Building a Home in Davao

[Mike J]

21 hours ago, Tommy T. said:

One awning (called "canopy" here) as a sample construction for the rest. Looks good to us.

I hope this guy was posing for the picture and not getting ready to weld without eye protection.

[Tommy T.]

20 minutes ago, Mike J said:

I hope this guy was posing for the picture and not getting ready to weld without eye protection.

He was trying to spark the electrode. I did not see any eye protection. He may have had sunnies, but I was not looking when he was actually welding...

That goes along with everyone wearing flip flops, gloves only when handling sharp steel or sometimes when working with a shovel... hard hats? We don't need no stinkin' hard hats!

OSHA would have a field day here.

I learn something new about Filipino construction here during every visit.

[Tommy T.]

17 hours ago, hk blues said:

I'm surprised to hear that untreated raw sewage is being directed into a river as per code.  Fish is off the menu if I visit Davao! 

Trust me, HK, I was shocked when I learned about this. I do not eat locally caught or farmed fish for this reason.

[jimeve]

2 hours ago, Mike J said:

I hope this guy was posing for the picture and not getting ready to weld without eye protection.

If he's actually going to weld without eye protection he's going to get 'welders flash' very sore eyes.

[Tommy T.]

Yesterday we took another ride out to the home site. There is still progress although sometimes it seems so slow. But we're getting there...

The windows are being manufactured with glass to be installed in frames this week. But we're still not sure when they will actually be installed.

We are nudging the contractor and foreman along as much as we dare without antagonizing them.

A section of the sewer pipe in place just outside of the house. There will be a junction/access box right where that rock shows and we asked the foreman to please set it as low as possible so it (and a few others) can be covered with soil. We will know where they are and it is unlikely they will need to be accessed for a long time into the future.

This is the head of where the bed will go in the master's bedroom. It is plywood stood off from the wall to permit indirect cove lights on either side (it is covering up a post).

The switch for the cove lights located down low so not obvious.

The roof deck and roof deck stair landing are the same level, so they installed a 2" tall threshold in the doorway just in case super heavy rain and/or stopped up downspout causes the deck to flood.

Not sure where this wire is used, but it seems to be the size and quality of what's used for wiring the individual light fixtures.

Here's a close-up of one of the awnings (canopies). It will be painted - as will most trim - a colour they call analok - which is sort of a dark bronze.

Finally, the Boss confers with the foreman while a worker installs the trim around an upstairs window.

Note, also, the tiles being installed on part of the fence at the approach to the property. We're still awaiting delivery of the main floor, CR floor and some wall tiles.

[Tommy T.]

This is getting tiring...like watching parking meters expire, or grass growing... But there is still progress!

We were told yesterday that all the tiles have finally been delivered. There was a time a while ago, when the contractor told us that a tile we picked out was not currently available...we should "just pick out another..." No way! It took forever for us to find and agree on each tile. It was always amicable, but it was also challenging since we both have our own preferences... So we just told them to order and wait...

But wait!!! The first of two deliveries of the windows happened on Friday! The place will be transformed when the windows are installed - beginning some time next week!

Windows!

Exterior lights have been installed!

The sewer access box is being constructed down low in the ground as requested.

The front fence tiling is complete and looks way cool. I was not supportive of this, but L persuaded me and it does add some character to the place... Thanks, L!

They have started to level out the carport area to prepare for cement, and we discussed again our preference for the walkway from gate to front door. They will do some texturing to make it look like bricks, but also mainly to keep it from being slippery when rained on. So now the work is mostly details and smaller things since the major construction is mostly completed.We can see light at the end of this long construction tunnel!

[Tommy T.]

I really am getting tired of the build project... But!!! Things are moving along quickly again, so I am stoked!

The photos and captions will relate the latest:

Here's the gratuitous photo showing there are now awnings (canopies) over windows, roofing and gutters installed and more fencing completed. Ah... almost forgot... the window installation has begun! They started installing windows last Tuesday and will be done on Monday - tomorrow! Except for mozzie screens - those will take another week.

After that, the tiles will be laid in the kitchen and other areas, the doors will be installed and the kitchen cabinetry will be installed... It is all suddenly happening all in a rush!

A view from the north or right side of the home showing canopies over the two small windows in the master bedroom.

The front or main entrance. There will be a sliding gate across this space where we can park at least one car, maybe two...

One of the boys is clearing/excavating for the drive and walk ways.

The driveway will be cement with a pattern to mimick brick blocks. L had a tool for this left over from when she had her building constructed. This will give a bit of texture for appearance and also better grip for walking.

The boys are installing the tiles on the roof deck....nice...

The roofing over the decks. There is insulation installed even under just these awnings over the terraces. I asked the contractor about that. He said that the insulation with foil on two sides is thinner than the type with foil on only one side - so that is why they chose that. It is more expensive than the two-foil alternative so I am okay with this.

This is the slab for the wet bar on the second floor. We will have them install either a 3-D wallpaper or some tiles for backsplash to the ceiling. L also found a set of lights and some wood to make a custom lighting for the wet bar. I guess I will get busy soon to varnish some wood and drill some holes. It will be good to be creative again and use some of my tools toward the home build.

We also will be choosing colours for some painting of parts of the home. And I made a 2 page list of stuff that we will need to buy soon, not limited to but including, refrigerator, stove/oven, kitchen sink mixer, CR sinks and mixers, water heaters, curtains, blinds, rugs, furniture (ugh... so expensive here for anything decent!)...and on and on...

Oh... and the last photo. I never cease to be amazed at some of the really good craftsmanship in some of the work but even more by the ingenuity of the workers. Check this out - what we would call in USA - saw horse. Goodness! Timber, bamboo, limbs from trees... amazing, and it all works fine... I am learning a lot from these guys!

 

Edited July 26, 2020 by Tommy T.

[OnMyWay]

The house is looking great!  I am envious!  I think L was right about the tiles on the perimeter wall.  Adds a nice style for not much money.

[JDDavao II]

The house is really beautiful, Tommy. 

[intrepid]

Months ago I was thinking to visit to inspect your construction and building details.  However, with all the photos and descriptions you have added to the post it will no longer be necessary.  Well built and well done!  Soon you will be able to relax in your new home and wonder how did it all get completed. 

Edited July 26, 2020 by intrepid