Features
Want to be a Home Owner? Here’s a Checklist
A client recently called me, she was very disappointed because the stories she reads on Facebook are ways on putting more homeowners into a risk of unfinished projects. Here’s what I advised her; “without a practical process do not trust what you read.”
We arranged for a meeting, to lay out our plan on helping her become a homeowner.
After our conversation, she decided to hire our firm, Lewison Builders to construct her three-bedroom bungalow in Ngong, Kajiado County.
A three-bedroom bungalow has an approximate size of 90-120 square meters and costs Ksh 25,000 per square meter for standard finishing.
The construction of the three-bedroom bungalow, which is almost complete, will cost her between Ksh 2,250M to Ksh 3M once it is complete.
To achieve what our client has achieved, building a home, or any building for that matter, below are 6 practical tips you need to follow closely.
- Choose your contractor carefully
This is the first step, hire the best contractor you can afford, ask him/her for references of past projects they have done. Any professional contractor will not object to you contacting past clients.
Conduct due diligence on the contractor, find out if they are registered by NCA, and if their certificates are up to date – we have had many cases of unqualified contractors.
An unqualified contractor will provide you a quotation which when it gets to put the structure on the ground, your money gets finished – just as soon as the house left the ground.
Get a contractor who has a proper skills background in construction and not just a person who may have just upgraded from being a Mason or foreman as they may lack the necessary skills to see a project through.
Wise precaution: cheap is expensive. Don’t simply go for the highest bidder nor the lowest bidder. A contractor may fulfill or destroy your dream!
- Monitor the process
Throughout the construction process, be sure to keep an eye on every detail because it is much easier to correct a mistake when identified early. You may overlook a mistake that might take weeks or months to be corrected hence costing you more.
If, for any reason, you cannot manage to be there to monitor the progress of your project, hire a clerk of works. I have seen clients demolishing structures because of failed workmanship.
As you monitor the progress, remember to monitor the payments and progress. Both should be parallel. This will ensure transparency for the contractor.
- Build according to your budget
Don’t build to impress your neighbors. You may become famous for owning the classiest house in the neighborhood only to be embarrassed when the creditors come for their money.
Before you start building, have a plan. Have a guide and step by step implementation strategy. On the Bill of Quantity, have another broken down plan, like foundation cost, superstructure cost, roofing cost, plastering cost, and plumbing cost, electrical works cost, paint works cost, etc. That way, you will be in a position to calculate how long you will take.
- Always build for resale
Build the house for resale not for you. This is because at some point you might need to sell of the house. Well, a ten-bedroom house with six bathrooms may be excellent for your family but it will stress you out when looking for a buyer. Yes, it might cost you a fortune to build it but think of the need be to resell it in the future.
- Expect delays
You should definitely expect delays from sub-contractors depending on others to complete. Don’t stick too much on the deadline given, automatically there may be delays due to sub-contractors.
- Study carefully the buildings around the neighborhood you want to build
Before you get to start your own house, do field research from others within where you a putting up your house. It is necessary to do field research, just in case there are changes needed to be done by the contractor concerning the ground.
Most contractors do not inspect or conduct topographical analysis, which might change foundation settings, which might result to budget conflicts. For example, the ground might lack a stable foundation base, which will lead to the removal of topsoil, or the foundation might encounter rocks within the ground. Thus it’s advisable to study the ground first before you begin your construction.
- Beacons
Lastly, another stress I have encountered is the re-positioning of beacons. Before setting up your house, re-beacon your plot effectively. Have a surveyor to re-beacon your land as it is on the deed plan if beacons are missing. I have seen border conflicts over beacons which resulted in the demolition of fully built houses.
By following the above relatively simple house construction tips you can be sure to build your home effectively with minimal risks of costs overrun.
For this and more articles follow Lewison Builders on Facebook (Lewison Builders Online Platform).
As well we are here to walk you through the homeownership by providing the below finance support. It simple, you will raise 40% on the beginning of the construction, 20% when we will be handing over and the balance 40% you pay in monthly installments. Your 1 million can make you a homeowner, as you lipa pole pole.
For questions, consultations and comments email Lewis at lewisongroupltd@gmail.com
He’s also available via call and WhatsApp 0717 944 017
