fash78:


Thanks EgunMogaji. This is the point I have been trying to make but I guessed folks read another meaning to it. If the engineer's workers can accept a fair market rate why won't I use them? But where wahala go dey is if the workers supplied by the engineer are insisting on throat cutting wages then I won't have any other choice to look for other competent workers. If the engineer refuses to work with the new workers then he can leave my project.

Actually, your message was very clear.

We use the builder/engineers preferred sub-contractors as long as their fees are in line with market rate. No one should have any argument against that.

Any builder that wants to bring overpriced subs to my site will loose both ways.

By the way Sir Fash78, Egunmogaji ~ Who is an engineer? Because the term engineer is confusing this days.

The way we use the term this day come off to me as Mr-Jack-of-all-trades which shouldn't be so.
Of recent, I advertised all finishing works of one of my project online and a colleague at work feels it's wrong.
Now, my understanding of building projects is that there are 100s of trades/artisans (specialists) working on a singular project and the best man for the job of Project Manager is the owner himself which means he can choose whoever he wants at that stage of work based on recommendation. There's no point engaging a middleman for a specialist job all in the name of supervision or whatever it is called. That's the reason why there is building plans and specification documents in the first place so that it can guide whoever is engaged for the job.

Anyway, this is Nigeria. @ Fash78, I'm sure you'll remember how I responded to your request on POP. That's the way I do my thing. Deal directly with the artisan. Engage me for something different. It's pretty simple and there shouldn't be any problem from such approach.

The only thing a builder can do for you is the carcass. Every other job afterwards requires a specialist.

EgunMogaji:


I'm glad to see you guys becoming choosy with work selection.

Your core business principle that makes you unique, not a one time or one off deal, must be scalable before you can take work out if your primary zone.

I just don't see how anyone can offer quality supervision work when projects are spread all over the country.

An astute decision.

I hope the upcoming ones who are quick to say "I can work in any part of the country" will learn from experience of others. Its easier said than done and it destroys whatever reputation you have built.

brabus:
By the way Sir Fash78, Egunmogaji ~ Who is an engineer? Because the term engineer is confusing this days.

The way we use the term this day come off to me as Mr-Jack-of-all-trades which shouldn't be so.
Of recent, I advertised all finishing works of one of my project online and a colleague at work feels it's wrong.
Now, my understanding of building projects is that there are 100s of trades/artisans (specialists) working on a singular project and the best man for the job of Project Manager is the owner himself which means he can choose whoever he wants at that stage of work based on recommendation. There's no point engaging a middleman for a specialist job all in the name of supervision or whatever it is called. That's the reason why there is building plans and specification documents in the first place so that it can guide whoever is engaged for the job.

Anyway, this is Nigeria. @ Fash78, I'm sure you'll remember how I responded to your request on POP. That's the way I do my thing. Deal directly with the artisan. Engage me for something different. It's pretty simple and there shouldn't be any problem from such approach.

The only thing a builder can do for you is the carcass. Every other job afterwards requires a specialist.

i disagree with you mr brabus. builders/engineers should be a specialized with considerable know how on different aspect of building construction, technically they should be jack of all trade (and master of all) on smaller projects like a duplex for residential use or one to three storey building both for commercial and residential use.

Nigeria construction industry is relatively small, majority of the houses built are for residential purpose or occasional two to three storey building terrace shop. These are structure that can me managed by a single individual with considerable knowledge in all the major area of construction.

A builder/engineer should have a great deal of know how in iron bending, carpentry, brick laying/masonry, aluminum work, plumbing, electrical installation, fabrication, painting, pop work etc. you should have a proven team to handle these different aspect of building construction

Onuokwu:


I hope the upcoming ones who are quick to say "I can work in any part of the country" will learn from experience of others. Its easier said than done and it destroys whatever reputation you have built.

I am not of the opinion that it is a problem to say "i can work in any part of the country" if one have the capacity to do so.
every business man or builder have a business plan, they have their customer base, long time and short term plan.
For people like us "nairaland" provide a very good platform to work around and build a good profile while also learning on the road. We need most of these job on the road to break even and have enough profile to bid for bigger job.

Travelling around may not be that easy and even the remuneration may not be that okay but we are working to build something that will become an household name in building construction industry. we have our plans and we are working towards achieving it

We have a template, we want to do things differently, think out of the box, create a product that will known nationwide and that is why we cant restrict our-self to one part of the country

I tell people that you dont need to know much to be a carpenters:
carpentry work: exterior work like form-work, roofing work is basically cut and nail, all you need to know are;
1. measurements (both metric and empirical, i.e feet(') ,inches (" and m, cm and mm)
2. know how to cut wood
3. know how to nail wood.
4. kill phobia for height
5. know how to work on top of a house.
These are just the basic skills i need from a carpenters because i make all the decisions or have other people that make them.

For every carpentry work we do, i prepare a different form-work drawing showing the dimensions and position of different form-work components or drawing showing rafter, tie beam position for roofing works. These are activities reduce the need for artisan to make decision and live us with all the decision making.

And that is why 95% of my artisan are very young guys from my area, i know them and i train most of them on different aspect of the job

@ abdulwastecx, no serious comment. Nigeria construction industry you say. I used to think same way before...

However, real construction is beyond Jack-of-all-trades approach. This explains why we are stucked with traditional builds.

Windows after 4 coach
Door height is 2.1m
Bathroom window is normally 2x2
Stone-coated, step tiles or long span for roofing
POP ceiling
Stainless steel railings
Concrete columns and slabs
Sandfilled foundations
Gable roof
Roofing woodwork
Block wall partitions
Septic tanks
Interlocking stones
Cross-vent by way of 2 Windows because of Nigeria's heat
Burglaries
Overhead water tanks/Stanchions
Tiled floors
And a lot more

For every item listed above, I can provide nothing less than 20 alternative construction methods that's now in vogue. So if you say, one man can do it all... we need to define what one man can do?

I'm a concept designer but that doesn't mean I knew exactly how I can achieve all my inspired designs. I spent a lot of time researching different materials for different builds and locating the best man for the job which necessarily doesn't have to be on my team.

____________

@ babalose, after much deliberation on the material used for the house you share few weeks ago, I did more research and found out the material used is actually WPC board (Wood-Plastic Composite). You may want to do more research on WPC and its application in modern builds.

Pic: My new assignment using WPC and epoxy floor.

An Engineer is a person who has a minimum of a BSC in any of the engineering fields. A certified enginner is an engineer recognised by COREN, he is certified to have the knowledge and releveant experience to carry out engineering works.
Nigeria lacks the ability to regulate Engineering practice and building construction in Nigeria, that failure lead to the rise of every tom, dick and harry calling himself an Engineer. Thats what gave birth to people underestimating the importance of an Engineer in their building project.
Most building plans are not properly done... Without the guidiance of an Engineer, you end up with a structure that would cost you millions to repair. Chieseling of concrete is covered by building codes to minimize its effect on the structural intergrity of your building, Witout an engineer who would be there to make sure the codes are being followed?

abdulwastecx:


I am not of the opinion that it is a problem to say "i can work in any part of the country" if one have the capacity to do so.
every business man or builder have a business plan, they have their customer base, long time and short term plan.
For people like us "nairaland" provide a very good platform to work around and build a good profile while also learning on the road. We need most of these job on the road to break even and have enough profile to bid for bigger job.

Travelling around may not be that easy and even the remuneration may not be that okay but we are working to build something that will become an household name in building construction industry. we have our plans and we are working towards achieving it

We have a template, we want to do things differently, think out of the box, create a product that will known nationwide and that is why we cant restrict our-self to one part of the country

Nice one boss, I don't know why seniors in the building industry look down on young chaps that are just starting out in the trade, to me it is not encouraging.

brabus:
@ abdulwastecx, no serious comment. Nigeria construction industry you say. I used to think same way before...

However, real construction is beyond Jack-of-all-trades approach. This explains why we are stucked with traditional builds.

Windows after 4 coach
Door height is 2.1m
Bathroom window is normally 2x2
Stone-coated, step tiles or long span for roofing
POP ceiling
Stainless steel railings
Concrete columns and slabs
Sandfilled foundations
Gable roof
Roofing woodwork
Block wall partitions
Septic tanks
Interlocking stones
Cross-vent by way of 2 Windows because of Nigeria's heat
Burglaries
Overhead water tanks/Stanchions
Tiled floors
And a lot more

For every item listed above, I can provide nothing less than 20 alternative construction methods that's now in vogue. So if you say, one man can do it all... we need to define what one man can do?

I'm a concept designer but that doesn't mean I knew exactly how I can achieve all my inspired designs. I spent a lot of time researching different materials for different builds and locating the best man for the job which necessarily doesn't have to be on my team.

____________

@ babalose, after much deliberation on the material used for the house you share few weeks ago, I did more research and found out the material used is actually WPC board (Wood-Plastic Composite). You may want to do more research on WPC and its application in modern builds.

Pic: My new assignment using WPC and epoxy floor.

Oga I disagree with you again.
You need to follow some lay down rules and we have three overriding factors before choosing materials type.
1 . Economy
2. Workmanship
3. Engineering properties.

You just don't introduced building materials you have make sure that their better in performance (strength, durability, fire resistivity, light weight), cheaper than other alternative, aesthetically better than other alternatives, workmanship (ease of installation, speed of construction etc).

Before you can do these you need to do lot of research on such materials that they meet up with building or engineering codes etc. You can only do these in research Institutes and that is why our university also have roles to play.

I don't do my windows after 4course of block, my toilets are based on clients or architectural design or specifications.
Building with sancrete block is still one of the cheapest option available, we have light weight alternative like polystyrene.
POP ceiling is still very good and you can make it very attractive.

I am looking at lighter weight materials purely from engineering point of view. If you build a rib or waffle slab with polystyrene pod, then you must design the slab to specifications.

abdulwastecx:


Oga I disagree with you again.
You need to follow some lay down rules and we have three overriding factors before choosing materials type.
1 . Economy
2. Workmanship
3. Engineering properties.

You just don't introduced building materials you have make sure that their better in performance (strength, durability, fire resistivity, light weight), cheaper than other alternative, aesthetically better than other alternatives, workmanship (ease of installation, speed of construction etc).

Before you can do these you need to do lot of research on such materials that they meet up with building or engineering codes etc. You can only do these in research Institutes and that is why our university also have roles to play.

I don't do my windows after 4course of block, my toilets are based on clients or architectural design or specifications.
Building with sancrete block is still one of the cheapest option available, we have light weight alternative like polystyrene.
POP ceiling is still very good and you can make it very attractive.

I am looking at lighter weight materials purely from engineering point of view. If you build a rib or waffle slab with polystyrene pod, then you must design the slab to specifications.

I've seen you do windows at 2, 3 & 4 coaches. Did you meant to type that you do Windows based on architects drawing?

Also other than aesthetic is there a negative to 4 coaches for window?

I don't like the window lower on bungalows due to safety.

WPC floor and wall panels. Priced at $1,000 for 200sqm

This would make more economical sense to me than wall rendering or laying paving stones in pool area. Ease of use is super. Just like fixing jigsaw puzzle. As per the engineering properties, I suggest you google WPC to read more. The price is more than friendly for such a neat and clean finished material.

This is just one out of the thousands alternative offerings.

brabus:
WPC floor and wall panels. Priced at $1,000 for 200sqm

This would make more economical sense to me than wall rendering or laying paving stones in pool area. Ease of use is super. Just like fixing jigsaw puzzle. As per the engineering properties, I suggest you google WPC to read more. The price is more than friendly for such a neat and clean finished material.

This is just one out of the thousands alternative offerings.

I don't think this is your ideas.. . Something you pull off the Internet, I will love to see you use it on a project here oga

abdulwastecx:

I don't think this is your ideas.. . Something you pull off the Internet, I will love to see you use it on a project here oga

Now I understand. Anyway, I'm not here to discuss Brabus idea but alternative building solutions for those who wants more than conventional solutions.

Been an innovator, I'm never ashamed of stealing good ideas when I come across one.

When i was talking to Wickes, I only talked to them about my space and what I want to achieve based on clients budget. I do not have to tell them whose idea it is to get the job done.

When I was talking to Hammerglass, I told them what I wanted to achieve and gave them the dimensions and my window schedule. I didn't do more than that.

When I was dealing with Pendini, I just had to show them what my client ordered and ask them to give me a solution.

So if I need WPC, it doesn't have to be my idea (let all my prospective client hear this) but getting the right man or the right company to do the job perfectly.

Hello people, what you do think of iron fence as alternative to bricks (nigerian custom). There is a plot and half commercial land i want to fence but I don't intend to build residential property on it.

The land may be used as community center in the future. So i don't think fencing it with bunch of blocks makes sense bcus I want the place to be transparent. But for now, in order to secure the land, I want to fence it using iron like they do in the West. Doesn't have to be very song solid iron though. But definitely as high as average fence in nija.

If I use bricks now and later I may have to demolish most part of that. That's ways of money. But even if I have to remove iron in the future it can always be reused.

So what's the cost effect compared to blocks?. Is iron fence reasonable in nigerian environment?

Thanks all

brabus:


Now I understand. Anyway, I'm not here to discuss Brabus idea but alternative building solutions for those who wants more than conventional solutions.

Been an innovator, I'm never ashamed of stealing good ideas when I come across one.

When i was talking to Wickes, I only talked to them about my space and what I want to achieve based on clients budget. I do not have to tell them whose idea it is to get the job done.

When I was talking to Hammerglass, I told them what I wanted to achieve and gave them the dimensions and my window schedule. I didn't do more than that.

When I was dealing with Pendini, I just had to show them what my client ordered and ask them to give me a solution.

So if I need WPC, it doesn't have to be my idea (let all my prospective client hear this) but getting the right man or the right company to do the job perfectly.

what is alternative ? This is different ways of achieving the same end goals. when talk about alternative, we are looking at ways to improve on the appearance, durability and cost of building materials.

i know these alternatives already exist and you dont need to invent anything to something new but you will have to show to us what you have done using non conventional method, you have to show us how the cost compare to what we already have .

Skimaski is one of the best architect on nairaland, we have seen his revolutionary designs, his approaches and ways he handles his construction. we take note and learn from him.

Spyder is one of the best builder on nairaland, we have seen his approach, we take note and learn from him as well.

Aventure is a respectable civil/structure engineer, I do visit is thread to learn about new structural engineering construction, we know how they work which is respectable....

I want to see these your new ideas in new construction, i want to see how you put these element together to create something unique different from every other structures around, i want to see the cost variation, how economical. we can also learn from that

@ Abdulwastecx, just wait for it. It won't be a long wait.

EgunMogaji:


I've seen you do windows at 2, 3 & 4 coaches. Did you meant to type that you do Windows based on architects drawing?

Also other than aesthetic is there a negative to 4 coaches for window?

I don't like the window lower on bungalows due to safety.

you are write sir... i build base on designs. The first picture is my personal project (i make that design myself) while the second work is our current enugu project, the design was done by a different architects

sensegiver:
Welcome me to Nairaland friends.

Beware of Olatunbosun Davies Shoyeye also know as Brabus here on Nairaland. He is a Fraud!

Fraud is a broad term that refers to a variety of offenses involving dishonesty or "fraudulent acts". In essence, fraud is the intentional deception of a person or entity by another made for monetary or personal gain. Fraud offenses always include some sort of false statement, misrepresentation, or deceitful conduct.

PM me for the latest

it is very insensitive of you to label and individual that way

Empiree:
Hello people, what you do think of iron fence as alternative to bricks (nigerian custom). There is a plot and half commercial land i want to fence but I don't intend to build residential property on it.

The land may be used as community center in the future. So i don't think fencing it with bunch of blocks makes sense bcus I want the place to be transparent. But for now, in order to secure the land, I want to fence it using iron like they do in the West. Doesn't have to be very song solid iron though. But definitely as high as average fence in nija.

If I use bricks now and later I may have to demolish most part of that. That's ways of money. But even if I have to remove iron in the future it can always be reused.

So what's the cost effect compared to blocks?. Is iron fence reasonable in nigerian environment?

Thanks all

It's cheaper in the long run especially in waterlogged terrains.

A 3m wide panel ranges between 15 - 20k depending on material used. The best material is using galvanized angle iron though it's a little more pricey though.

The whole of LFTZ and Dangote refinery was fenced using the same material.

EgunMogaji:


I've seen you do windows at 2, 3 & 4 coaches. Did you meant to type that you do Windows based on architects drawing?

Also other than aesthetic is there a negative to 4 coaches for window?

I don't like the window lower on bungalows due to safety.

I think the 4 coach window is perfect in the Nigerian context,that's what i call window height lol

brabus:


It's cheaper in the long run especially in waterlogged terrains.

A 3m wide panel ranges between 15 - 20k depending on material used. The best material is using galvanized angle iron though it's a little more pricey though.

The whole of LFTZ and Dangote refinery was fenced using the same material.

can you please post pictures of what you said here for clarification?

Abu its okay to feel this way for now.

abdulwastecx:


it is very insensitive of you to label and individual that way

Empiree:
can you please post pictures of what you said here for clarification?

I don't have any pics to show you at the moment. It's been a while since I visited that area. But it's very similar to what you posted above.

abdulwastecx:


I am not of the opinion that it is a problem to say "i can work in any part of the country" if one have the capacity to do so.
every business man or builder have a business plan, they have their customer base, long time and short term plan.
For people like us "nairaland" provide a very good platform to work around and build a good profile while also learning on the road. We need most of these job on the road to break even and have enough profile to bid for bigger job.

Travelling around may not be that easy and even the remuneration may not be that okay but we are working to build something that will become an household name in building construction industry. we have our plans and we are working towards achieving it

We have a template, we want to do things differently, think out of the box, create a product that will known nationwide and that is why we cant restrict our-self to one part of the country

I think your first sentence (in bold) captures the essence of the discussion. If engineers or project managers truly have the capacity, then by all means say you can work in any part of the country but if they don't have that capacity then they should not misrepresent it. My personal experience and from some "projects gone wrong" on this NL is from people taking on more project than they can handle sometimes even within the same city. No matter how good your goals are, your client should not have to suffer because you are trying to achieve it and have taken on projects beyond capacity in different parts of the country. One step at a time, and Rome will be fully built sooner than later.

Empiree:
Hello people, what you do think of iron fence as alternative to bricks (nigerian custom). There is a plot and half commercial land i want to fence but I don't intend to build residential property on it.

The land may be used as community center in the future. So i don't think fencing it with bunch of blocks makes sense bcus I want the place to be transparent. But for now, in order to secure the land, I want to fence it using iron like they do in the West. Doesn't have to be very song solid iron though. But definitely as high as average fence in nija.

If I use bricks now and later I may have to demolish most part of that. That's ways of money. But even if I have to remove iron in the future it can always be reused.

So what's the cost effect compared to blocks?. Is iron fence reasonable in nigerian environment?

Thanks all

If you are not looking for something fancy, you can try the iron wire mesh in picture. I believe it will be cheaper, serve the same purpose and reusable in multiple situations. It goes for between N18,000 - N20,000 for a roll of 20 meters. Of course you need to factor in the galvanized pipes to fasten it to.

seconded.

Onuokwu:


I think your first sentence (in bold) captures the essence of the discussion. If engineers or project managers truly have the capacity, then by all means say you can work in any part of the country but if they don't have that capacity then they should not misrepresent it. My personal experience and from some "projects gone wrong" on this NL is from people taking on more project than they can handle sometimes even within the same city. No matter how good your goals are, your client should not have to suffer because you are trying to achieve it and have taken on projects beyond capacity in different parts of the country. One step at a time, and Rome will be fully built sooner than later.

Onuokwu:


If you are not looking for something fancy, you can try the iron wire mesh in picture. I believe it will be cheaper, serve the same purpose and reusable in multiple situations. It goes for between N18,000 - N20,000 for a roll of 20 meters. Of course you need to factor in the galvanized pipes to fasten it to.

oh wow, was looking for something like this earlier. However, it's better for me to use strong iron one time permanently. And I think the pix I posted earlier would be good for the job. You have idea the cost of such material?

sensegiver:
Welcome me to Nairaland friends.

Beware of Olatunbosun Davies Shoyeye also known as Brabus here on Nairaland. He is a Fraud!

Fraud is a broad term that refers to a variety of offenses involving dishonesty or "fraudulent acts". In essence, fraud is the intentional deception of a person or entity by another made for monetary or personal gain. Fraud offenses always include some sort of false statement, misrepresentation, or deceitful conduct.

PM me for the latest

AGAIN?!.......Adonbilivit.

Oboy see class dey go on here ooo.

As for me I will work everywhere ooo. Each of my site has a supervisor designated and is been paid properly. Trained and has been working for me for long. I basically don't appear in some of my sites for weeks. But my guys already know what to do. All I need is to draw out what is required and they deliver. It took me a long time to get to this but from the begining it's what I have been aiming for. I want to be able to travel overseas in future for 5 months and not worry about whether the SkiManSki legacy is still ongoing. So if I don't force my self to do it now, will never get there. Do you think the bosses in Cappa and other big construction firms visits all their sites? The answer is no. So how do we get there if we are scarred of projects. I only feel it's because some people do not want to engage the services of competent professionals and logistic officers. They want all the project profit to come to them, that's why they want to manage their projects little by little. To me that's dreaming small and not dreaming big.

First thing first. Engrave your ideology into your workers. Create a chain of command. And leave the rest to them. It's not easy I must say, but when you get there is worth it. Because all I do these days is hold my camera like photographer and just patrol around. And also travel around too. Yes for sure when I see any shoddy jobs which is inevitable I repair it and count my losses there, also scold the workers so that they learn. But one things is surpose to be for sure, I must pay them well, because money is the motivation any Nigerian needs.