₦airaland Forum

Is this the way forward, and I wonder how much it will cost for a 60 x 120 standard plot. Using this short bored pile vs 2 board raft all the way around.



EFFICIENT TO USE SHORT BORED PILES FOR PERIMETER FENCING IN SWAMPY AREAS?


It makes more economic sense to use short bored piles for perimeter fencing in swampy areas than to use raft or deep strip foundation which is in common use, it has been observed. However it is important to do it the right way. Generally, perimeter fence consists of non-load bearing walls or partially load-bearing walls depending on its use and configuration; hence the use of short bored piles is structurally permissible. By constructing reinforced concrete piles with adequate spacing, usually not more than 6m apart and capping them together longitudinally, fence walls of up to 4m can be built directly over the cap (or longitudinal bearing) saving the volume of concrete by up to 50%. Apart from being economical to use short bored piles capped together, it is equally structurally efficient.

Short bored piles are so called because they are constructed by boring the ground and then filling with reinforced concrete or mass concrete and they normally do not exceed 5-metres in depth. They are relatively easier and quicker to construct unlike the longer ones. Once the depth of suitable soil strata is established, rather than constructing raft or strip which consumes cost associated with trench excavation, formwork consisting of several boards lapped together with a lot of bracing as well as heavy reinforcement accompanying the concrete in foundation which is the common practice, it is faster and cheaper to use short bored piles.

Once the fencing layer is filled, prepared and the boring points are marked, the boring is done simultaneously with the insertion of the reinforcing steel piles (usually no casing is required) and concrete in an operation that may not usually do not last more than 30 minutes per point depending on the nature of the soil beneath. When the piles are set, a network of steel reinforcement is used to cap the starter bars of all the piles together. Te set up is casted in concrete and is now set to receive the blocks or bricks for the fence. Presently, it cost an average of 10,000 NGN (depending on the area) to bore and fill a point. Hence for a 36m length which could be one face of a standard plot, only about 7 points is required and the volume of concrete is therefore minimal. With the cost per cubic metre of concrete still hovering around 30,000 NGN, it is more than logical to conclude that short bored pile foundation for perimeter fencing in swampy or water-logged areas is the way to go especially for large areas like residential estates, industrial complexes, etc.

Culled from Castles Magazine.
Article by Engr. Osaz ENOBAKHARE

How much do you charge for mdf wardrobes ?

Gbadexy,

What colours do you have for the type of paint and do you make it yourself also ?

Thanks

Our Engineers & everyone in the house, I greet you all.

I have some questions around interlocking, I have a lot of utilities buried underground and I am strongly considering interlocking as I feel its flexible and easy to maintain/fix/isolate specific areas in some respect.


1) Is it better to buy it ready made or buy the materials and cast it on site (value for money and quality wise)
2) What is the best mix ratio to guarantee that the finished interlocking stones will be strong and durable (during my research I know its good to mix it with stone dust)
3) Are there any special precautions when doing interlocking, or things that one should be careful with ?
4) Is there a difference in quality between the interlocks that Julius Berger use to build roads and the ones for residential buildings ?
5) Is it still necessary to use DPC nylon to line the base to prevent weed from growing.
6) Are there any other steps that one can take to prevent weed infestation on interlocking.
7) In the Western world, its possible to buy special sand that is used to fill what we call block paving stone, this special sand prevents weed from growing between the interlock stones. Is such needed or applicable in Nigeria ?
cool Is it a good idea to fill underneath with rubble, my concern is that rubble is suspect to movement unlike compacted sand at the base of a filling, and where there is movement, this will disrupt the movement and setup of the interlock stones.

Any other tips.

Thanks in advance.

Our Engineers & everyone in the house, I greet you all.

I have some questions around interlocking, I have a lot of utilities buried underground and I am strongly considering interlocking as I feel its flexible and easy to maintain/fix/isolate specific areas in some respect.


1) Is it better to buy it ready made or buy the materials and cast it on site (value for money and quality wise)
2) What is the best mix ratio to guarantee that the finished interlocking stones will be strong and durable (during my research I know its good to mix it with stone dust)
3) Are there any special precautions when doing interlocking, or things that one should be careful with ?
4) Is there a difference in quality between the interlocks that Julius Berger use to build roads and the ones for residential buildings ?
5) Is it still necessary to use DPC nylon to line the base to prevent weed from growing.
6) Are there any other steps that one can take to prevent weed infestation on interlocking.
7) In the Western world, its possible to buy special sand that is used to fill what we call block paving stone, this special sand prevents weed from growing between the interlock stones. Is such needed or applicable in Nigeria ?
Is it a good idea to fill underneath with rubble, my concern is that rubble is suspect to movement unlike compacted sand at the base of a filling, and where there is movement, this will disrupt the movement and setup of the interlock stones.

Any other tips.

Thanks in advance.

Good write up, keep it up.

I some questions for you

If one is tiling a floor with a dark and light tile combination (dark tile is only for design pattern), the wall colour is neutral. is it better to make the skirting a dark tile or a light one ?

Oga spyder880

I hail as usual.
You need that break oo, and if u decide u are going, let me know so I will ring Obama to lend you Airforce 1 . Much respect

spyder880:
I agree, I have a lot of trained workers in this country, very learned professionals and highly skilled artisans that I can close my eyes and travel, leaving the site for them. I hope to visit yankee next year if I can afford to and I don't want any of my clients to have delays just because I went on summer break

Bros.

Am not surprised, it could be that the galvanise is imported from Turkey. Whereas the blocks can be ordered from Baba Lati down the road and they can use 911/land rover to deliver it sharply. Just one of the VERY GOOD examples of educating the audience, new concept and backing it up with the costs, so all man can make an informed decision.

Empiree:
Brothers, just got a quote for the iron fence i posted earlier, damn the quote is 1.791,000. Bricks (custom) Fence is 811k. Crazy difference!

I like to think that I like the idea of new ways of doing things, however I dont like the idea of just posting everything you see on google all in the name of marketing/packaging and not really giving the audience the full picture, things like cost/practicality (In the western world, before a product starts to market, they usually do what they call R&D, to see the practicality / ascertain warranty etc, I just see pictures here from google but no info to back it up to say that its suitable for the Nigerian market etc). I saw the other day what was termed as a medium finishing, now what would have been good is for the OP to state the estimated costs as well, so that the audience can judge if they term it low / medium / high finishing.

I have seen things like precast chambers which i thought was cool, only if i knew the cost. I have also seem lightweight paraphet as well from Abdulwastec which i thought was quite innovative. Bottom line, its nice to educate us with new creative ways / ideas / products, but think about the practicality and info on things like the cost would be good as well. Then people can be well informed.

Bros

do I look like I'm competing for market share with you ?
I'm telling you this is how much I paid the last time. My supplier owns a truck.
Don't have time to argue or prove any point, na take it or leave it. Location Is about 4km from.Ajah.

Chekitaut:
Where is the location in Lagos? At d moment all ur price are not of 30tons plaster and sharp sand.

Some of those costs seems high to me. He should be willing to negotiate.

also since he has given you a figure for all of the labour inclusive. He might not want to do supervision again, if you want to do supervision only who will provide the workers ?

I don't know much about the warri terrain, but if I were to be using your figures as a template for my costs and finishing, i might as well build Aso rock.

Also try to get involved with the project and not just give him 100% control, you also need to supervise and monitor yourself.

You don't also want to hear story about workers not being paid !! Just like what I heard when I engaged engineer at one stage.

44chux:
his company name is DESAKE Engineering. It dosen't come up on nairaland search.

Chekitaut:
Am giving you update you contesting, a ton of Granite from quarry is 2,700, stone dust is 2,200. Make your findings pls, transport excliding o

Mind you all this while you have being scam on tonnage because no 12tires in Abuja carries 30ton exeprt Sinotruck bambam loading.

I dont know whether to class those checkitout prices as cheap.

In Lagos

I pay 55k for bambam plaster sand.
125k or so for bambam granite.
and I think 40 something for sharp sand, this was all before the strike by the sand people, and trust me the sand is well full and well loaded, I got rid of the scamming sand people and those who asked me to get a scientist to measure sand, some building contractors would really crack you up..

abdulwastecx:
It depend on the part of Abuja he is talking about
In the satellite town like gwagwalada, kubwa etc or outskirts (marababa or suleja) it is cheaper to build a house you to carcass but inside the city you pay a lot of money to fcda people at every stage of the work.

Thanks abdulwastecx
Those Satellite towns, how much on average is a plot of land, an area where people are already living there and not bushy area.
Inside the city where you pay FCDA, is that bribes or government receipted fees ?
The impression I have always had about Abuja is that the city is mega expensive and the affordable areas are more like in Nasarawa state, now thats not Abuja.

In Lagos you cant get building plan approval without consent or C of O. what does one do

mufutau55:
The Lawyer is right. But it's good for those who do not have those 3 others documents.

Hajji M.

Am guessing that you mean building up till say just before roofing is cheap, but once you do roofing and finishing, is it safe to say that its almost on par with Lagos ?

Chekitaut:
I encourage anybody Abuja is the cheap place to build, materials are cheap for Carcass the choice of your finishing determine your final cost..

A room self(one room, toilet, kitchenette) goes for N400k on a service apartment. Quite alarming

What title does it have and can you let us know the excision number/details/gazette if such exists ?

Good work you are doing here.
I have a question for you, what is the minimum thickness of a MDF board or should I say what is the thinnest that I can get ?

Thanks.

Does anyone know exactly where the bridge will start and end, the specific areas ?

Hello All.

I stumbled upon the new article: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/04/lagos-sign-mou-4th-mainland-bridge-may-29-ambode/

I know the construction of the 4th mainland bridge has been on the cards for some time now, but it appears that the Lagos state government as per the article are serious about the construction. I wonder if this would have any effect on properties on both sides of the axis.

Lekki side via Ajah / Badore sides
Ikorodu sides

What are the areas to look at for future investments.
What areas should one avoid.
Topography

Comments welcome.

Interesting reading your post. The work looks very neat
I noticed that blocks were used for the construction of the foundation, in what circumstances is this advisable/allowed ?
Also in the cost estimate for the project, is the sum inclusive of finishing or only carcass ?
Do you know a reputable soil engineer and also a reputable structural engineer ?

I always gbadun your educational post as usual, I however do have some questions.

I think I read in the first page that the height of the base of the foundation is 225mm, is this like 1 board in the raft world ?
This is the first time I have seen brazing done with 2 coaches of block, looks good. Is this a general recommendation ?
Is soil test required for fence, I guess if one does a soil test for the main build, the results can also be used to determine the kind of fence to do.
In what scenario would you recommend that blocks be molded on site, and in what circumstances would you recommend that it be bought off the shelf ?

Good piece of Advice Madam.
Its just a case of learning and being armed just in case action is needed. The court case scenario I described is not for nija oo. Thats how it works in the UK, and it can all be done on a DIY basis, plenty of info online on how to fill the form (mistakes in the form or documentation means that the case is thrown out on a technicality), or of course you can hire a lawyer and that is often expensive.

gabbytabby:
Another thing do not invite or allow evicted tenants attend any subsequent meetings once eviction has been finalised.

They seek only mayhem and trouble so do not subject yourself or other tenants to the ramblings.

Thanks for the reply.

In court cases that I know of, here is how it works.
The Claimant (Landlord or LL) fills a form and sends it off to the court for determination, if the forms are filled correctly the courts will send the defendant (Tenant) a copy of the LL's claim. they have a specified amount of time to reply with thier own side of the story etc.

After a certain time, the Judge can either make a decision based on the facts and evidence, mainly in writing etc submitted by both sides, in some cases the T can ask for a hearing, then a date needs to be fixed etc.

In the case of the CMC, if i wanted to initiate a case, do I just go to their office to report a tenant or I fill a form etc, send it back to them and then they will ask for the other sides story as well, the going back and forth, is that done through email or how does it work ?

Do you know what the form looks like, if you have a copy that would be great.

Also as for decision making, is this done via what has been stated in the claim documents or both sides have to show face i am guessing in an informal setting. You are right, the one at Ibeju is the closest for the Lekki area.

Thanks in advance.

gabbytabby:
The decision is enforceable and for eviction if tenant does not go at appointed date a court bailiff eviction is processed. A lawyer of the ministry of justice is always present to clarify the point of law. This migth be the only person or there might be additional people usually for CMC with large client usage.

A tenant or a landlord can approach the CMC. They issue summons to the other party which the initiator serves on the other party or you pay transport and their staff will serve. The courts can also compulsorily refer cases to the CMC.

The initiator states their complaints and prayer(what they want out of the process) the other side is told to respond. To and froing goes on until an agreement is reached. The ministry of justice lawyers clarifies the point of law as necessary and documents the agreement


From the landlord side the main reasons for application is usually
1) None payment of rent and/or service charge
2) Tenant nuisance particularly intolerable nuisance.
3) Landlord need flat for personal use
4) Repairs need to be carried out
5) other tenancy contraventions or infractions

We have a general rent escalation timeline that we follow unless we have strong indication that tenant cannot pay then the goal is to minimise our loss.

A representative can do it. It could be a lawyer or an agent who is aware of the issues or briefed. One tenant was represented although still personally presemt. You definitely need to have copy of tenancy. You could also bring relevant correspondence.

I initially looked online for CMC close to the property. The one in ibeju(igando oloja) is the only one in the lekki/ajah/epe area.

A fried of mine told me yesterday that stone dust can be used for plastering, and i was left arguing with him as it sounded strange to me.

For the benefit of education, our engineers in the house. Please in the construction of a house, where would stone dust be used ? I know of interlocking stone casting, i hear that one. But please state other areas and state where it is essential or a nice to use.

As usual, big thanks to you.

abdulwastecx:
This is the cheapest alternative and it is more suitable for rental properties with stubborn Tennant.

Formwork ( only one formwork can be used for all the wardrobes).

2sheet of marine board (3/4 plywood of 4ft x 8ft) @ N5,500 each = N11,000

2 x 3 brazing, nail, and bamboo pole to support the upper portion of the wardrobe = N 20,000.

Workmanship per wardrobe = N4,000

For 11 wardrobes, total amount for formwork = N 75,000.

Reinforcement
4Y 8 or Y 10 per wardrobe, making a total of 44Y8 or Y10
Cost around N35,000 or N40,000

Casting
30bags of cement for 11 wardrobe
I trip of stone dust

Workmanship for casting =N25,000

Plastering of the wardrobes will cost you N40,000.
Internal partitioning cost N40,000
Doors of the window N55,000.
Total = N275,000/11
It will cost you about N25,000 per wardrobe

abdulwastecx

Thanks for the reply.
You mean a wardrobe like the one pictured below is classed as old school ?
The house is rental, unfortunately no space left for the concrete framed wardrobe and the walls have been plastered, floor tiled. i understand its too late to be building casted wardrobe at the moment, since the wall needs to be broken for the concrete wardrobe to be anchored into the wall. if its the casted wardrobe. is it not just a case of having the doors constructed and a couple of drawers for the bottom ? Do you know how much that will cost to build roughly ?

sharp and plaster sand.
granite for casting.
carpenter
iron bender with Y10 or Y12 rebars for the top.
bricklayer to cast and plaster.

Thanks.

abdulwastecx:
Na so my oga. People don't really like those old wooden frame wardrobe again.

If the house is for rental purpose, the cheapest and attractive alternative is to to build a wall at the side and then frame inside with 25mm x 75mm soft wood, use 1/4 plywood to complete the inner frame, then you can use 1/2 plywood with wooden frame door of say 'afrara' madobia or mailina wood.

For a 4ft x 6f wardrobe it will cost you less than 50k together with workmanship

Excuzeme

Thanks for the tip, are you actually serious between 90k - 125k. Do you mean for 1 wardrobe or like a bundle, so if its 1 that is very high to me. If I want to do DIY, buy all the materials etc and just pay someone preferrably to fabricate on site, like how much will that cost ? Shebi its just a case of going to AMU market one time ?

What happened to solid oak/mahogany/strong wood warbrobes, and using wood stain + varnish to finish it ? As in those wood you can go and cut in the bush and finish it off ?

The funny thing is that most tenants dont send your 90k wardrobe oo, they will still use it anyhow and how much is caution fee self ? caution fee cannot even buy more than 1 wardrobe, not to talk of the other things that could get damaged.

If one doesnt want imported MDF etc, what are the other options ?

Thanks in advance.

Excuzeme:
On the average, the cost of the wardrobes are 90K for the ones with 3 doors and 2 drawers. 125k for the master bedroom 4 doors, 2 drawers and shoe rack. The material in use is laminated MDF. (the MDF comes in different grade and quality, according to the manufactures of this the MDF is from Israel and is of high quality).
You can actually chose the size you want, to fit your space.

Yes, they are costly ...except you can do DIY.

Its quite simple to do once you have the Boards, some screws, the hinges, Handles and the tools (A rechargeable hand drill for screwing and an electric Board Saw for cutting the boards)

Abeg people in the house, how much does it cost for a typical wardrobe in Lagos ?
I been getting some outrageous quotes. and I even had to ask one if the wardobe is GOLD plated !
What do i want, just standard MDF with good hinges and handle, finish.
Size, I am not sure what the standard size is, but does anyone have an idea. I dont want it to be massive. Just something not too small and not too big.

Thanks in advance.

Danny

I hail u oo.

I get some questions for you.

Is it better to do electrical fittings first or paint first, I do not want stains on walls but yet I dont want to see patches of unpainted areas.
Which paint is the best for outside and inside ? especially kitchens that can be easily cleaned/wiped off ?
I hear Dulux, but i dont know.
How do you estimate how much paint is needed for a job ?
Lastly, Do you sand the walls before painting or you only paint and waka ? my burglary was sprayed by the welder. Does it need to be painted with brush by you guys ?

Hello Madam.

With the CMC, what is the level of their authority ? Is it presided over by a high court judge or state judge etc or state ministry of justice lawyers ?
Also

Is it that they tell the landlord/tenant that look, if this case enter court no chance of winning so take our advice ?
What was the process of dragging your tenants to CMC ?
How did you find them and did you have to issue summons to tenants ?
Which CMC was it as i read there are a few scattered in lagos ?
Do you feel that the CMC visit could have been done by a representative ?
What documents do you have to go there with, I guess just a tenancy document ?

Thanks in advance.

gabbytabby:
Had an opportunity to test out CMC with 3 defaulting tenants and it was done and dusted in 8 working days. We achieved our objectives.

important that there was clarity on
1) No tenant is entitled to free rent. One day or 6 months.
2) Term certain tenancies comes with 7 days notice after end of term.
3)As tenants can give notice so also landlord.

Oga Spyder.

Always a pleasure reading your experience on the field.
I am eagerly waiting for the cost of the precast vs how much insitu would have cost.
Secondly, do they not put some iron inside that precast one so that it hooks and hangs together ? I could be wrong, but i think i have seen it somewhere.

I cant wait for Part 2 oo.

I think the issue of omonile is a catch 22 in lagos, the political fathers need these guys during elections to cause trouble etc.
From councillor wards, to LG chairman, to house of assembly and then senator and then Governor, they need thugs and i feel that same omoniles are your election thugs are part of them.