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What Causes House Construction Delays Most Often—and How Do You Prevent Them?
Most delays come from just 7 repeatable causes . A good builder prevents them with front-loaded planning, locked decisions, tight procurement, and weekly controls . Top causes of delays: design changes, permit bottlenecks, late finish decisions, material lead times, site surprises, weather/curing time, and payment/procurement gaps. Prevention: freeze scope early, complete requirements before filing, set decision deadlines, pre-order long-lead items, verify site conditions,
Gabriel Mikael
Jan 263 min read


Exact Phases of House Construction (Start to Finish)
Here’s the real, step-by-step construction flow most professional builders follow—plus what you should expect to see at each phase. Phase 0: Pre-Construction Setup Goal: Make sure the build is “ready to start” with zero guesswork. Final plans (signed/sealed if required) Final BOQ + specifications Contract + payment milestones Construction schedule (target dates) Site mobilization plan (temporary power/water, storage, safety) Owner checkpoint: Layout + floor area + finish l
Gabriel Mikael
Jan 252 min read


How Long Will the Whole Project Take From Design to Turnover?
Most residential builds (lot owners) typically take 4 to 9 months from design start to turnover , depending on permit readiness, house size, storeys, and finish level. Fast-track (simple design + complete documents + flat lot): ~4–6 months Typical (custom design + normal approvals + standard finishes): ~6–9 months Complex (2-storey, many upgrades, siteworks/retaining, frequent changes): ~9–12+ months The Real Timeline Breakdown (End-to-End) Phase 1: Planning + Design (
Gabriel Mikael
Jan 242 min read


Do You Provide a Detailed BOQ and Specifications?
Yes—any serious build should come with a detailed BOQ (Bill of Quantities) and written specifications. That’s the only way you can compare quotes fairly, control your budget, and avoid “assumed” items that become surprise charges later. A detailed BOQ lists the materials, quantities, and scope of work per trade. Specifications define the exact quality level (brands, thickness, mix ratios, installation standards, allowances).Together, they make the quote transparent and enfor
Gabriel Mikael
Jan 232 min read


What’s Included and Excluded in Your Quotation or Cost per Sqm? (The Checklist That Prevents Budget Blowouts)
Cost per sqm” is only useful if you know exactly what’s inside the price . Two builders can quote the same ₱/sqm and deliver completely different outputs because of allowances, exclusions, and vague scopes . A reliable quotation must include: Scope per trade (what work is covered) Material/brand/specs (or clear allowances) Quantities/BOQ (or a detailed breakdown) Inclusions + exclusions list (written, not verbal) Siteworks + permits + utilities clarity Why Cost per Sqm Mi
Gabriel Mikael
Jan 223 min read


Hidden Costs People Don’t Expect When Building a House (Siteworks, Permits, Utilities, and More)
Most “budget blowouts” happen because the quote covers structure + finishes , but the real-world costs live in siteworks, approvals, connections, and exclusions . Here’s the hidden-cost checklist lot owners should budget for before signing. The 7 Hidden Cost Buckets Plan for these on top of your main construction cost: Siteworks & Ground Conditions Permits, professional fees, and compliance Utilities & connections (power/water/internet/drainage) External works (fence, gate, d
Gabriel Mikael
Jan 213 min read


Do You Offer Custom Design, or Do You Use Standard Templates?
We can do both. The best option depends on your lot shape, budget, timeline, and lifestyle needs . Custom design = built around your lot + priorities (best fit, best long-term value). Standard template = faster, lower design cost, predictable layout (best for simple lots + tight timelines). Hybrid (recommended for most lot owners) = start from a proven template, then customize key parts to match your lot and lifestyle. Option 1: Full Custom Design Choose custom if: Your
Gabriel Mikael
Jan 202 min read


What House Design/Layout Fits My Family’s Lifestyle Best? (Practical Guide for Lot Owners)
The best house layout is the one that matches your daily routine (work/school/sleep), your privacy needs , and your future plans (kids, aging parents, home office). Stop choosing layouts by “looks”—choose by how you live . Choose Your Layout Based on Your Family Type 1) If you’re a “Busy Weekday Family” (school + work + errands) Best layout: Open living/dining/kitchen + mudroom + laundry zone Fast morning flow (kitchen → dining → out the door) Storage near entry (bags, s
Gabriel Mikael
Jan 192 min read


You Own a Lot in Cagayan de Oro—So Why Is Your House Still “Next Month”? Use the Budget Lock System to Start Without Fear
If you already own a lot in Cagayan de Oro, you should feel excited. But most lot owners feel the opposite: stuck, hesitant, and overwhelmed. One month becomes one year. The dream house stays in your head because one question keeps repeating: “What if I start… and the cost explodes?” That fear is valid. Construction is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. The good news: you don’t need blind confidence. You need a system that protects you before the first h
Gabriel Mikael
Jan 53 min read
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