How to Start Building (Without going crazy)

Step 1: The Team

You need 3 people. 1. The Architect: The dreamer. Makes it look good. 2. The Engineer: The realist. Makes sure it stands up. 3. The Contractor: The doer. Actually builds it.

Sometimes 1 and 2 are the same firm. Sometimes 1, 2, and 3 are the same guy (Design-Build). My advice: Keep the Designer and the Builder separate. You want the Designer to check the Builder’s work. If they are the same person, who checks who?

Step 2: The Paper Chase

Before you dig a hole, you need:

• Barangay Clearance
• Locational Clearance
• Fire Clearance
• Building Permit
• Electrical Permit
• Sanitary Permit
• HOA Permit (if in a subdivision)

Expect this to take 1-3 months. Don’t bribe. It just makes them ask for more next time.

Step 3: The Design Phase

Don’t just say “I want a modern house”. Show pictures. Discuss the wind and the sun. “Sir, the sun sets here. If we put a big glass window here, my bedroom will be an oven.” Think about the rain. Where does the water go?

Step 4: The Bidding

Take your plans. Give them to 3 different contractors. You will get 3 wildly different prices. Contractor A: 3M (Too cheap. suspicious). Contractor B: 5M (Reasonable). Contractor C: 8M (Dreaming).

Ask Contractor A why he is so cheap. (Did he forget the roof?). Ask Contractor C why he is so expensive. (Is he using gold toilets?).

Summary

It’s a marathon. Take your time in the planning phase. Changing a line on paper costs 1 peso of ink. Changing a concrete wall costs 50,000 pesos. Plan well.