, stubby needles - to low pressure - feels like it’ll take five years for the conditioner to wash out - but when it comes down to it, it’s just water that falls down over your head from a single focal point built into a perforated nozzel.}

Properties › Re: Smart Homes | The Technology You Need To Outfit Your Smart Home by brabus(op): 3:29pm On Oct 09, 2015

Smart Home | Clinicloud Medical Kits for Parents

^{Getting medical opinion sitting back at home was never this easy. By using the Connected Medical Kit by CliniCloud, you’ll be able to bring the doctor home anytime anywhere. This kit comes with a digital stethoscope which is helpful for checking respiratory health. There’s also a non-contact thermometer for analysing your little one’s temperature even when they are asleep. After recording, you can send the medical information directly to your physician using the app or get instant consultation with the help of Doctor On Demand. Get the kit in a sleek carry case and download the Android or iOS app and start your journey with medical help always by your side.}

Properties › Re: Smart Homes | The Technology You Need To Outfit Your Smart Home by brabus(op): 3:02pm On Oct 09, 2015

Home Automation | Winbot (Window cleaning robot)

^{Operating WINBOT is as simple as one, two, three. Simply SPRAY the front cleaning pad with the WINBOT Professional Cleaning Solution provided, switch the power ON, place WINBOT on the glass and press START. WINBOT will then measure the glass, clean it and return to where it started and wait for you. Simple.}

Properties › Re: Smart Homes | The Technology You Need To Outfit Your Smart Home by brabus(op): 2:46pm On Oct 09, 2015

Smart Tech | Foodini (a 3D food printer)

^{Foodini is a new generation kitchen appliance that combines technology, food, art and design. What are you waiting for? Print your Eba, Ogbono, Iyan now!}

Properties › Re: Smart Homes | The Technology You Need To Outfit Your Smart Home by brabus(op): 2:31pm On Oct 09, 2015

Intercom | Nucleus Intercom

^{It’s surprising how little home intercoms have evolved considering how long they’ve been around. “When my wife and I were renovating our house, we wanted an intercom system to keep tabs on our three little boys,” says Nucleus founder Jonathan Frankel. “But all the quotes came back above $3000 for the same technology mar parents installed 20 years ago.”

Frankel saw a need and he aims to fill it with the Nucleus smart-home intercom. His tablet-like device does a lot more than simply enable two people to speak to each other from different rooms. It’s also designed to be an all-in-one, voice-activated control panel for the connected home.

You can now connect with video or audio with anyone on the same system - whether they're in the next room or another country. Now more wires.}

1 Like

Properties › Re: Smart Homes | The Technology You Need To Outfit Your Smart Home by brabus(op): 2:13pm On Oct 09, 2015

Home Automation | LAVi Instant Hot Water Touchless Faucet

^{LAVi is a smart faucet that is connected via Wi-Fi and can be programmed to a user's personal preferences. It is easily controlled with a wave of the hand and provides: instant hot water, auto flow control, touchless operation, a pop-out water fountain that provides cold water even when the hot water is flowing, and much more. LAVi is also equipped with safety features which include scald prevention and sink capacity awareness to prevent overflows.}

Properties › Re: Smart Homes | The Technology You Need To Outfit Your Smart Home by brabus(op): 1:55pm On Oct 09, 2015

Security | Ola Fingerprint Smart Lock

^{For the most part, it works exactly like you’d expect it to. You simply tell it how many users there are, scan their fingerprints into the system, and start using it. Whenever somebody gets home and needs to open the door, all they’ve got to do is put their thumb on the scanner (conveniently located right on the door handle) and turn the handle.}

1 Like

Properties › Re: Smart Homes | The Technology You Need To Outfit Your Smart Home by brabus(op): 1:16pm On Oct 09, 2015

Home Automation | Ecoisme - Intelligent Energy Monitoring System

^{With Ecoisme device, you no longer have to worry if you forgot to switch off the iron or AC, if your kids forgot to turn off the light in the middle of the night or if the refrigerator door is left open. Ecoisme helps you track energy consumption for your appliances, send you recommendations on how to reduce usage and alerts you when you left them on.}

Properties › Re: Smart Homes | The Technology You Need To Outfit Your Smart Home by brabus(op): 1:07pm On Oct 09, 2015

Home Automation | Tado Smart AC Control

^{Heres comes the Smart AC control that uses your phone's location to cut your energy bill. Tado automatically adjusts your AC based on your location: cool before you get home, saving when you're away. No matter where you are, with Tado, you always know the temperate at home or work. No more "Lasisi, help me run the AC before I get back home.}

Properties › Re: Smart Homes | The Technology You Need To Outfit Your Smart Home by brabus(op): 1:01pm On Oct 09, 2015

Lighting | Phillips Hue Tap (Wireless Lighting Control)

^{Wouldnt it be nice to control all the lights of you home from one single switch? With Phillips Hue Tap, you can.}

Properties › Re: Parapet Roofing Questions $ Answers by brabus(m): 9:03am On Oct 09, 2015

beansandgarri:
Parapets are beautiful but I am not sure of the functionality.just moved into a house with parapet roof but when it rains water leaks into the wall.

Just like I mentioned above, the parapet is not a police station. Neither is it an umbrella. Believe it or not, it's just a part of the building which most Naija designer introduce to compensate for lack of skills to design a very beautiful exterior.

You don't get to see much of it in design from other countries.

2 Likes

Properties › Re: Parapet Roofing Questions $ Answers by brabus(m): 8:52am On Oct 09, 2015

I've seen natural handwork of men. They're so beautiful! Non-Screeded walls. Normal emulsion paint job.

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Pic - Lagos, NG

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