₦airaland Forum

Part of the work done includes replacement of the Mirror installed in the wardrobe to a full length mirror. Installation of the kitchen door.


We will be replacing one of the bedroom door. In agreement, it was expected to be done today but the carpenter begged for time to do the remaining 2 doors and fix all at the same time.
The door to be replaced will be delivered to the site this morning while awaiting the carpenter to come and fix.

THE WINDOW UNIT AC

Now supplied and being tested.

THE KITCHEN CABINET (Installation in progress)

We couldn't finish because there's power outage.

LSPDC Renovation Update:

Keys yet to be delivered. Why? There are still other issues - I'm sure my client will post them online anytime soon.


Before then, here are the picture updates of what happened at the site over the weekend.

THE WARDROBES

This project has provided a perfect example of what contractors have to put up with on a daily basis on the job site. I cannot stop wondering when, where and how I suddenly became a JUDAS overnight.

I must say a big thank you to all contributors for that.

As a contractor and a homeowner, I am in no way saying that a homeowner should have coffee or a snack ready for the contractors or pat them in the back and say rip me off. I'm just saying that some homeowners (including myself) should consider that this contractors are also a consumer. Some client can be very difficult to work with and as a result contractors might not get some extra attention above and beyond what was agreed upon.

Mutual respect and consideration is the key in any relationship.

LESSON LEARNT: Irrespective of name calling, attacks and derogatory statements without a detailed investigation, this project has taught me to see contractors and myself as a married couple trying to work things out. We'll both have a share of bad moods but patience and working things out should be mutual. That is the KEY.

I'll agree that my client is pissed off because good contractors (or better ones) will not be undersold for their services.

MY RESOLVE: I believe that 99% of everything that happens during a project (whether remodelling, renovation, new build etc) is within my power to influence or control. I mean everything and that includes clients, subcontractors and weather. After all, I am the one who does this for a living not the client. If something goes wrong it is because I dropped the ball or because I failed to exercise the necessary forethought to prevent it or account for it. If the client doesn’t meet my requirements for a partnership I send them a note declining the bid request.

Thank you.

Having to do revisions costs more and take more time than expected.

"Why didn't you carry your client along before you do buy anything?" Many people have asked.

I'll like us to go over this thread and see how I document items how and when they were being purchased and paid for. I made sure I send pictures to my client before picking up any item. I remember when we discussed the bath, he had to go into a store in UK and send me what he like. So there was good communication between us.

We do BB chat all the time and all our correspondences are archived on my phone.

"But you delayed the job too much after receiving extra on the job?"

We didn't receive or asked for any variation on the job. What we received was meant take care of additional items/work added to the contract which are as follows:

1. DSTV Subscription
2. Toilet Door
3. Addition of Dining Room - it was not in the plan.

As I write, I'm not trying to justify myself but what I'm trying to make clear is that there are issues that one can never avoid even with the use of best professional efforts especially in Nigeria.

@Am Alone, I stopped paying and buying all items for the renovation since 15th August. In fact all materials for the renovation were on site as at that time. I didn't owe anybody on the project. I was being owed by people who refused to refund me.

As I write, I have over 5 gallons of paint at the site, over 8 cartons of tiles, door and other materials that I was unable to get refund for.

In fairness, we received payment as agreed in the contract document but work was delayed by workmen. My furniture man delivered the wardrobes and kitchen cabinet to the site on the 20th of August but he is yet to complete the work as I write.

One good lesson that I've learnt here is that owners should pick up their stuffs by themselves.

NOTE: I need someone to direct me to where I can get an OSCILLATOR in Lagos. I've searched and can't find one in the last 2 months. If I get today, I'm ready to pay up.

As for the refunds, I want my client to be rest assured that it won't be long before he get it. Once he come in today, we'll agree on what to be done to the bath partitioning and it will be fixed. I'm sick and tired of having to fix a thing and then he come to say its not OK.

LSPDC Update:

Power supply delayed our work today. There's been no power outage throughout the day. One of the toilet door was fixed, remaining 2 doors and the kitchen door to be fixed.

To all contributors, I say thank you. Pretty soon, the storm will be over.

Thank you all for your love. I pray God should judge everything on this project.

I was at the site on Saturday, although got there very late due to terruble holdup in Ibafo (anyone who was on that road on Saturday can attest to this) and my phone battery was off. People in the building can attest to this.

I don't have the 50k now and all I can do is beg for time.

N50k or less than. This is apart from his refund. Just the bathroom wall partition and the toilet doors we are replacing.

My client is not ready to see the breakdown as well but I think a breakdown vis-a-vis what was agreed on paper would be fair.

The cost breakdown attached excludes transport fare and revision work done.

Good morning, I didn't know all this was happening. I'll handover my clients key to him tomorrow.

I will also plead with him for time to resolve the following:
1. His Refund - N132
2. Oscillator
3. Toilet Doors except he will take the ones he rejected.
4.His Understanding.

I didn't squander his money.

Thank you. Cost Breakdown to follow soon

@Chaircover, congratulations!

I'm saying a big Amen to your prayers.

N250 per block!!! I've seen the plan - its not as BIG as Am Alone's house and the charges excludes the cost of German Floor.

More updates later tomorrow.

No be only me go hear this one.

A bricklayer is charging N250k to set 1000 blocks I guess in a 3 bedroom bungalow.

I'll be visiting tomorrow to see what he wants to do. Maybe we can learn new things. Lagos, Na Wa O!

@Vitodorado, well done!

I'll be here soon to give my little contribution. Remember on my thread, I said Builders cheat owners and Owners cheat Builders.

The success of your project is a solid structure which can stand any weather. So, do it right.

Note: Transport is inclusive in the cost above.

@DCGUY, my thread is not off - just had to keep things in a low key till we satisfy our dissatisfied client. Which area is your project? I need to know so that I can see if I have someone closeby. The closer the caster, the better.

But on average, Concrete mixer are rented out for N25k - N50k depending on the machine. If you rent, you can always handpick labourers to pour for you at N1500 - N2500 per labour. The number of labourers you need depends on the size of the project.

Well done!

Nice one, Spyder! You dey vex at this stage o. The reinforcement too tight - I think you are adding another floor. A plus for your roofing.

Well done.

LSPDC Reno:

Unsightly plumb work fixed.
Tiles replaced.
Wall repainted.
Kitchen pink turned red.

Pending work
- Installation of 4 bulbs.
- Installation of 3 water heater switch
- Complete installation of the wardrobe/kitchen cabinet.
- Installation of the kitchen/toilet doors.
- Painting of the entrance gate (black)

I need camera solution for a 6 bedroom duplex house. We will require at least 14 cameras. Please kindly send me your cost for the setup of 14 cameras (wired and wireless), 24 channel DVR & internet solution for remote viewing. Just the equipmt and setup cost. Thanks. My email is bosun@nexthomebuilders.com

@Prince_onx,

Work still in progress. Just asked for additional 1 week extension from my client as we are dealing with cost overrun right now.

What's left to be done at the site is just a day job, but fund has been the the cause of the delay as we have exhausted all funds on revisions.

Work will resume in earnest at the site on Monday.

Thanks for the prompt response. Here's the picture of the 2 laptops

1. Lenovo R400 flickering screen
2. Macbook Air broken hinges

I can bring them to you but I need to know what it will cost me to replace or fix the Lenovo R400 screen and battery as it seems a much easier option to me.

Expecting your reply as per the Lenovo.

Thanks

I need Lenovo R400 screen and battery. What's your best offer?

Are there replacement parts for Macbook Air 2008 model. I need someone to help fix the hinges and buy new power pack.

Thanks

Buy my Cisco 2950 (unused) for N20k!

Agbowa, Imota, Sangotedo, Ogombo, Lakowe, Ibeju on Map. Now, you can see why Agbowa/Imota are the next big thing to happen.

Pls disregard my post above, I didn't see the reinforcement for the Lintel.

Pls post the floorplan for us to see.

Did you say 4 flat? TOO CHEAP.

Get another quote and look at the reinforcements.

Badagry

I think the best build route in Nigeria is for potential home owners to supply all the building materials and hire local tradespeople on a direct labour basis to help with the remaining work.

Naturally, there's no better way to know whether cost overrun is due to the greed of contractor or flagrant disregard of the original budget than to DIY. I remember I had to pay over 40% extra while trying to pick up iron bars for my balcony rails.

Why? I had a budget and great taste which is unrealistic expectation of what can be achieved with my budget.

________
@Sagewood, NL1026 and other contributors.

Thanks for your advice. Points well noted.
I promise not to let you down on this.

Off to site!

LSPDC Renovation Update:

Kitchen now has a door. Fittings and installation to be completed during the week. The old security door returned to the site by the welder.

Work to resume at the site tomorrow.