EgunMogaji:
I have a simple question.

Why are you folks building your own house instead of buying an existing one?

Most sell at a price you can't add value and sell on to make profit for yourself.

I will buy a property with potential and good location if the price is right.

Good day. Pls somebody should help me with a reliable and affordable land surveyor in Abuja. Plus how much will it cost to survey an area of 100x100ft (an estimate). Thanks

rabcnesbit:


Thank you. I take it the #200 per sqm for laying the interlocking stone is just for labour, and the #2500 - #3000 per sqm for the stamped concrete includes labour and materials?

Yes.
You're welcome.

GoodFaith:

Dude , I am cheap I don't like to spend the money
but sometime, there are thing I want and I will go all the way
I have projects all over me

what you want is actually simple, i have seen it in action in VI,
An ordinary sumo pump pumps water to an underground tank, another pump then takes it 3 storeys up to the small 300l to 500l presure tank with float valves, so the pump kicks in oce there is a pressure drop upto a certain preset value.

in your case, you can make it simpler,
by removing the underground tank..and using a surface tank.the main koko is that you need 24/7 electricity to power the pumps...thus you need solar panels+inverter to ensure 24/7 electricity for the pumps...then you can also do well by buying energy saving/solar friendly pumps....

hv you considered rooftop tank placement?..its a little more easy on the eyes than the external 30ft tank stands.....i hate em too!

Daboomb:


These sort of Vertical cracks are usually the result of "ground settlement" that affect the Foundation when such foundation is not done properly in terms of depth, thickness, strength of materials (Granite/Cement/Sand mix ratio), inadequate reinforcement/iron.

As the foundatin settles, due to the weight on it (or ground movements from nearby), the raft/pad/blinding is probably breaking apart and the sheer forces are being transmitted to the block work.
Result is that if there are no "columns firmly tied to Beams" which can "break" the transmission of such forces to the blocks, it will simply start to crack like Biscuits!
(I have ssen it a few times so l am speaking from experience).

I feel very sad to say this:
It will cost you more to try and rectify this problem because it is a "foundational problem" that wont ever go-away. (I bet your soil is poor even though l have not seen it properly). There is ground movement going on (Is someone building a bigger house with very sound foundations, within 250ft radius of you? Take a look around. They are not the cause of your problem just that such buildings do 'settle' and push ground away to other areas as they 'sink to their settlment point' so that nearby buildings with poor foundations will start 'feeling the heat'. )

If you have the wherewithal, (if and only if), you need to count your loses, pull this building down, remove the broken blocks, dig a one feet down into the ground and do a thick, inverted-T raft foundation to about three/four planks (to cater for future settlement/sinking) and ensure that builders dont cut-corners on the mix-ratios and the reinforcemnt.

This is one expensive mistake the builders have caused for you.
My sincere sympathy.

I thank God for providing me that Engr that helped choose a plinth beam for my foundation even when I could just have done a strip. Any nearby movt or road construction or clay-laterite settlement no concern me.

GoodFaith:


What do I need to do to achieve 4 ft stand
Is there anything I can install to supply water on demand?
Regardless of of the stand
I am trying to do the 4ft stand to manage my risk for the future with high water stand

You will get a high powered automated surface pump that comes in operation whenever a tap head is opened in any part of the building. It requires steady power source at all times to be effective.

ceelog:


I thank God for providing me that Engr that helped choose a plinth beam for my foundation even when I could just have done a strip. Any nearby movt or road construction or clay-laterite settlement no concern me.

Any way other than this is a shortcut.

One can try to explain it away but the reality is that it’s still a shortcut.

Congrats.

ceelog:


I thank God for providing me that Engr that helped choose a plinth beam for my foundation even when I could just have done a strip. Any nearby movt or road construction or clay-laterite settlement no concern me.

Happy for you.


Initially, it may look like a waste of money but in the long run, what you are paying for is "rest of mind".
Because the foundation is not something you cant easily scrap, even if you have the money to do another one, (you will have to scrap everything built on it as well ), l always advice that any DIY builder or even one that employs a semi-skilled Builder, should take their time to do a good foundation, even if that is all you can do for now.

Then come back later to raise the blockwork, which is the easiet part of building.

But seriously, we need to start holding the Builder/Engineer responsible, of they do a shoddy foundation that results in cracks or collapse (God forbid). If you are paid to do a 'professional job', then you should do it and be held liable, if shyte happens.

EgunMogaji:
I have a simple question.

Why are you folks building your own house instead of buying an existing one?

Very simple kwesion!

Why are YOU building your own house, instead of just buying one at Ibadan (I know you got loads of Benjamins so affordability wont be an issue)

Ok, Tell us.

rabcnesbit:
My peeps, peace and good health be unto you. Does any one have experience/tips/advice regarding stamp concrete (polished and unpolished0 of a compound floor? And is it far more expensive than just concrete flooring or interlocking? Thank you

Benefits of Using Interlocking Pavers
The benefits of Interlocking Concrete Pavers versus other paving solutions are numerous:
A large variety of paving styles
Multitude of color possibilities
Create your own design
Low cost, low maintenance
30 year + life expectancy
No cracking
3 times stronger than poured concrete
Pavers move with soil conditions

Shegman22:
Benefits of Using Interlocking Pavers
The benefits of Interlocking Concrete Pavers versus other paving solutions are numerous:
A large variety of paving styles
Multitude of color possibilities
Create your own design
Low cost, low maintenance
30 year + life expectancy
No cracking
3 times stronger than poured concrete
Pavers move with soil conditions

3 times stronger than poured cement?

How?

Shegman22:
Benefits of Using Interlocking Pavers
The benefits of Interlocking Concrete Pavers versus other paving solutions are numerous:
A large variety of paving styles
Multitude of color possibilities
Create your own design
Low cost, low maintenance
30 year + life expectancy
No cracking
3 times stronger than poured concrete
Pavers move with soil conditions

There's stamp concrete and patterned concrete.
Please which are you talking about and can you back up the 3X strength

EgunMogaji:


3 times stronger than poured cement?

How?

Interlock Pavers are strong and last. Few things are unconditionally guaranteed; however, i can tell you that am 100% sure that concrete will crack after few months of casting. Pavers are rated as 3 times stronger than concrete and as such can hold 3 times as much weight as concrete without cracking. Pavers last longer than poured concrete and hold their color better than stamped concrete.

EgunMogaji:
I have a simple question.

Why are you folks building your own house instead of buying an existing one?

It seemed the thing to do - buy land, build house. However, my experience so far as a Nigerian diaspora building remotely through a third party, it is something I will never do again ever. It is stressful, time-consuming and turning out to be more expensive. Unless you can be there on site to oversee your building project, I will suggest it is better (and possibly cheaper in some cases) in the long run to just buy ready built.

A 720.32 sqm land for sale in Alakahia (close to uniport), Rivers State. Survey plan, gated land with fence.
All for #8M.
If interested, PM me.

Shegman22:
Interlock Pavers are strong and last. Few things are unconditionally guaranteed; however, i can tell you that am 100% sure that concrete will crack after few months of casting. Pavers are rated as 3 times stronger than concrete and as such can hold 3 times as much weight as concrete without cracking. Pavers last longer than poured concrete and hold their color better than stamped concrete.

Can it be argued that pavers don’t break because the present a smaller surface for forces to act upon?

On the continuing subject of compound flooring, found the below on another Nairaland forum thread. Any thoughts?

Shegman22:
Benefits of Using Interlocking Pavers
The benefits of Interlocking Concrete Pavers versus other paving solutions are numerous:
A large variety of paving styles
Multitude of color possibilities
Create your own design
Low cost, low maintenance
30 year + life expectancy
No cracking
3 times stronger than poured concrete
Pavers move with soil conditions

I disagree 100%

rabcnesbit:
On the continuing subject of compound flooring, found the below on another Nairaland forum thread. Any thoughts?

Mine is at the bottom.

Jury is still out for me. There is an area in front of the main entrance that has to be perfect. I think only interlocking can give me what I need.

(Oya eyin monitoring spirit make una take over )

Daboomb:



Very simple kwesion!

Why are YOU building your own house, instead of just buying one at Ibadan (I know you got loads of Benjamins so affordability wont be an issue)

Ok, Tell us.

Baba please position "OUR" flag properly or was that picture taken backwards?. Dont let me report you to Orange president

EgunMogaji:


I’ll never fly a US flag outdoors in Nigeria

I was born at night but not last night.

It’s my Nigerian flag that’s outside.

These are blocks we are using in one of my ongoing building projects, Can you guess why these blocks are darker in colour? Are they stronger than the conventional blocks which look whiter? What's the reason for the dark look? Lets discuss.

spyder880:
These are blocks we are using in one of my ongoing building projects, Can you guess why these blocks are darker in colour? Are they stronger than the conventional blocks which look whiter? What's the reason for the dark look? Lets discuss.

Boss, you added coloring?

Ladies, what is the sermon for today? Yesterday was “humble”.

I need to kill time before I have to go and park on the freeway for the evening commute home

(To add building content, I think 6” blocks are okay for soapboxes, 9” will be overkill)

spyder880:
These are blocks we are using in one of my ongoing building projects, Can you guess why these blocks are darker in colour? Are they stronger than the conventional blocks which look whiter? What's the reason for the dark look? Lets discuss.

They are made from clay?

true2home:
Baba please position "OUR" flag properly or was that picture taken backwards?. Dont let me report you to Orange president

Good observation, Sir.

It was done purposefully to actually protest The Orange President

It will stay that way until Mueller gets him out.

EgunMogaji:


Good observation, Sir.

It was done purposefully to actually protest The Orange President

It will stay that way until Mueller gets him out.

i have been following that sordid mess and it seems that the 45 will do anything and get away with it.

spyder880:
These are blocks we are using in one of my ongoing building projects, Can you guess why these blocks are darker in colour? Are they stronger than the conventional blocks which look whiter? What's the reason for the dark look? Lets discuss.

Is perhaps a product of black stonedust or charcoal is added to it..

spyder880:
These are blocks we are using in one of my ongoing building projects, Can you guess why these blocks are darker in colour? Are they stronger than the conventional blocks which look whiter? What's the reason for the dark look? Lets discuss.

@spyder880. Stonedust used instead of sand?

Daboomb:


Happy for you.


Initially, it may look like a waste of money but in the long run, what you are paying for is "rest of mind".
Because the foundation is not something you can easily scrap, even if you have the money to do another one, (you will have to scrap everything built on it as well ), l always advice that any DIY builder or even one that employs a semi-skilled Builder, should take their time to do a good foundation, even if that is all you can do for now.

Then come back later to raise the blockwork, which is the easiet part of building.

But seriously, we need to start holding the Builder/Engineer responsible, of they do a shoddy foundation that results in cracks or collapse (God forbid). If you are paid to do a 'professional job', then you should do it and be held liable, if shyte happens.

Ironically, I spent less (nearly 100k less) in this plinth beam foundation compared to the 5 to 6 coaches strip and block foundation initially proposed. Even the NL Engr was impressed with the cost difference.
I hope when the Engr decides to showcase the build, he will explain better.

EgunMogaji:


Boss, you added coloring?

Cjrane2:

They are made from clay?

Chekitaut:
Is perhaps a product of black stonedust or charcoal is added to it..

WorldAmbassador:


@spyder880. Stonedust used instead of sand?

This is colouring my people, I was fooled by the colour and even thought it to be of a better quality until I traced the block to the production point and asked questions. What they do is to go to where tyres are burnt, gather the black soot with dust and mix with sand and cement. The block comes out darker, leaving one with the impression that they are of higher strength. Meanwhile, Enugu seldom uses stone dust to make blocks, very rare.

ceelog:


Ironically, I spent less (nearly 100k less) in this plinth beam foundation compared to the 5 to 6 coaches strip and block foundation initially proposed. Even the NL Engr was impressed with the cost difference.
I hope when the Engr decides to showcase the build, he will explain better.

Well done.

It's always good to save money. You can then use that money in other areas of the build.