₦airaland Forum

About 10 years ago, I moved to Europe to study. Some years later, I was done and had gained some work experience. The next plan was then to move back home, but first, I wanted my own house incase thing doesn't go as planned, so I decided to save up and build a 4-bedroom bungalow and once completed, I would make the move.

I needed someone on the ground that I could trust to supervise the project, so I chose my sister's husband (let's call him T). We found an half plot being sold by Unilag Co-operative Society, and we bought it for 1.75m.

T got an architect to draw up the plans, sent me quotes for material, and work started on the land. I asked my younger brother to join T on the project to learn the process of building a house. To cut the story short, there were alot of clashes between them, because my brother believes T was making changes to the plans without consulting with me first. For example, T decided not to do german flooring. Here's a conversation I had with my brother recently where I go to find out about this:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1kYacsCgqzs3ZwY66brCSVeWdKJuVSrEc

My brother eventually convinced me to pause the project until I come back to Nigeria. The project has been paused since April last year. In total, I've spent about 3m on the project, excluding cost of land.

You can find all the images, videos sent to me here:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1300LW_n8TDP2cKTRsVmObI6uyJPdLWi-

The current state of the project:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1dSsSKgb941i4NQRx7RrkU1qFCu1CaRFx

I have decided the best thing is to come home and take over the project myself, so I’m coming to Nigeria in January for 2 weeks. The problem is I have absolutely no idea what to do with the project or where to begin. I have thought about just selling it and forget about moving to Nigeria. Nairaland is my last resort.

Are there any genuine and verified contractors in the house interested in taking over this project ? My goal is to make the entire process transparent by posting updates here so people in similar situations can learn from this.

What my dream house would look like ?
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1QDIAPfnQR4dQye7_nXs7aHisXCKI_1BP

Suggestions are welcomed.

I will suggests spyder88 in this forum I have never have any negative news about him

svensson:
Aboout 10 years ago, I moved to Europe to study. Some years later, I was done and had gained some work experience. The next plan was then to move back home, but first, I wanted my own house incase thing doesn't go as planned, so I decided to save up and build a 4-bedroom bungalow and once completed, I would make the move.

I needed someone on the ground that I could trust to supervise the project, so I chose my sister's husband (let's call him T). I sent him 1.5m to buy half plot of land around Akute area, but he came back and told me he was duped. We found another half plot being sold by Unilag Co-operative Society, and we bought it for 1.75m.

T got an architect to draw up the plans, sent me quotes for material, and work started on the land. I asked my younger brother to join T on the project to learn the process of building a house. To cut the story short, there were alot of clashes between them, because my brother believes T was making changes to the plans without consulting with me first. For example, T decided not to do german flooring eventhough we budgeted for it. Here's a conversation I had with my brother recently where I go to find out about this:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1kYacsCgqzs3ZwY66brCSVeWdKJuVSrEc

My brother eventually convinced me to pause the project until I come back to Nigeria. The project has been paused since April last year. In total, I've spent about 3m on the project, excluding cost of land.

You can find all the images, videos sent to me here:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1300LW_n8TDP2cKTRsVmObI6uyJPdLWi-

The current state of the project:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Aai40fFSvVL4MxumqIUWWTJEht7T25-
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1dSsSKgb941i4NQRx7RrkU1qFCu1CaRFx

Earlier this year, T loaned some money from me and never paid back or even mentioned it when I spoke to him recently. I have decided the best thing is to come home and take over the project myself, so I’m coming to Nigeria in January for 2 weeks. The problem is I have absolutely no idea what to do with the project or where to begin. I have thought about just selling it and forget about moving to Nigeria. Nairaland is my last resort.

Are there any genuine and verified contractors in the house interested in taking over this project ? My goal is to make the entire process transparent by posting updates here so people in similar situations can learn from this.

Suggestions are welcomed.

Can you contact us at C-ceramica? We have Architects and will also furnish your house with Quality sanitary wares from Turkey. Check our pages on Social media

Give the job, let me supervise while updating you regularly...
Did same for some pals in Massachusetts US...
Today those projects are standing

Cceramicaltd:
Can you contact us at C-ceramica? We have Architects and will also furnish your house with Quality sanitary wares from Turkey. Check our pages on Social media

I'll keep you in mind when furnishing time comes.

Asquare84:
I will suggests spyder88 in this forum I have never have any negative news about him

Thanks I'll look him up.

My candid advice; do not come to this hell named a country, not just yet. But if you insist then you could go ahead and contact spyder880. You can count on him like 123

Please very important. Don't tell Mr t you are coming to Nigeria. It's very dangerous for you. Never tell anyone when you are entering and going back. For your safety

Op, I am a certified project manager with years of experience in industrial and estate development, I run a very successful project management firm.
Now, I'm sure you have no clue how often stories like yours are told in this climes.
From my experience, when it comes to disapora projects...
1. Ur relative cannot be ur contractor.
It's acardinal error... In ur case, u have created friction between ur wife n her husband, ur brother and his inlaw... And even the next contractors will not find it easy to continue this project.
I don't see how one can build a bungalow without German flooring.
One truth we don't often say loud enough is that in construction, you will spend more to correct a mistake.
After 10 years... I personally won't go back to a project site but if u wanna continue the project... Get ur relatives hands off it totally

svensson, I believe this is good advice. Unless you have something going in Nigeria, that will generate constant income for you, I wold not leave where you are to go to Nigeria at this moment. As it is, you have already been short changed on your hard earned money. I am in a similar situation - I'd love to have something build there, but for the twice/year 2 week visit that I spend there, it's just not worth the headache to secure land and try to build. I've decided to just secure land for investment purposes, and look towards purchasing a flat in some multi-unit construction. For now, my funds are in Fixed deposit in a couple of banks. Even my sister that build a big old house there, locks it up for at least 7 months out of the year, since she spends most of her time in the UK. The people that built next to her only lived in it for 2 years, before packing up and moving back the UK. House is up for sale now. Bottom line - moving back to live in Nigeria needs to be thought out very well. Good luck!

Abortions:
My candid advice; do not come to this hell named a country, not just yet. But if you insist then you could go ahead and contact spyder880. You can count on him like 123

svensson:
I'll keep you in mind when furnishing time comes.

We will be expecting your call

What a terrible experience.

Well can handle the project for you from the current position now to the finishing stage and deliver the key without your present here, we have done numbers of such for members here.

Some of our work.

https://www.nairaland.com/4622660/construction-3bdrs-cottage-structure-rotecch#69462006

https://www.nairaland.com/3851900/general-finishings-5bdrs-luxury-duplex

https://www.nairaland.com/2633699/re-modeling-7bedroom-old-house-ogun

Hmn. It is not everyone that wants to spend all their lives in the White Man's land. The guy might have his own plans and what he wants to come and do in Nigeria. This is why he wants a house of his own. He might have a business idea he wants to come and implement in Nigeria. He won't succeed overnight, but with Patience and Dedication, he might just become the owner of a flourishing company which will employ youths in Nigeria. The Wilson Juice brothers ( Abolade Brothers ) spent 20 years in the USA, but they still returned to Nigeria to start their Juice business. They went through a lot and spent up to ten years in Nigeria before having a breakthrough with Wilson Juice. If you sit down with the Abolade brothers, and hear stories of the dishonesty and lack of integrity they had to live with, you won't want to visit Nigeria at all. Besides, amidst all the hellish conditions in Nigeria, you can see traces of development here and there. So, don't discourage the young man from coming to do something in Nigeria. Cheers.

though am not an engineer or bricklayers but I have all those people contact at hand I can supervised your work perfectly. am a roofer. I supply planks and I can also help you out in terms of supervision of your work.but if your not okay with that I can simply connect you with a professional engine.kindly check my signature to get my contact.

Well my advise if you can trust your brother to help you supervise and you get an engineer to continue with the plan.i would have suggest to help you out but I base don ikorodu and where the property is located is a different area but I can always find you engineer to help you with the completion while you junior brother supervise it him self.

Finish what you started.

If you need bricklayer sir, don't hesitate to call me on 0810-385-1503

Mr Svensson you are not alone..

This dilemma is common to almost all Nigerians in Diaspora.

Several Engineers / Contractors including me, can tell tales of how family members sabotage projects of people in the diaspora. Only very few are trustworthy.

Getting family involved in projects Should only be for Supervision.. don't let them handle money. You can't arrest them.

Also, make sure the Engineer and the family member do not know each other because he might actually influence the Engineer to inflate costs.

Also, your house design (from your 3D) is very basic. Just a rectangle with a hip roof design. No "swag". You should consider improving it. There are other very good designs.

And only come back to Nigeria If you have solid plans A,B,C and D.

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Call Him +2348125045199

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Tell Him Naval Boy Directed You to Him.

Come Thank Me Later

fykes:
Op, I am a certified project manager with years of experience in industrial and estate development, I run a very successful project management firm.
Now, I'm sure you have no clue how often stories like yours are told in this climes.
From my experience, when it comes to disapora projects...
1. Ur relative cannot be ur contractor.
It's acardinal error... In ur case, u have created friction between ur wife n her husband, ur brother and his inlaw... And even the next contractors will not find it easy to continue this project.
I don't see how one can build a bungalow without German flooring.
One truth we don't often say loud enough is that in construction, you will spend more to correct a mistake.
After 10 years... I personally won't go back to a project site but if u wanna continue the project... Get ur relatives hands off it totally

Trust me, I've learnt my lessons. The idea was for him to get a contractor and supervise the contractor, but it never happened.

Bossman:
svensson, I believe this is good advice. Unless you have something going in Nigeria, that will generate constant income for you, I wold not leave where you are to go to Nigeria at this moment. As it is, you have already been short changed on your hard earned money. I am in a similar situation - I'd love to have something build there, but for the twice/year 2 week visit that I spend there, it's just not worth the headache to secure land and try to build. I've decided to just secure land for investment purposes, and look towards purchasing a flat in some multi-unit construction. For now, my funds are in Fixed deposit in a couple of banks. Even my sister that build a big old house there, locks it up for at least 7 months out of the year, since she spends most of her time in the UK. The people that built next to her only lived in it for 2 years, before packing up and moving back the UK. House is up for sale now. Bottom line - moving back to live in Nigeria needs to be thought out very well. Good luck!

This is actually my plan B. Selling the property and buying a flat somehwere in lekki instead when I can afford it. I don't want to get into the staying abroad vs coming home argument. I've done my homework and know what I'm going to face. If things don't go as planned, I have my degrees and experience and can always return here.

It's really sad, one can't trust strangers, can't trust even families or relatives too, I am currently in a similar situation as you, tho mine is at it's tiling stage, I am also having to pause my project at the moment, thinking of coming home in February to finish it off myself, OP try not to rush into any decisions, Think about it carefully and weigh the pros and cons of you continuing with the project and finishing it off or selling it off and buying a property later, May God help us all.

Contact me on toluenetnt@gmail.com.

We will pick up from there.

Thanks.

rotecch77:
What a terrible experience.

Well can handle the project for you from the current position now to the finishing stage and deliver the key without your present here, we have done numbers of such for members here.

Some of our work.

https://www.nairaland.com/4622660/construction-3bdrs-cottage-structure-rotecch#69462006

https://www.nairaland.com/3851900/general-finishings-5bdrs-luxury-duplex

https://www.nairaland.com/2633699/re-modeling-7bedroom-old-house-ogun

Are you based/do you have an office in Lagos ? I can give you a call when I'm in Nigeria so we can meet to discuss the project.

svensson:
Aboout 10 years ago, I moved to Europe to study. Some years later, I was done and had gained some work experience. The next plan was then to move back home, but first, I wanted my own house incase thing doesn't go as planned, so I decided to save up and build a 4-bedroom bungalow and once completed, I would make the move.

I needed someone on the ground that I could trust to supervise the project, so I chose my sister's husband (let's call him T). I sent him 1.5m to buy half plot of land around Akute area, but he came back and told me he was duped. We found another half plot being sold by Unilag Co-operative Society, and we bought it for 1.75m.

T got an architect to draw up the plans, sent me quotes for material, and work started on the land. I asked my younger brother to join T on the project to learn the process of building a house. To cut the story short, there were alot of clashes between them, because my brother believes T was making changes to the plans without consulting with me first. For example, T decided not to do german flooring eventhough we budgeted for it. Here's a conversation I had with my brother recently where I go to find out about this:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1kYacsCgqzs3ZwY66brCSVeWdKJuVSrEc

My brother eventually convinced me to pause the project until I come back to Nigeria. The project has been paused since April last year. In total, I've spent about 3m on the project, excluding cost of land.

You can find all the images, videos sent to me here:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1300LW_n8TDP2cKTRsVmObI6uyJPdLWi-

The current state of the project:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Aai40fFSvVL4MxumqIUWWTJEht7T25-
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1dSsSKgb941i4NQRx7RrkU1qFCu1CaRFx

Earlier this year, T loaned some money from me and never paid back or even mentioned it when I spoke to him recently. I have decided the best thing is to come home and take over the project myself, so I’m coming to Nigeria in January for 2 weeks. The problem is I have absolutely no idea what to do with the project or where to begin. I have thought about just selling it and forget about moving to Nigeria. Nairaland is my last resort.

Are there any genuine and verified contractors in the house interested in taking over this project ? My goal is to make the entire process transparent by posting updates here so people in similar situations can learn from this.

What my dream house would look like ?
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1QDIAPfnQR4dQye7_nXs7aHisXCKI_1BP

Suggestions are welcomed.

Less talk, more actions. Check on my profile to see some of projects done.

https://www.nairaland.com/3554136/construction-4-bedroom-duplex-attached

svensson:
Are you based/do you have an office in Lagos ? I can give you a call when I'm in Nigeria so we can meet to discuss the project.

Thanks for reaching out to us, we have office in lagos
We also work throughout the state and across the country.

080666619493

Rotech construction