akinolaolujide:

I still retain my question are the clients willing to foot the bills as it is, if yes i can assure you all is possible, after all all this people have family to feed and they cant do what will end them in debt just becos they want to impress a client.

For crying out loud, this is the freaking problem with our country! The man illustrated that the " most of you", including me would gladly pay 200k to rent metal scaffold instead of twice for the inferior bamboo or wood alternative. A winning proposition to all plus the environment. Yet people keep talking as if the lack of professional or occupational development is because people are not willing to pay for excellence. Which begs the chicken and egg question about whether Togolese hone their skills because "most of us" are willing to pay a premium or whether we are "slappy happy" to pay the premium because they demonstrate proactively acquired exceptional skills set. Segments of Nigerian market for any product or service have respective equilibrium prices. Enough of this crap about if the client is willing to pay. Ask the Togolese!

kopell:
Bros read between the line, I never told you reptel, like reptel is what I said. I stop using reptell 3 years ago. I don't have any offer for You ok. I not in calling card business, it's just to let people like you knew there other better options. This is why we always fine it difficult to get help case close.

Amen!

kopell:
My brother I fill your pain, mine phone call bill is almost $50 per week, thanks to bossrevolution rate increase. That increase makes me search for alternative just like Reptel, right there in your back yard. You need referral from me to get first free 2$ card. Send me your email, I will refer you to them to get the better rate. The beauty of it all a Nigerian IT guru is part of there team.

Thanks for offer but I had checked out Reptel's website and they have also raised their rates to about Bossrevolution's, i.e. $15 for 150 minutes. Given my extensive speed calling list and other features, I will remain with Bossrevolution for any calls that I absolutely cannot make via Whatsapp, FaceTime or Skype. My "protest" goal is to limit my monthly "spend" at $15 and let Naija govt. enjoy their 600% of negative $85 (additional amount I usually spend). Let us see how they will raise total revenue via net subtraction. Funny math!

lastpage:


At the bolded. (I dont want to quote the whole post, to save bandwidth).

This is what l think: [/b]At #450 to the Dollar, that means you are spending an average of #45,000 Monthly, to call home.
At 30mins to the Dollar, that would give you about 3000mins or 50hrs per Month
In days, that gives you an average of 2hrs, 10mins per day.

[b]In a year, you would have spent on the average, $1200 and spoken to them for just over 2hrs, everyday!

Now, if you invest in a Laptop or a good phone with a large enough Screen ($400; one-off cost).
Broadband Internet/Data connection (#15,000 ($30) per month for 50Gb (recurrent cost, $360 annually).
One solid HD Webcam with Microphone ($80, one-off cost).

Total in first year: 400 + 360 + 80 = $840
Total for second year: $360
Total for third year: $360, ditto fourth and fifth year.

Total in five years (using laptop/Skype/ = (360 x 4) + 720 = $2160
Total in five years (makin GSM phone calls) 1200 x 5 = $6,000.

Plus the added advantage that you got to see your folks in VIDEO (as against audio only) and you can video-call for hours on end with your 50GB while having a record of the video-calls, you are spend LESS THAN HALF of what you currently spend!

This was "discussion" my own son had with me some years back due to distance/separation between us.
Just like you said, emerging situations can force us to ADAPT/CHANGE tactics which end-up becoming even more beneficial to us.
We need to always look at the positive side of things and make the necessary change, so we can take advantage of the good it presents.




Lastpage!

PS: @gbadexy and @ironGalaxy: "Six"... and "half-a-Dozen" are both, the same thing, but we are just looking at them from different sides/perspective!
Let us respect each others opinion and the right to have it, irrespective of how strong we hold dear unto our own.
PEACE.

Thanks for the suggestion. Many a threat or challenge in life has embedded opportunities! Our most called contacts at home have laptops and we would explore skype opportunities with them. In the interim, my wife and I have started calling some folks via Whatsapp and will briefly use Bossrevolution for all other necessary situations.
To fully comprehend the enormity of the rate increase, following is an explanation from the head of Bossrevolution; I anxiously await the peer to peer web text/call application mentioned therein:

BossRevolution
September 30, 2016
Dear Clients and Partners,

BOSS Revolution was founded to provide our customers with a service that offers value, transparency and trust. All of our decisions are made with this in mind.

As you may have noticed, on September 26th, 2016, the price for calling Nigeria increased substantially.

Our decision to increase the price was difficult but necessary as Nigerian mobile operators increased the cost of calls to Nigeria by approximately 600%.

As an immigrant myself, I know from personal experience that higher rates to call back home can impose a real hardship.

I’m extremely grateful to the many Nigerians who use BOSS Revolution to connect home, and I can assure you that we are committed to providing you with the best possible rates and services. That is why we’ll soon have a new BOSS Revolution mobile app with peer-to-peer calling and messaging.

Also, during October, no fees will be charged on any remittance to Nigeria made from any BOSS Revolution Money Transfer store, bossrevolution.com or the BOSS Revolution app. In addition, each time you send money, you'll automatically receive 30 minutes of FREE calling to Nigeria on BOSS Revolution.

Thank you for your loyalty and understanding.


Bill Pereira
CEO, IDT Telecom & BOSS Revolution

[quote author=lastpage post=49846607]

Has anyone noticed the recent drastic increase in the calling rates from USA to Nigeria, a result of the inept effort by our government to raise revenues from international calls. Bossrevolution rates increased from less than 3 cents to 10 cents per minute, effective Sept. 26. The $1 that yielded over 30 minutes, can only fetch 10 minutes. At 460 naira for 1 minutes, why should I not channel 99% of my calls via VOIP, using Whatsapp, FaceTime, etc? The mentioned ineptitude relates to the neglect of "elasticity of supply and demand" ( which even market okra sellers understand in practice) in price setting even in monopolies. A 500% rate increase driven by Nigerian FedGov. tariff increase shows a deplorable, self destructive price modeling, assuming any, particularly at a time of increasing availability of cheap internet based phone calls!

Change ( economic, financial, production, commercial, etc) is often measured in nominal and relative terms, both important! Illustrative is the fact that I usually spend about $100 a month on calling home. This change means a nominal increase to $500 a month, a relative increase of 500%, all of a sudden. Had they raised it by 100 % immediately, many will say , " I understand". The upto date dizzy devaluation of the Naira is still less than 300% YTD even on the back market. Guess what, 500% or 1 zillion % times of nothing is zero. They have actually done me the favor of compelling the discipline of making my calls via the internet. The savings can go to innumerable charitable ends back home. Lest you ask, I also pay, through family support, call receipt in Nigeria. Obviously, data is cheaper than voice at home. So why should informed persons not make individual decisions that collectively may turn Our Govt. policy-----self defeating!

Pardon any heightened passion and frustration about how we "move our country" forward-ly back!

mavverick:
Abeg

Make una take am easy, lets learn to respect each others opinions as long as its not prejudiced by tribe/religion/race etc. It was just a conversation which relates to property, as most will find that very few materials are locally made once u are about to start roofing till you probably finish a typical house.

Whoa! I can get used to "this" Mavverick, the peace maker, flame quencher, fight breaker! Joke aside, thanks for brokering peace that, I assume, entails respect and civility in arguing divergent views on an issue. Peace!

Excuzeme:



Thank you Sir.

I appreciate your concern but l am just shocked that no one bordered to call it to order all this while.

I will take to your advice and let the Leprous Dogs bark as much as they can.

Thanks for heeding the advice. Be reminded that (1) it takes 2 persons to dance "tango"; one self-ridicules when engaged in a self applauding
narcissistic tango-solo, and (2) the timeless adage, "silence is golden" ( best answer.........) should be embraced and invoked, "sometimes"! Good temperament is not mark of weakness. As H. Clinton recently remarked about Trump, a person who you can bait with a "tweet", lacks proper temperament! Peace!

Enough is enough. You all should grow up and cease the senseless bickering and finger pointing debacle. I would be ashamed of my adult son or siblings were they to engage in this sort of madness during which people have even invoked the name of God during cross fires of expletives and uncouth words, even on Holy Days. Many have implored and begged for cessation of hostilities, to no avail. At this point, reasonable people no longer care about who started or restarted the pride-filled face-off and "unclad" dance of madness. Your parents would be less than proud of the ongoing particular conduct, regardless of the merits of the initial stand or cause. If you think otherwise, unmask your identity. I dare you by unmasking myself. My name is Joel Okorowo. GOOGLE or FACEBOOK me and judge how I conduct my life in terms of respect for self and others, regardless of station. Enough is enough!

lastpage:
for those who have been asking: Where is Lastpage?

@Lastpage is here!

I got banned for one good month (the whole of August) due to very strong views in the Politics Section
(i tackled the Moderator himself )

I served my ban like a good Citizen and now l am back and as [size=14pt]COLOURFUL [/size] as ever.
Y
While l was away, some people's moniker have been ascribed to @Lastpage.
Infact, l noticed that ANYONE who writes a good piece or makes a sensible contribution that does not go with the tide, is suddenly labelled Lastpage!

@MMotino wrote something interesting on page 487, he as labelled a "born-again" Lastpage!
@Excuzeme has been putting up brilliant posts and he was labelled Lastpage!

Just about anyone who writes well and does not join the scallywag group, is labelled as Lastpage!


Very interesting.

Well, l am back from my ban.

What else does SCALLYWAGS need to say about me, that have not been said while l was away?
I will soon see them scampering around now, just watch


Respects to all the good people that kept this thread alive, while the Scallywags tried to derail it.



Lastpage!

Like many colours that make a rainbow, your presence is desired and missed. This old man, me, dey beg you to sheat the drawn sword of battles deemed incomplete. Instead, let us find ways to address imperative outstanding travesties in a manner that does not sink the essence of this thread. Please concede to greater peace, even when cajoled by real or fake warriors; no need to test/prove. Na beg I dey beg! My experience says that this is the only Nairaland thread that can lead newbies and experienced followers to vast multiplicity of subject or Service provider threads and following. You can find out about Syyder, Abdulwastecx,, etc reputation here and follow their individual projects and posts. You can find here about about solar, doors, windows, gates, electrical and infinite materials and suppliers and providers, and leads to members projects. The reverse does not hold. Following Spyder's every project, as I do, will not expose me to vast other information centered herein. I want our ongoing discussion and interaction to be robust-imbued of necessary respectful and honest challenge process, so that newbies who click to last pages may want to revert to page one, and patiently discern the wheat versus chaff, the genuine, real Mckoy, versus the fraudsters, fakers, perpetrators! The future me's ( Johnny just come) need this thread focused and alive beyond 5000 pages! Respect and Peace!

Beulah09:


Maybe effect of government ptojects.

Big maybe! Even in major market-based "capitalist" economies, e.g USA, monopolies or near monopolies, particularly in important sectors of the economy are more closely regulated. You cannot limit cement import, concede domestic production to a few mega manufacturers, monopoly, and fail to ensure against monopolistic profit! Assuming that planned and ensuing massive federal infrastructure programs could strain normal total public and private sector demand for vs supply of cement, govt should plan for price stabilization by, among other measures, granting provisional import licenses, leveraging regs. to sustain price moderating supply levels by monopolies. Again, I know, " this na naija". Must we accept it? We can acknowledge, without conceding the propriety or lacking of) the way we dey roll!

jossy26:
The price will come down in a while, the increase is not sustainable

The cost of manufacturing cement is not directly proportional to foreign currency exchange rate changes. Thus, it is inconceivable that a 100% spike in cement price in less than 10 months is justifiable and sustainable when vital macro and micro economic indicators (gross national income/revenue, gross domestic product, employment rate, earned wage/benefits payment, disposal income, etc) are contracting. Unless cement using construction by governmental entities and Nigerians abroad (exchange rate equalization of Naira price increase of commodities) can offset and supplant the overall lower demand by our local private sector, individuals and businesses, the new price of cement will fall to appropriate equilibrium with supply. If, as I think, current and foreseeable demand will trail supply, drastic recent price increases can not sustain; Dongote etc may have to cut production or sit on their excess supply. Oil boom and curruption based excess liquidity is very low; money river no-dey-flow like before; austerity dey every corner! Then again, this is Nigeria! Proven economic theories and experiences may not jive/rhyme or stick. Good luck to those of us who are irrevocably committed to commencing or completing their build! God dey!

mavverick:
Good idea
@Juokorow, I think you have the ideas, one thing i would say is to be careful and not get too carried away. Think about maintenance and the Nigerian effect.

# Select your builder carefully in light of what you read here.
# Whoever you select, ensure that you are both clear on what your aims and objectives are.

Lastly, try not to assume in the Nigeria construction arena especially when building from the Diaspora, I have nearly finished my house (looking at paints now) and I took it on from the first floor decking, so I know what i am saying. A friend of mine usually says that with construction in Nigeria, look at it like you are asking them to build a car, you have got to tell them that the car needs 4 tyres, windows, a steering, engine, controls, electrics etc. you may laugh, but take this advice and keep it in your tight fist.

Thanks for the consul. I am on semi retirement and plan to spend upwards of 3 months on the ground during all main stages. Our children are
grown and my wife and I intend spending at about half a year at home, upon completion. Believe me, I will be hawkeye focused, wringing every drop of knowledge and contacts I have acquired here. Thanks again!

Excuzeme:


Very brilliant question!

let me also ask: Can this coat be used on places like over-flows, 'Water-Tank on Decking' areas to make them impermeable to water?

Folks, this is the type of questions that attracted and retained me on Nairaland, including this thread. I am near completion of the floor/ architectural design of my build, with clarity about the functionality and flow of the the living space, floor-sense. My vision includes extant need for "solar power" and split unit A/C, waste disposal, etc, in a manner that considers traditional and new materials and implementation approaches. Specifically, with traditional roofs, I resented (1) the limited " true South" section of roof that is optimal for solar panels, (2). drilling through expensive roof work/tiles to mount Solar panels that are leak risky and aesthetically no-no! We, also, did not want multiplicity of split unit A/C outdoor units hanging on exterior walls or tethered to ground. Hence, we decided on a "concrete flat roof/terrace for an expanse that can optimize the # and average daily sun exposure of panels that can be discreetly Installed, alike AC compressors etc, out of view and wrinkles. Many family nays weeped rain about, "water leak", "heat" etc about this unconventional cement roof!,,,,,.

Meanwhile, the knowledge from this and other threads inspired us through iterations of plans that required "thinking out of the box" in evaluating challenges and discerning solutions, including many that are available in Nigeria and should be the greater focus of debate or embrace! In my journey thus far, I have had the privilege of discussions with our brother, Abdulwastecx, on Polystyrene (Polyindustries, Abuja) as structural and non structural alternatives to many norms. Axion Tuffcrete ( Canadian waterproof cement/concrete, etc) is available in Lagos. Biofil Toilet (and kitchen) Digester. https://www.nairaland.com/2138981/biofil-toilet-digester-alternative-septic is worthy of discussion and alike was mentioned in a newspaper article yesterday about the toilet waste system breach in Enugu.

In other words, our home will have a flat polystyrene slab concrete roof/terrace. Polystyrene slabs will server as cost/heat insulator. Our solar and AC will discreetly stay out of view. The roof slab will be imbued with the waterproof and insulation properties, while granting ample day and night recreational space for my family. Requisite Imagination and collaboration would not have happened if I had come amidst this thread in current ceaseless and overwhelming focus on the agreed ABSOLUTE wrongs of Brabus, and necessary restitution. Yet, his known victims must not, exuberantly deflect the wrath brewed in their support. Nairaland, at my age and view is a great find --- to enable me build a home of my desire and means, my personal dream home. I wil break ground soon, God willing life. Interim, many of the reputable builders may find that I have been following them, alike my folks building from diaspora. From the Spyd-guru (e.g.) to Egun-Americana (compliment), I have studiously followed! That is the initial legacy of this thread that must continue; folks abroad can gain/ regain the dare to build at home.
8 months only, I know I "senior" any newbie that drifts here to discern from general discussions on building. I just wish that they would see the latest pages (where most go) in more staying lights. As said, essence of this thread transcends views on any matter tabled under it. Those who can chew gum and walk ( not mutually exclusive) can help me consider pro-con: polystyrene. Biofil-waste, Waterproof concrete, flat concrete vs conventional roof etc. Let us consider too, whether there is a better water proofing solution than the one suggested on the message I quoted. If public concrete water tanks can be waterproof, why surface-proof?
Following are initial and latest view of my plan:

mavverick:
Lets set the record set once more in case you were not reading property.
You sent me an email back in February 2016, I replied you on February 11th and asked for a contact number, of which you have not replied me till date, is this true yes or no ?

Now, with the case of dodgy usernames springing up every minute, I cannot trust any username that just emails me unless its a tried and tested one, neither do I know your motive.

You have failed to clarify whether you are also lastpage ? Why should I care anyway, I was just making a point about sending emails and then going AWOL.

Why did you not reply me with a contact number when I asked twice back in February 2016, over 6 months ago. If I was able to speak to the anonymous person behind the moniker, at least I can verify who is who. I get NL email request from all sorts of people, as long as its nothing confidential I am happy for you to say it in the open. I have nothing to hide.

You claim to provide a contact number, all you said was that I should visit EFCC office Milverton road, is that a telephone number ? Is that a contact ? Is that a lead ? Is that a set of helpful instructions ? Is it something I already know about ? BIG YES. If you have nothing to hide, why did you stop replying me. Is that a new thing that I already know ? The answer is NO. Going to Milverton road is not an issue for me, in fact I have made plans which I do not plan to reveal, if you are lucky you might hear about it.

If you don’t have cold feet about yourself also being lastpage or whatever, why are you so bothered about LP. Nothing concern me anyway.

Brabus has not paid me 300K as he offered, he has only paid N210K till date, so get your facts right, and stop publishing incorrect details


Lastly, get it out of your head if you think that your order for brabus to pay is what is making him pay, I can say whatever I like which I feel is in the interest of the public of NL to know, YOU WILL NEVER GAG ME OR CONTROL ME AS TO WHATEVER I TYPE JUST BECAUSE YOU TYPED THAT BRABUS SHOULD PAY WHAT HE OWES !!

So others that have made such sensible comment, I should go and prostrate to them right ? You are clearly not serious.
I have my own plans on how I intend to recover the money, you don’t need to worry about what the plans are, daring me like this is clearly speaking like a baby or a child. Who talks like that ? Is that how you talk to people, I dare you to do this or that. I do whatever I feel is right at my own time, not under command from anyone, no matter who the person is.

You also do not need to get involved anymore at least I never solicited for your help to get involved, you read what happned and you felt it wasnt right hence why you got involved, not because I asked you to, whether you do or not, I am still my own man doing well by the grace of God, and my build is still progressing, whether you get involved or not, whether Bosun Shoyoye pays for the fake building plan or not.

Am I clearer this time ?

I got work to do and not got the time for any mud slinging.

You simply don't get it! A victim can, by their action or reaction, lose normal public empathy or support. It is apparent that you have lost, by switching to nuisance approach, the erstwhile empathy, support and respect on this matter of many vocal and silent followers of this thread. Chill out!

EgunMogaji:


The only exception are hvac units, clothes dryers, etc

The expression of behaving like romans when in Rome is limiting.

We have little Saigon, little Tokyo, Chinatown, Russia district here. Clearly those folks want the feel of home.

Not trying to convince folks to do 110v, just trying to have a conversation so that I can be more prepared.

Following this topic closely as the considerations are weighing on me too. Be mindful that USA 220 volts are on 60 hertz while Nigeria is 50 hertz. The lower frequency may result in equipment/appliance premature failures. This is why I plan on sourcing, eventually, multi split unit A/C from China instead of buying the 220 volt Pioneer and other brands that are reasonably priced in USA. My food for thought! Thanks for raising this discussion.

EgunMogaji:
1) Roof The Main House - 4 Cross Hipped Roof - see attached image.



4) Rough Plumbing - Using a Home Run plumbing system - see attached imagecrew.

.

My brother, I have been researching this Pex idea about which you ignited awareness. As, a trailblazer:
1. How does one ensure that the Pex pipe, if bought in Nigeria, sent or brought home, is safeguarded from the massive rapid functional deterioration that happens from UV exposure before being properly placed in use,
2. Even if I pack it well in a container and I am on ground to ensure UV protection upon use, how might you imagine its deployment on a duplex build. I know your project is one bungalow, but your vantage discovery point may have insights for duplex builds. The average application here is within wood frame houses, without the constraints of our homeland blocks and concrete builds.
Thinking out loud!!!!!! Seen your footsteps on all solar threads I have ventured to; may hit you with a few asks on that too!
Thanks.

AZUH:
@erico2k2 the one when you dey hear now Na Buhari English ?

Azuh, my brother, I go send you bill from my doctor for treating my jaw wey don dislocate from laugh wey u cause ooo! Nna, ask am again , well well, which kind oyibo e dey talk ooooo!

abdulwastecx:


That should be DPM (damp proof membrane). It is use to prevent from rising through the foundation

As you may tell, I am going through this entire thread once more (now that I'm better introduced to Naija building basics), picking gem nuggets from your exceptional knowledge and experience. Why is it that:
1. DPM sheets are not joined with a special masking tape on most projects, and
2. DPM is not used for footings
....... as per recommended best practice in USA?

Thanks!

abdulwastecx:


Very good sir.... I am assuming that his roof topmost will be the highest point. But the correct thing is the highest point with a conductor.

How is this done for a concrete flat roof terrace?

EgunMogaji:


I'll report back and may even follow up with a phone call tomorrow as I'm at the stage of potentially using their product on one of my builds.

Curiously though, what part of their marketing makes you feel an implied content of asbestos in their product?

I was referring to the fact that people may casually/wrongly refer to those products with the generic term, "Asbestos", and that the makers should be mindful of the need to correct such connotations. Accordingly, adding "asbestos free" verbiage to their list of water, fire etc advantages (as per your shared info ), for instance, would have negated our need for further clarification.

EgunMogaji:


I don't think asbestos is in the product anymore (the factory is ISO 9001) I think it's just a situation of our local artisans calling the material asbestos.

In any case I have emailed the factory. But then this is Nigeria, could they lie?

In that case, the manufacturers/marketers need to revise their lingo/script, away from the impression that their products do contain "asbestos", similar to how they list the fire, water and pest resistance. People like me shied away from considering such ceilings because of existing misrepresentation/ description.

I look forward to the results of your ongoing inquiries!

ANBAKO:


Thanks you for the explanation. Although I am resolute on using it.

All the same, what is the material composition of "asbestos" ceiling? Just want to widen my knowledge.


Do good for good to come your way!!!

With due respect of your personal right to choose, why would you be "resolute on using it", before discerning "the material composition of "asbestos" ceiling" used in Nigeria? Asbestos is is hazardous, period; it has been banned even for auto break pad/lining in many western countries. I truly hope that your resolve to use it is informed by confirmation that the ceiling material in question is asbestos, in name only! In other words, please confirm before you resolve.

Best wishes on your decision and outcomes.

@Shawls
My brother, it not always the case that people "abroad look down on Naija way" (not quoting you). The fact, oftentimes, is that they are trying to push the envelope on innovations that may be appropriate for our beloved Naija, so long as they are not shoving or forcing it down another's throat. The same concept guides the desire of origins of remote villages to bring increasing modernity, be it from Lagos or Abujaor nearest major town, to their root village. Polystyrene as a structural and non structural alternative material for use in foundation/decking and parapet work, for example, has been in increasing use in Abuja, yet most builders and owners are unaware or dismissively resistant. Axion Tuffcrete which has water/algae proof properties for cement and concrete work, is available in Nigeria, but mostly has been-ignored. Bio Digester, septic system that was developed and tailored for Africa, in Ghana, by Gates Foundation is spreading in Ghana, and has been implemented in some banks and homes in Lagos Nigeria, yet the average Nigerian build follows the same old course syllabus about generic Septic tank etc. Need I mention a trie flat concrete terrace roof as roofing alternative, to accommodate solar panels, AC condensers, and roof garden, for those who deem it a fit? No, you will hear about Naija-no-be oyiboland, how about water leak and heat, etc., without thinking about many newer available (in Naija) materials that mitigate such concerns. When I announced that my duplex will include polystyrene slabs (Polyindustries Nig) on the first floor and roof (yes concrete terrace roof) decking, a family member (in my circle of trust) asked whether I want to build a deck wey go fall! I laughed, because thanks to Nairaland, I understand the relative "filler" role of concrete etc (flesh) and ironwork (bones) in said structural form. Same material has been used in shopping malls decking in Naija. Go figure! Peace, still!

Shawls:
You people answering this guy have time to waste.Let him go and import his crew of "kokoye" builders from yankee, get them visas, pay them hourly wages, ship all the building materials from Home Depot or Lowes (just to build one single house in Elebu, Ibadan) and after all these hullabaloo, we can do a comparison of his "American White House" in 9ja to our own locally fabricated Aso Rock. After all, it's his house and he has a right to build it to his taste, abi?
Haba! nah wetin? I have a property in that very neighborhood(Oke Alaro, after the market)?one in NNPC, Apata, another 4 bedroom twin duplex(using 9ja's term) in Akala estate Akobo.In fact I used some NL's for the job & no noise at all.
What is your problem? Nah only you waka come from US?
You need to stop this nonsense.

Take a deep breath and exhale and relax, my brother. What is it that you find so disagreeable about how he has gone about trying to build a home in Naija. He simply wants to build a bungalow etc to his taste/style/preferences. He never posed or chose duplex or big mansion, because everyone else does. He likes bungalow; my own go be duplex. That boils down to a simple matter of individual difference and choice. He likes antique auto; I don't. So..? I follow this project because I increasingly identify select gems or nuggets of ideas that I can learn from in planning and executing my own thing. The safe room walls and the BQ/guest/garage's sloped flat roof, for instances, have already sparked conversation with my architect! Let's respect the beauty of individual difference and accentuate it's positives, in well mannered interactions . Peace!

abdulwastecx:


Ok sir, I will look over it. Thanks

I beg, check other site for my message to restore linkage!!!!!!

Abdul,l
Very sorry to hear about this shabby treatment! Though I followed this project from day one, I only came here to ask you to update our contact info, after trying to call you or reach you via WApp. Please update our WApp contact info so that I can message or call you.

Truly sorry for the mess you suffered on this project! You are still my person!!!!!!!!!!!!

abdulwastecx:


I nearly missed this part sir. This is what I am trying to explain, when we build foundation for one storey building or some bungalows, we build it using isolated/combine and continuous footings together with strip to receive the foundation blocks. This strip now necessitate for foundation block which may be avoided totally. For most recent bungalows we have built, we end up spending about 400/500k for sub structural walls which can be eliminated completely if we vary the method a little bit.

The major importance of foundation or sub structural walls in a one storey building or bungalow are as follows :
To distribute dpc or oversite concrete wall to the soil below.
To act as brace and horizontal tie to the beams below.
To serve as retaining walls to filling for high foundation walls (those built above natural ground level.

A system of only isolated pad footings, foundation column to the building ground level (Natura ground level - vegetables soil above), a ground beam to link all the pillars sitting on grade. This grade beam height can vary depending on floor loads, ground floor wall load and the need to raise the ground floor above the natural ground level to control flood. In some cases, additional 2 blocks is positioned on top of this beam to Rais the level above the ground before filling and dpc are done.
Here is a summary of this type of foundation
1. Removal of loose vegetables soil to get to formation level.
2. Setting out and marking of column base to get the pad isolated pad, combined footings as the case at be.
3. Digging of only the position isolated pad footings.
4. Arrangements and placements of pad footings reinforcement and foundation columns.
5. Casting of isolated footings.
6. Formwork to foundation column up to level achieved in step 1.
7. Casting of these columns.
8. Filling of these isolated footings after curing for 2 days.
9. Setting out of these grade beams
10. Formwork to grade beams
11. Formwork to grade beams
12. Casting of grade beams.
13 addition of one or two courses of blocks as the case may be
13. Filling of foundation foundation
14 dpc or oversite concrete.

You have have prompted laymen like me to "Google" isolated, combined, etc. footing. Please confirm my following understanding from your write-up:
With an appropriate land/soil, for some one-storey or bungalow foundations:
1. It is not necessary to dig the usual depth of trenches connecting all peripheral and internal columns, thus
2. We won't need to lay unnecessary coaches of block or pour similar concrete between columns before dpc or oversite concrete
3. We will "mainly" dig to erect specific isolated or combined footings such as diagramed below
4. We will still have a structurally sound build (including the other steps you listed) while saving time, labour and materials.

Keenly awaiting your response! Thanks for your exemplary attitude and generous knowledge sharing.

abdulwastecx:


Oga be rest assured, I am not the guy

I deliberately posed that "rhetorical", to challenge a certain logic. Hell no! No sane one would conjure or imagine serious thoughts of your involvement in any such nefarious course of dealing; same for Syder880. We're good!!!!!! Discerning minds understand my script. Let peace reign! BTW, I agree that we shouldn't throw away a child with the bath water; neither should we deny that said water is murky/dirty and must be discarded. Per Bob Marley, "who the cap fit; let them wear it". Peace!!!!

As a senior citizen, one is reminded of the need to avoid opening a Pandora's box, voluntarily, only to plead oath of silence or "the fifth", thereafter!

FastShipping:


On few occasion I saw nairalanders contacted him for work and I made contacts to warn them.

Sometimes, a partial disclosure stirs panic and, hence, is worse than silence. On my need to know, given potential collaboration, please confirm that Abdulwastecx and Spyder880 are clear of this dark cloud over "engineers and builders". Thanks.

EgunMogaji:


1) I've had that video saved as inspiration

2) No Nigerian block is that anatomically correct and structurally sound, not even the big boys blocks even though he's using the same Q10 machine made by the Chinese

3) That guy in that video is an exceptional pro and I don't see how he can make less than $35 per hour.

4) One doesn't need trick tools and gadgets.

Very nice.

Thanks. You might remember that I had commented on the neat block work on your fence. I also have keenly noted the relatively consistent neat block work on Sypder880's many builds. I'm simply committed to achieving a reasonably neat block and other masonry work on my upcoming project. While home in December, I hand selected a Molder to handmold to my architect's specs, under daily supervision by my "tough" sister inlaw. Attached are a few sections of about 9000 blocks molded thus far from the one 9" "mold" (dat metal form wey they use) and one for the 6" ( for non load bearing partitions etc). A cropped close inspection of the pictures indicates that the blocks are sufficiently identical and should not account for poor block work.
BTw, I "borrowed" your shed ( technical term) sloping flat roof style, with a few of your pictures as examples for for my architect to use for my BQ. I hope sey u no mind o! Thanks again.