SaydFact Construction Blog

A follower had asked us about ways of preventing fire in building from the design stage, and rightly so fire prevention in building should start from the paper works, up until the structure is completed; many builders today perhaps over-look or undermines the important choosing rather to fight an outbreak with fire extinguishers and water hydrants - this approach most times too costly. We take a look at 7 ways of preventing fire in building right from the design stage.

Good-Day, I'll be taking us on calculating the quantity and approximate cost of Asbestos ceiling sheet and PVC ceiling for a mini-flat (I have attached a plan for this purpose) and as usual our measurement would be done using the standard millimeter (mm) mode of measuring. Note: If you're not familiar with the millimeters / meters tape, then find time to learn it or request for a tutorial in the comment box.

Our team recently completed a 6 room self contain at Ilese - Ogun State and the process and construction method used has been well documented on 'Nairaland' (Nigerian's leading forum).

Project: Residential Type: 3 Bedroom Bungalow Features: * 3 Bedroom (all en-suite, minimum size of 3.3m by 3.6m & dressing space in master's bedroom) * Big Size Living Room * Dining * Kitchen & Store * Prayer Room or Ante-Room * Visitor's Toilet

Project: Residential Type: Duplex Features: * 5 Bedroom (with an option for 4) * General Living Room (Double Volume) * Family Living Room * Dining * Kitchen & Store * Laundry * Prayer Room

Good Day All.... Often times I get people asking me this question "HOW MANY BLOCKS WOULD I NEED TO COMPLETE THIS BUILDING" immediately after handing their design to them; I do not think it's bad to plan and budget but I always encourage they start and not let the fear of the unknown kill the dream. Today, I would be breaking it down so you can actually calculate this quantities yourself...... but, we need a plan to work with (I have attached a simple plan & elevation for this purpose).

Good Day: Lets explain concrete mix and how your bricklayer is expected to mix your next foundation / decking. Most time as Non-Construction experienced house builders, we put our trust on the bricklayers to mix our concrete rightly, however very few of them can be trusted to do the right thing - If your bricklayer negotiated for material and labour (its even more difficult to trust him) because he might be maximizing gain and reducing materials; often times even when you buy your materials; they tend to put in excess sand, granite ratio to minimize time spent in doing the job. LETS DISCUSS THE BASIC RATIOS AND WHAT IS EXPECTED OF THEM.

With the current increasing cost in building a house in Nigeria, and with the Nigeria Culture/Mentality “I must have my own House” a lot of Nigerians have been looking for various building material options which are relatively cheaper and perform the same function as the conventional ones. One of such material options which I will be focusing on this thread is Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), This material is strong, durable, light weight, water resistance with excellent thermal insulation which is very popular in Environmentally “Green” Homes. Expanded Polystyrene is an affordable and incredibly sustainable choice in the construction circle due to versatility and performance. It can be used in construction as a structural base infill for example in floor Slab, Roads, Bridges Railway infrastructure, or as a structural element of its own, Roof Eaves, wall (partition), Décor Materials.

Good Day All; hope my post meets you and your building project in good fate; my previous post on these platforms in the past had always focused on Solid Clay (non-sand filled soil) but we cannot deny the fact a lot of people are buying waterlogged, swampy or sand filled lands land too. We would consider those with lands at Arepo, Ajah, Sangotedo, Ibeshe, Ibeju Lekki axis and other areas (in and outside Lagos) where water level is only about 1m or less below ground level. Normally during raining seasons, these lands are usually waterlogged making it almost impossible to work., in-fact, buildings are better erected during the dry season but I'll advice during any of such raining season, take time out to study the behavior of water on your site and around it. The few things to note are: