Impressive husband/wife architect team..... very simple yet elegant open concept design....... Upon successful completion of the project they deserved a bonus for the on-time on-budget excellent performance.
Very impressive team and will certainly be a show of appreciation at the end. Im actually making them a website for free and the channel has managed to help them with around 30 inquiries for work going forward. Happy to help people that deserve to be appreciated 😊 Cheers - Matt
Thanks for the update, your home is looking absolutely beautiful. I am impressed with the budget, design and integrity of your architect. Bohol is beautiful and was one of the areas I considered, your experience certainly makes me think I should have given it a bit more consideration. It is fantastic to see you highlighting a honest and talented local Filipino Architect and contractor. Can't wait to see the completion of the home and landscaping over time. Kudos to your delivery style, informative and very enjoyable to listen to.
Looks great, I'm an estimator for a homebuilder in the US with a Filipina wife that plans on building there in the future so your vids are extremely helpful and interesting. Glad everything is going smoothly and that you found such a great architect. Looking forward to following the rest of the build
How great that your architect goes to the building store with you to help choose materials. I'm like you and a little challenged when it comes to things like that! A stress reliever for sure.
It’s been great. He really encourages us to visit as often as we can to keep us involved in decision making and even when he’s gone ahead and made decisions for us, he’s been spot on. Haha, glad to know there’s another person that is challenged when it comes to technical terms :) Cheers - Matt
Great stuff. Very informative. You explain things very well. I like how you included solar sizing of panels, inverter and battery and what items you plan to run off that size system. You have a lot of future content if wanted just talking about your solar once the house is complete. You are spot on about termites, anything that can be done to abate that issue should be considered, even going with metal were possible like you did. I stated before I built our province house in 2009 and did not give the termite aspect enough respect, I was ignorant to how prevalent termites are in the province and it has cost me money in the years since to fix that oversight. Great interview with architect about how design decisions can save money and the discussion about product sourcing. This is the best Philippine build series on UA-cam. Good job.
Thank you very much for your kind words Clint! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and the content! Sorry to hear about your termite issues. Little bastards! Hopefully we dont get any issues. Thanks for watching! - Matt
Thank you! Yep, he's a very intelligent, kind, humble and thoughtful person. His wife Regine is the same and we are happy to be able to give such deserving people this exposure. It's nice to show that there are some good contractors/architects out there. - Matt
Matt- You folks are right up my alley… your closing comment almost made me spit my coffee up: ‘the lice of a thousand camels…’ 🤣That’s a keeper. As for your video, your home build, and discussion with your architect are really fact filled for me. Appreciate what you’re accomplishing and your can-do upbeat attitude. Well done. When my partner and I are back in S. Leyte, we’ll definitely look up your Airbnb properties. 👏🏻👏🏻 Joe
Haha! Thanks Joe 😊 Glad you like me camel comment! Probably the only one that’s watched to the end to see it! Appreciate your kind comments and support. Hope to see you in Bohol one day. Cheers - Matt
I've loved watching this. I'm a Brisbane based kiwi. You're doing what I'd love to do with my filipina one day as well. Although she is from Bulacan, and is prefer to live the quiet island life rather than city life. Looking forward to your finished product. I love the style of house you have designed. Well done you 2. Keep sharing the smiles❤❤
Moving along. I like the simple yet functional design you have selected. Your contractor seems honest enough and if he’s showing up daily and responsive you’re ahead of many. You also seem pretty calm kind of guy so you’re not upsetting the workers. I’m sure you will enjoy your home once it’s finished. I have one question. When the come to pour your floor slab I see you have rebar waiting what I’m not seeing is a moisture barrier or anything for the rebar to wire up to . Is this floor floating? Also will the chip up the wall surface where the concrete adheres to with a bonding agent? Kind of important stuff. Thanks for showing us!
Hi! Thanks for your comments Tom. Much appreciated. I asked the question and Mond responded with “Yes sir, we provide a moisture barrier that's the gravel bedding, it is also slab on grade.” Hope that helps. Cheers - Matt
Thanks for sharing this Video especially who are planning to build a dream house or Vacation home. It gives us ideas concept and inspiration to create and Plan in the Future..👍🙏
Looks like a great project. I was on Bacolod and what struck me was how clean it was. We did all the tourist stuff such as the chocolate hills and the man made forest. Spent time on Alona beach and generally had a great time. No Grab when I was there in 2023 but other than that ALL good. Very much a slower lifestyle so if moving there be prepared for that.
1. I love your vlogs - you are super organized and INFORMED. 2. There will always be haters, so good for you that you move beyond the crap and present what's real in your situation 3. I seem to be unable to really get an accurate name of your Archetect - can you please spell it out for my old ears? 4. SO EXCITED for you two - the house design and build it really beautiful - I love it 5 Thank you for sharing GOOD, POSITIVE, USEFUL information Dave
Hi Dave! Thank you for your kind words. Really appreciate it. The architects are CN Architectural Design Studio. There contact details are at the bottom of the description. Thanks for watching! - Matt
It's looking great, even your Philippine sun tattooed bro😊 Trust and honesty of the person building your house is the most important He can also get more clients for his company. Looking forward to the progress of your house.
Another great video. You both have been so transparent with the build and costings etc...People like us (Those wishing to build there) appreciate that. Hiding the downpipes is such a nice touch. You're right we don't do that here...Not sure why actually. I would say Mond and Regine would be getting a lot of inquiries after this. 😀
Since the pipes from the gutter are hidden. Its important that you should put screen on the roof gutter because theres so much trees sorround the house. It will be difficult to repair it once there are licks because the leafs may enter the pipes that will cause clogges in the future.
Thank you for making the documentary videos. You and your architect may wish to consider making (and selling) the "as built" drawings and specifications. The dwelling looks eminently livable, technology appropriate for the location, maintainable without excessive effort. In short, it looks practical and the design should be replicated. I would like to live in such a house and maybe I will.
I am so impressed.....congratulaions on your beautiful home for only 55k......that home in the USA would be no less than 250 to 300K usd........I want to do the same.......does your architect work only in Bohol?
Thank you! Yep in Australia, that would get just the roof and a few walls :) I believe he only services Bohol and Cebu. but reach out to them! Cheers - Matt
I did a binge watch of all your videos this evening. I’m so impressed with what you are doing. The only thing that is missing is your and April’s story (unless it’s hidden somewhere or I fell asleep). Maybe you have that planned for a future vlog. I just pressed subscribe. Can’t wait for you to finish. Next time I fly into the Philippines, I will have to bring you two a house warming gift. 😊
Thanks William! Wow, I've never been binge watched before hehe :) Thanks for watching! You are right, wasn't sure if people would have the attention span to hear what we are going to do later on the land and I kinda always want to keep the videos to the point of the topic in the description. But maybe we can do a video just about our intentions for the property. Hope to see you one day with our housewarming present! - P.S. I like beer. Cheers! - Matt
Very detailed video, and you done well gerting that honest architect who has saved you buckets of cash... You seem to be a property developer with lots of properties their in bohol, and you're both doing well from such, so congrats to that, and lets hope 2025 is a successful one for you both...😊
Thanks Dave! We are very lucky to have met them! We just have another two Airbnbs there which I bought back in 2017 and re renovated last year. That’s our income with some online nutritionist consulting I do too. Appreciate your kind comments and wishing you a happy and healthy 2025 too! - Matt and April
And how much do you think it will be now if you buy the same land size there today's market price? Make sure to treat the Amakan for the ceiling for it to last longer (termite problem) after few years your living room will have dust coming from the Amakan, make sure to treat the Amakan.
Hi! In August 2024 we paid 1.3m PHP. Not sure how much similar blocks would be now. Really depends on where and the usability of the lot. Thinking we may have gotten this block cheap cus of the drainage issues that needed to be rectified. Will definitely treat the amakan. Thanks! - Matt
Actually the Architect saw your comment and he said “I saw a comment regarding ppr sir, we use ppr for the water line. all water line is ppr, the orange one is upvc pipe s-600 for drain sir.” So that’s 👍
Very impressive! Following closely as we're going to be building above Tarlac this year (likely towards the end of the year)... Does your team do work in Luzon? I'd be interested in seeing if they could, we need honest people to work with... 👍😎👍
Well done mate, looking great. We actually gave up on a property in the same area. Titles were not complete and it was still zoned as Agricultural. Dam shame but we haven't given up yet. Not going back to NZ so Bohol is still my favorite place.
Another great video. Triumph is always worth a look, sometimes they have exactly what you want, but not in the quantity you require, but that's the Philippines. Metal and not wood for the eves is definitely a good call. If anything happens to the German showers, look fir a guy called Rancher at Triumph.
Thanks Phil! The great thing about the house is that even the semi-outdoor bathrooms will be sealed so mozzies cant get in when everything is closed up. The big wood doors will have mesh too. And we will have tilapia to eat the mozzies and plant anti-mozzie plants too. Fingers crossed! - Matt
Awesome guys. It looks terrific. I hope your water issues get resolved. Is the septic a pump out? Can't wait to permanently leave the Canadian weather behind and return to PH with my Filipina sweetie for my own build. God bless both of you and your lovely home.
Thanks Ian! Fingers crossed we get it sorted soon. Septic is an overflow of the third tank into a transpiration trench I believe. All the best to you guys! - Matt
Build looks pretty normal, I would only question the drainage overall I mean it’s Pawn with just some rain we got super typhoon. Is it gonna be under 2345 foot of water? That’s the only question but the house looks pretty good. Congratulations.
Good vid mate - good progress - your vids are helpful on getting ideas on how to build the ultimate termite-free house in PHI - along with tons of other aspects - this is just me - knowing about the electric brown-outs etc. I would have not 1 but 2 backup generators - hence a backup to the backup - think aeronautical engineering - you can't have too many backup plans for areas of problems that are real, that happen. And this vid is good for thinking about and accommodating DRAINAGE. Gotta have it. All the best!
Thanks for your kind comments! Agree with the generator but not sure if I will have two kicking around. Hopefully with the battery and the solar generating power during the day, we should be fine. If not, there is always fire to cook and candles for light :) Thanks for watching! - Matt
@@CORELLAHOMESTEAD you are welcome anytime; there are less than 2 hours by boat. We can share our experience in building in Philippines. Please send me a message before coming to prepare the welcome coffee..😊
Forgive me if I missed it; but did you raise the ground where the house is sitting? The property we bought sits in a very flat, rice field area and about 2 miles from the Leyte Gulf. Even though everyone says it has never flooded there, I plan to raise it a bit.
Most filipinos raise their homes by 2-3 and up hollow blocks for unexpected flooding, u just never know cuz typhoons are unpredictable and some are too strong the flood history exceeds previous occurrence.
Security is more related to the area. We don’t have bars on any windows we just have good locks on the door. And 6 dogs …wait 7 wife just added one tonight
Thanks mate! Haha! You wouldn't want me to touch your house, but CN Architecture would do a great job for you! I'm bloody useless with building terms etc. Thanks for watching! - Matt
Love it when a plan comes together. I'm with the architect, a firm believer in coffee and donuts for everyone in the morning....sugar and caffeine....get em going and whatever they eat for dinner too.....Pizza!, or chicken, BBQ.....never alcohol. Love polished concrete....I've seen it come out like marble......works on concrete floors too. I guess we skipped over the lot "grading" plan. Your architect should be able to hook you up with a civil engineer to define how that lot should be graded for drainage. "I am looking for fish" LOL. Standing water=bugs. In Florida they ask "how do you know if there are gators in the pond?" The test is you have to feel the water. If it's wet, then there are gators....hahahaha standing water joke.
Thanks for watching! Yep, he keeps the staff happy with soft drinks and roast chickens etc. Threw them a nice Xmas party too. We always buy them snacks and drinks when we visit to. A bit of appreciation goes a long way. They have a plan for the drainage. Hopefully it all works out! Cheers! - Matt
Thank you for the videos and the updates. I love your architect/Contractor. Can you find out if he builds outside of that island? And if yes would you Pass be able to pass my details onto him if I gave them to you?
Hi! My pleasure. Unfortunately, I think the only city he works out of Bohol would be Cebu. But contact him and ask. Maybe he would for the right project. I think the most difficult thing is moving and homing his large team but who lknows anything is possible. - Matt
Hello, very nice and interesting to follow your vlogs, we are also planning to do the same thing you are doing now. we can learn a lot from this. Perhaps we will also do business with this architect. I am very curious about the end result👍🏽😄
I've been enjoying your videos of your home build. I love the design and have been thinking about building the same style home on Panay Island. But I've seen a product called Polywall in the Philippines. I'm just curious if going with Polywall would actually be cheaper instead of bricks. Do you know anything about Polywall?
Hi Jim! I think polywall would be a lot cheaper to build with. In Australia I had a 7m x 3m cabin made of it and with electrical and doors and windows, it was only $22,000 AUD. The polywall material is the same stuff they use in cool rooms/fridges and they tell you it’s great for insulation which might be the case if wanting to keep warm but when ever I went into the thing it was so bloody hot 🥵. Maybe worth looking into but might be hard finding contractors that are familiar building with it. - Cheers - Matt
The house is looking really nice, and the drawings of the finished product looks fantastic 👍 Hopefully you can sort out that drainage issue, otherwise you’ll get eaten alive by mosquitoes…
Thank you! Hopefully the drainage gets sorted soon. Will have tilapia to eat the mozzies and plant things like lemongrass to keep them away. Hopefully! - Matt
@@CORELLAHOMESTEAD Tilapia is for a good meal but to get rid of mosquito larvae raise mudfish instead & it would also get rid of Tilapia fries that would stunt its growth since it multiply quickly.
Not sure sorry. He did the design and is also the contractor so is on site a lot to manage the build. If you got him to do the design and get another contractor, he would still visit the site occasionally to check the work, but no idea on how that would work payment wise. As he is the contractor, his fee is included in the total project price which I believe is a margin of materials and labour. Contact him and I'm sure he can explain. Cheers, - Matt
Total for the house build as a fully functional home without the solar, drainage and optional extras was 2,966,766 or $51,700USD. Land was 1.3m. My last video I break down all the costs ua-cam.com/video/A2ay0W_sXRA/v-deo.htmlsi=IfT2M-pDSoAUJA8i Cheers, Matt
They live in Panglao but service all of Bohol. The Solar Panels with battery and inverter was an additional 280,000. I list a few extras that were not included towards the end of the video. Total cost breakdown in my last video if you are interested. Cheers - Matt
@CORELLAHOMESTEAD Thank you Matt . I didn't see that you have another video . I'm in the US but I'm originally from Cortes, Bohol . I'm retiring in 4 yrs from now and planning to build a house in the Philippines .
Originally I thought the 60% was crazy. It clearly has worked out I would caution other viewers to be careful Based on this video I think your alright already anyway
This is so "real time" I thought I'd insert some advice - feel free to ignore it. It is too late to tell you it should be floor slab Is done first right over the foundation walls coming up from 40cm x 40cm footings with four 10mm rebar arranged like column steel on its side. Then you restart those foundation walls as house walls on your whole of house common-level slab. It is not illegal or against even the Australian building code to pour the floor slabs between the walls like you are doing. See 'infill slabs' problems and the list will include ants invading your house through the gap that will form between wall and floor slab edge. An Aussie would know some houses have ant problems - this is why. Ants don't come in under doors or through open windows, termites especially enter from underground. What unavoidably happens with all concrete is it shrinks in the years following a pour. In a couple years there will be a gap of 2mm between floor slabs and the walls. At 5 years a 3mm gap. You could go around with sealant into that gap at that point to keep the bugs out. More timely advice: put plastic sheeting (the stuff they use for awnings is fine) on the ground under your rebar before you pour and you will get a stronger slab that keeps water from rising through the concrete until it lifts your tile off. When laying tile wait as long as you can before putting it down on a new slab which will do a lot of it's shrinking in the first few months. Use tile adhesive (I know it is expensive) and not sand and cement or you will get hollow voids under your tile and it will crack. Because you have infil concrete floor slabs, no matter what you do, any tile layed through a doorway will be pulled apart and crack at the door entry as one slab shrinks and pulls against the other. Manage that by ending a tile run for one room at the door of the next room. Don't let people tell you thin gaps between tiles are okay - you want at least 3mm. Remember, over the years the living room slab will get 1 cm smaller as it shrinks, but the tiles won't. Grout lines are there to cope with that "squeeze" so your tiles don't just pop off the floor a few years from now. I have experimented with polished concrete, even putting colored broken glass in the concrete. Polishing is easier and less dusty than I expected, but the result just looked like a grey concrete floor. So we tiled it. It only costs $2 to buy a 50 x 50cm porcelain tile. You can do a whole counter for $20. It can look like marble or granite or wood, but it is easy to clean and won't stain tile.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. Makes sense. I think everything but the living area is now poured so might be too late but Ill ask out of interest if this has been done. Cheers - Matt
I would like to say i love this little house, however don't be too cheap, i see that you did not use plastic on your poor/floors, moister will come up through the floors if you do not put plastic down, also do forget to seal all your concreat before painting, this include your floors ok. Good luck with your build.
Thank you. I believe before they pour concrete they use a traditional gravel bedding or chocker to serve like moisture barrier and then waterproof the surface. Cheers - Matt
Unfortunately, it is plastic at this stage. We understand that it will need replacing every few years but that's ok. We will upgrade later when we have more money. :) - Cheers - Matt
I know. Crazy huh? In Australia we would get one builder for two hours for the same as what we pay for15 guys for 8hrs. Hence why building is so much cheaper here. - Matt
if they didnt put 135 degree bends in the stirrups on the column rebar or reinforced concrete headers over all the doors and window openings all the pretty in the world cant make up for it if there's an earthquake.
Hi, they definitely did use 135 degree re bar, or hooks they called them plus steel lintel beams above doors and windows. They really have done things to the engineers drawings and to make the house as strong as possible. Cheers - Matt
@@CORELLAHOMESTEAD i didnt see any videos of the construction so i cant tell. 98% of the time they dont do that here. if your engineer drew the actual shape of the stirrups in the plans i would be shocked. same with the headers, i have never seen any plans here that detail the rebar placement for headers or the shape of the stirrups used on columns. if your engineer did this you found the one in a million !
Not trying to make hateful comments but, from just what I can see from your video, as I said b4 in one of your other videos. In the long run cutting quality is going to cost you and that is just coming from my experience here. Yes you can build on the cheap side and that’s your choice but what I’ve seen is over time you will have more and more problems. Small pipes will clog and cause issues, low quality tiles will crack and break, not knowing what kind of steel and where it came from….. and wood is a big no no, even if treated properly with in 5 years you might start to see the issues. Most don’t follow the directions on the treatment or let it properly dry and over time it doesn’t last. But again all of that falls on you and your pocket and the only reason I’m saying anything is because I’ve been through it years back and back then it was a lot worse, you could not get good quality of anything you just had to build with what you could get. Either way good luck and enjoy while you can and save money for the future repairs!!
Hi Jack, I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. I think we are building the house as well as we can within our budget. The concrete and steel construction is sturdy and again, within our budget. What other methods would you recommend? The tiles, I think all tiles here whether they are 1000php a meter or 3000 are going to be similar. Only if you import at huge costs could you ensure quality. We really have used minimal wood, so we will just have to deal with any issues should they arise. But again, I think we have done as best as we can within our budgetary constraints :) And the pipes are all the proper size or have I missed something? - Matt
@ I’m not going to say you have been misled in any way, long term experience might be missing?? Your builder looks young and I don’t know anything about him, how many houses he has done and where they are? But just from my experience here I see you still have a lot of trees around and what comes with that is birds. Don’t get me wrong I love birds and think they are beautiful and they eat a ton of bugs, but they love to make nests in gutters and the piping, and while he has taken the time to put mesh over the inlets over time it will rust away and where does it go? In the pipes and that mesh will get caught up in one of the corners and cause things to back up, when that happens depending on where it pushes the water and when you notice it will depend on how much damage it brings. A trick to help with all of that is to slightly angle your gutters to help but almost always they make them level, you can easily check them but I’m pretty sure they are level with 0 tilt to one side. Also the mesh needs to be cleaned or checked very often you know salt water and steel don’t mix and not checking your gutters well you get what I’m saying. As for the tiles if you’re not getting from a reputable company you just take your chances and yes sometimes you get lucky and they last 2 to 3 years b4 cracks become visible but most of the time it’s because they are not properly installed and the grout is not sealed. After you move into the house and you are cleaning if you are noticing more dust than normal it’s usually from the grout that is coming loose from not being sealed and that also causes the tile itself to become unstable and crack. But again I’m not saying you’re doing anything wrong trying to stay within a budget, these are just things that have happened to me and my experience you can do whatever you like and as I said b4 that on you. As it goes on utube comments are a dime a dozen some good and some bad but in the end you are the only one that suffers from it so make your own decisions. Just don’t mislead others in the process and maybe make that more clear?? Have a wonderful day!!
I do appreciate your thoughts. And certainly take on board the importance to check the mesh so it doesn’t cause issues. Certainly something I wouldn’t have thought of. The architects are only 35yo but his knowledge and foresight has been very impressive. However anyone would have better knowledge than me regarding building! I think being younger and having more recent qualifications could be an advantage though. Again I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. Keep em coming. I like learning :) And beer. - Matt
Impressive husband/wife architect team..... very simple yet elegant open concept design....... Upon successful completion of the project they deserved a bonus for the on-time on-budget excellent performance.
Very impressive team and will certainly be a show of appreciation at the end. Im actually making them a website for free and the channel has managed to help them with around 30 inquiries for work going forward. Happy to help people that deserve to be appreciated 😊 Cheers - Matt
Thanks for the update, your home is looking absolutely beautiful. I am impressed with the budget, design and integrity of your architect. Bohol is beautiful and was one of the areas I considered, your experience certainly makes me think I should have given it a bit more consideration. It is fantastic to see you highlighting a honest and talented local Filipino Architect and contractor.
Can't wait to see the completion of the home and landscaping over time. Kudos to your delivery style, informative and very enjoyable to listen to.
Thank you very much for your kind words and support. Really appreciate it! - Matt
Im very impressed with your architect/builder, he is doing a great job and you can trust him!! Your home is looking great congrats Kevin
Thanks Kevin! - Matt
A house surrounded by trees, friendly neightbors, clean air, great beaches, chocolate hills. You will be living in paradise. ❤
Thank you! Looking forward to moving in! Thanks for watching - Matt
Looks great, I'm an estimator for a homebuilder in the US with a Filipina wife that plans on building there in the future so your vids are extremely helpful and interesting. Glad everything is going smoothly and that you found such a great architect. Looking forward to following the rest of the build
Thank you! Glad you found some value in the vids. Appreciate you watching! - Matt
Looks good. Looking forward to the finished product.
Thanks! - Matt
How great that your architect goes to the building store with you to help choose materials. I'm like you and a little challenged when it comes to things like that! A stress reliever for sure.
It’s been great. He really encourages us to visit as often as we can to keep us involved in decision making and even when he’s gone ahead and made decisions for us, he’s been spot on. Haha, glad to know there’s another person that is challenged when it comes to technical terms :) Cheers - Matt
That’s a beautiful house. Nicely done. Definitely blessed with an honest and talented architect .
Thank you! Yes, we feel very blessed to have met them. Thanks for watching! - Matt
looks interesting, smartest decision was the steel structure, and roof trusses
Thank you - Matt
Awesome architect and project manager. I will check on him when we are ready to build.
Thanks for watching! - Definitely can recommend them. Cheers - Matt
Great stuff. Very informative. You explain things very well. I like how you included solar sizing of panels, inverter and battery and what items you plan to run off that size system. You have a lot of future content if wanted just talking about your solar once the house is complete. You are spot on about termites, anything that can be done to abate that issue should be considered, even going with metal were possible like you did. I stated before I built our province house in 2009 and did not give the termite aspect enough respect, I was ignorant to how prevalent termites are in the province and it has cost me money in the years since to fix that oversight. Great interview with architect about how design decisions can save money and the discussion about product sourcing. This is the best Philippine build series on UA-cam. Good job.
Thank you very much for your kind words Clint! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and the content! Sorry to hear about your termite issues. Little bastards! Hopefully we dont get any issues. Thanks for watching! - Matt
Agreed, this is the best series and there are a few others that are quite good. Your delivery is Spot On.
@donaldogden thank you! Much appreciated!! - Matt
I like the simplicity of the architect's approach. This building is easy to build and not complicated.
Thank you! - Matt
Architect is well spoken man. Very efficient. Not greedy. Like Architects here in the west.
Love your house!
Thank you! Yep, he's a very intelligent, kind, humble and thoughtful person. His wife Regine is the same and we are happy to be able to give such deserving people this exposure. It's nice to show that there are some good contractors/architects out there. - Matt
Matt- You folks are right up my alley… your closing comment almost made me spit my coffee up: ‘the lice of a thousand camels…’ 🤣That’s a keeper.
As for your video, your home build, and discussion with your architect are really fact filled for me. Appreciate what you’re accomplishing and your can-do upbeat attitude. Well done. When my partner and I are back in S. Leyte, we’ll definitely look up your Airbnb properties. 👏🏻👏🏻 Joe
Haha! Thanks Joe 😊 Glad you like me camel comment! Probably the only one that’s watched to the end to see it! Appreciate your kind comments and support. Hope to see you in Bohol one day. Cheers - Matt
I've loved watching this.
I'm a Brisbane based kiwi.
You're doing what I'd love to do with my filipina one day as well.
Although she is from Bulacan, and is prefer to live the quiet island life rather than city life.
Looking forward to your finished product.
I love the style of house you have designed.
Well done you 2.
Keep sharing the smiles❤❤
Thanks Damien! Appreciate your kind words and for watching! Cheers! - Matt
Moving along. I like the simple yet functional design you have selected. Your contractor seems honest enough and if he’s showing up daily and responsive you’re ahead of many. You also seem pretty calm kind of guy so you’re not upsetting the workers. I’m sure you will enjoy your home once it’s finished. I have one question. When the come to pour your floor slab I see you have rebar waiting what I’m not seeing is a moisture barrier or anything for the rebar to wire up to . Is this floor floating? Also will the chip up the wall surface where the concrete adheres to with a bonding agent? Kind of important stuff. Thanks for showing us!
Hi! Thanks for your comments Tom. Much appreciated. I asked the question and Mond responded with “Yes sir, we provide a moisture barrier that's the gravel bedding, it is also slab on grade.” Hope that helps. Cheers - Matt
Thanks for sharing this Video especially who are planning to build a dream house or Vacation home. It gives us ideas concept and inspiration to create and Plan in the Future..👍🙏
My pleasure! Thanks for watching! - Matt
Looks like a great project. I was on Bacolod and what struck me was how clean it was. We did all the tourist stuff such as the chocolate hills and the man made forest. Spent time on Alona beach and generally had a great time. No Grab when I was there in 2023 but other than that ALL good. Very much a slower lifestyle so if moving there be prepared for that.
Hi! Very much looking forward to a slower pace of life. Thanks for watching! - Matt
1. I love your vlogs - you are super organized and INFORMED.
2. There will always be haters, so good for you that you move beyond the crap and present what's real in your situation
3. I seem to be unable to really get an accurate name of your Archetect - can you please spell it out for my old ears?
4. SO EXCITED for you two - the house design and build it really beautiful - I love it
5 Thank you for sharing GOOD, POSITIVE, USEFUL information
Dave
Hi Dave! Thank you for your kind words. Really appreciate it. The architects are CN Architectural Design Studio. There contact details are at the bottom of the description. Thanks for watching! - Matt
Looks like things are going smoothly for you guys! Congrats on the progress
Thanks mate! - Matt
It's looking great, even your Philippine sun tattooed bro😊 Trust and honesty of the person building your house is the most important He can also get more clients for his company. Looking forward to the progress of your house.
Haha! Thanks! Glad you like the Tat :) - Matt
Very nice bro 🙌🙌🙌Can’t wait to meet you guys hopefully this April 🍻
Thanks John! - Hope to see you guys soon :) - Matt
Great stuff!! Keep 'em coming!! Great info. Love the build. Beautiful!!
Thanks! Appreciate your support! - Matt
Another great video. You both have been so transparent with the build and costings etc...People like us (Those wishing to build there) appreciate that. Hiding the downpipes is such a nice touch. You're right we don't do that here...Not sure why actually. I would say Mond and Regine would be getting a lot of inquiries after this. 😀
Thank you! Yes they are getting allot of attention and rightfully so! Thanks for your support! - Matt
@@CORELLAHOMESTEAD You're welcome. See you on the next one
Since the pipes from the gutter are hidden. Its important that you should put screen on the roof gutter because theres so much trees sorround the house. It will be difficult to repair it once there are licks because the leafs may enter the pipes that will cause clogges in the future.
Thanks for your comments! They have put mesh in all the gutters to stop leaves getting in the pipes. Cheers - Matt
Thank you for making the documentary videos. You and your architect may wish to consider making (and selling) the "as built" drawings and specifications. The dwelling looks eminently livable, technology appropriate for the location, maintainable without excessive effort. In short, it looks practical and the design should be replicated. I would like to live in such a house and maybe I will.
My pleasure! Glad you are liking the videos! I appreciate your kind words and support. - Cheers - Matt
If you have a good vac you can make the pipe longer with waterpipe ( blue 1.5 inch) then its easy to clean the amacan
Great idea! Thank you - Matt
I am so impressed.....congratulaions on your beautiful home for only 55k......that home in the USA would be no less than 250 to 300K usd........I want to do the same.......does your architect work only in Bohol?
Thank you! Yep in Australia, that would get just the roof and a few walls :) I believe he only services Bohol and Cebu. but reach out to them! Cheers - Matt
I did a binge watch of all your videos this evening. I’m so impressed with what you are doing. The only thing that is missing is your and April’s story (unless it’s hidden somewhere or I fell asleep). Maybe you have that planned for a future vlog. I just pressed subscribe. Can’t wait for you to finish. Next time I fly into the Philippines, I will have to bring you two a house warming gift. 😊
Thanks William! Wow, I've never been binge watched before hehe :) Thanks for watching! You are right, wasn't sure if people would have the attention span to hear what we are going to do later on the land and I kinda always want to keep the videos to the point of the topic in the description. But maybe we can do a video just about our intentions for the property. Hope to see you one day with our housewarming present! - P.S. I like beer. Cheers! - Matt
Keep the faith. You will have a lovely place when completed.
Thank you! Much appreciated 😊 - Matt
Very detailed video, and you done well gerting that honest architect who has saved you buckets of cash...
You seem to be a property developer with lots of properties their in bohol, and you're both doing well from such, so congrats to that, and lets hope 2025 is a successful one for you both...😊
Thanks Dave! We are very lucky to have met them! We just have another two Airbnbs there which I bought back in 2017 and re renovated last year. That’s our income with some online nutritionist consulting I do too. Appreciate your kind comments and wishing you a happy and healthy 2025 too! - Matt and April
And how much do you think it will be now if you buy the same land size there today's market price? Make sure to treat the Amakan for the ceiling for it to last longer (termite problem) after few years your living room will have dust coming from the Amakan, make sure to treat the Amakan.
Hi! In August 2024 we paid 1.3m PHP. Not sure how much similar blocks would be now. Really depends on where and the usability of the lot. Thinking we may have gotten this block cheap cus of the drainage issues that needed to be rectified. Will definitely treat the amakan. Thanks! - Matt
hi try to tell your contructor to use PPR for the pipeline..its durable, not the orange pvc ,its a headache in the long run..its not yet late
Unfortunately the potties are all buried now. Will just have to hope they are ok. Appreciate your suggestion though. Cheers - Matt
Actually the Architect saw your comment and he said “I saw a comment regarding ppr sir, we use ppr for the water line. all water line is ppr, the orange one is upvc pipe s-600 for drain sir.” So that’s 👍
@@CORELLAHOMESTEADgoodluck guys🎉🎉
Thank you!
Great build
Power stations are great alternative : jackery or eco flow can be true portable power
Thank you! - Matt
Just from a quick look it doesn't look like very much rebar inside the hollow blocks
Hi, there is plenty. Didn’t really show the hallow blocks in this video but they have followed the engineers drawings. Cheers - Matt
Your builder seems to have everything under control and I would definitely consider hiring him.
He’s all over it! Would definitely recommend. - Matt
Well done and good choices. Nice disign and you give me a good tip to cistren and ceptic tank distance 25 meter i didnt know that. Thanks
Thanks again Jack! - Matt
Very impressive! Following closely as we're going to be building above Tarlac this year (likely towards the end of the year)...
Does your team do work in Luzon? I'd be interested in seeing if they could, we need honest people to work with...
👍😎👍
Hi! Thank you! Unfortunately, I think it would be too far to move and rehome his staff but can't hurt to ask! - Matt
Well done mate, looking great. We actually gave up on a property in the same area. Titles were not complete and it was still zoned as Agricultural. Dam shame but we haven't given up yet.
Not going back to NZ so Bohol is still my favorite place.
Thanks mate! Hope it all works out for you! You still living in Bohol? - Matt
What a great deal comparing to those condominiums (sardine cans size) being sold in IT park in Cebu or in Panglao . Congratulations
Thanks! Totally agree! - Matt
Another great video. Triumph is always worth a look, sometimes they have exactly what you want, but not in the quantity you require, but that's the Philippines.
Metal and not wood for the eves is definitely a good call.
If anything happens to the German showers, look fir a guy called Rancher at Triumph.
Thanks for the tip! Appreciate your comments - Matt
Perfect video presentation!! Absolutely love the open air concept. Are mosquitoes going to be a problem?? Thanks for the update!!
Thanks Phil! The great thing about the house is that even the semi-outdoor bathrooms will be sealed so mozzies cant get in when everything is closed up. The big wood doors will have mesh too. And we will have tilapia to eat the mozzies and plant anti-mozzie plants too. Fingers crossed! - Matt
Excellent! You’ve certainly dialed it in! Thank you again!
Nice home sir we also building our dream house a American range in the Philippines 🇵🇭
Thank you! All the best for your build! - Matt
Awesome guys. It looks terrific. I hope your water issues get resolved. Is the septic a pump out? Can't wait to permanently leave the Canadian weather behind and return to PH with my Filipina sweetie for my own build. God bless both of you and your lovely home.
Thanks Ian! Fingers crossed we get it sorted soon. Septic is an overflow of the third tank into a transpiration trench I believe. All the best to you guys! - Matt
Considering the budget this is a great build, you have amazing architect. I wonder if he is open to natural building?
Thank you! Contact him. He might be :)
Build looks pretty normal, I would only question the drainage overall I mean it’s Pawn with just some rain we got super typhoon. Is it gonna be under 2345 foot of water? That’s the only question but the house looks pretty good. Congratulations.
Thanks mate. Hopefully we will be ok! Cheers - Matt
Good vid mate - good progress - your vids are helpful on getting ideas on how to build the ultimate termite-free house in PHI - along with tons of other aspects - this is just me - knowing about the electric brown-outs etc. I would have not 1 but 2 backup generators - hence a backup to the backup - think aeronautical engineering - you can't have too many backup plans for areas of problems that are real, that happen. And this vid is good for thinking about and accommodating DRAINAGE. Gotta have it. All the best!
Thanks for your kind comments! Agree with the generator but not sure if I will have two kicking around. Hopefully with the battery and the solar generating power during the day, we should be fine. If not, there is always fire to cook and candles for light :) Thanks for watching! - Matt
Cool place!
What did you do about the drainage problem?
Thanks! We have a big excavator coming in to push the sides lower so the water can run back and off towards the road. Hopefully it works! - Matt
I’m impressed your house, were you guys in Bohol?
Hey mate, we’re in Corella :)
Hi Greetings from Adelaide Australia, thanks for the Video very infromative. Can we have details of your Architect? Thanks a lot.
Hi! I used too love in Adelaide :) All the architects details are in the description. They are fantastic. Cheers - Matt
What a Beautiful house❤
Thank you! - Matt
Excellent video
Thank you! - Matt
STRIKING NICE WORK/DESIGN ♥
WHAT AN HONEST GUY/ YOUR ARCHITECT ♥ I WOULD USE HIM ALSO, GREAT JOB/VIDEO EXPLAINING YOUR AMAZING BUILD.
Thanks Michael! - Matt
Thanks! Much appreciated! - Matt
Congratulations bro! Good job! I am doing the same here in Siquior Island. Don't pay attention to negative comments; most of them are jealous ....😂
Thanks mate! All the best for your build. Want to visit Siquior soon. Never been. Looks beautiful from the pics. Cheers! - Matt
@@CORELLAHOMESTEAD you are welcome anytime; there are less than 2 hours by boat. We can share our experience in building in Philippines. Please send me a message before coming to prepare the welcome coffee..😊
NICE LOOKING FOLKS
MATT & APRIL ♥
Haha! Thanks Michael :) - Matt
Cheers!
Forgive me if I missed it; but did you raise the ground where the house is sitting? The property we bought sits in a very flat, rice field area and about 2 miles from the Leyte Gulf. Even though everyone says it has never flooded there, I plan to raise it a bit.
Hi! We didn’t raise the land but placed it on the highest point and then laid the foundation to make it level, plus another 80cm. - Matt
@@CORELLAHOMESTEADThat’s good, just judging from how much lower the water is from the house, I would think you’ll be ok
Oh no!!! This is what we have to look at when we build. Also termites
Thanks mate. Fingers crossed!
Most filipinos raise their homes by 2-3 and up hollow blocks for unexpected flooding, u just never know cuz typhoons are unpredictable and some are too strong the flood history exceeds previous occurrence.
Security is more related to the area. We don’t have bars on any windows we just have good locks on the door. And 6 dogs …wait 7 wife just added one tonight
Haha! Classic :) Need a dog. Got one spare?
Great job so far , should hire you to be General Contractor if I ever build a house over there
Thanks mate! Haha! You wouldn't want me to touch your house, but CN Architecture would do a great job for you! I'm bloody useless with building terms etc. Thanks for watching! - Matt
Love it when a plan comes together. I'm with the architect, a firm believer in coffee and donuts for everyone in the morning....sugar and caffeine....get em going and whatever they eat for dinner too.....Pizza!, or chicken, BBQ.....never alcohol. Love polished concrete....I've seen it come out like marble......works on concrete floors too. I guess we skipped over the lot "grading" plan. Your architect should be able to hook you up with a civil engineer to define how that lot should be graded for drainage. "I am looking for fish" LOL. Standing water=bugs. In Florida they ask "how do you know if there are gators in the pond?" The test is you have to feel the water. If it's wet, then there are gators....hahahaha standing water joke.
Thanks for watching! Yep, he keeps the staff happy with soft drinks and roast chickens etc. Threw them a nice Xmas party too. We always buy them snacks and drinks when we visit to. A bit of appreciation goes a long way. They have a plan for the drainage. Hopefully it all works out! Cheers! - Matt
Thank you for the videos and the updates. I love your architect/Contractor. Can you find out if he builds outside of that island? And if yes would you Pass be able to pass my details onto him if I gave them to you?
I was wondering the same lol
Hi! My pleasure. Unfortunately, I think the only city he works out of Bohol would be Cebu. But contact him and ask. Maybe he would for the right project. I think the most difficult thing is moving and homing his large team but who lknows anything is possible. - Matt
Doesn't hurt to ask :) - Matt
Awesome
Thank you! - Matt
Hi Matt very cool project thank you very much for the information I have contact with Raymod to draw my house I am very curious how it will look
Thanks Robert! - I'm sure Raymond and his wife Regine will look after you and create a wonderful design for you. Would love to see it! - Matt
Hello, very nice and interesting to follow your vlogs, we are also planning to do the same thing you are doing now. we can learn a lot from this. Perhaps we will also do business with this architect. I am very curious about the end result👍🏽😄
Thanks! Glad you are getting value from the videos. Definitely recommend CN Architecture! Cheers - Matt
@@CORELLAHOMESTEADhello, o e question. How big is the lot you bought and how much did you pay for it if I may ask? Rgds Timmy
Great build , Do you have contact for architect please
Thank you! Their details are at the bottom of the description :) - Matt
I've been enjoying your videos of your home build. I love the design and have been thinking about building the same style home on Panay Island. But I've seen a product called Polywall in the Philippines. I'm just curious if going with Polywall would actually be cheaper instead of bricks. Do you know anything about Polywall?
Hi Jim! I think polywall would be a lot cheaper to build with. In Australia I had a 7m x 3m cabin made of it and with electrical and doors and windows, it was only $22,000 AUD. The polywall material is the same stuff they use in cool rooms/fridges and they tell you it’s great for insulation which might be the case if wanting to keep warm but when ever I went into the thing it was so bloody hot 🥵. Maybe worth looking into but might be hard finding contractors that are familiar building with it. - Cheers - Matt
Hey bro which part of Aotearoa you from? I'm from Tzupo but working in Perth Western Australia
Hey mate! Im a Jaffa. Glenfield on the North Shore. But Aussie citizen now. Im a mongrel :)
How’s the build going?
Hi! Amazing. So much progress in just the last week. Well hope to get the new update up today. Cheers - Matt
The house is looking really nice, and the drawings of the finished product looks fantastic 👍 Hopefully you can sort out that drainage issue, otherwise you’ll get eaten alive by mosquitoes…
Thank you! Hopefully the drainage gets sorted soon. Will have tilapia to eat the mozzies and plant things like lemongrass to keep them away. Hopefully! - Matt
@ …I remember you mentioned the tilapia in an earlier video 👍 Looking forward to the next update…
Thank you! 🙏
@@CORELLAHOMESTEAD Tilapia is for a good meal but to get rid of mosquito larvae raise mudfish instead & it would also get rid of Tilapia fries that would stunt its growth since it multiply quickly.
Thanks! Can you eat mudfish? - Matt
Can I ask who did your solar system?
Hi Mark, Julieto from Bohol Solar Saver. Brilliant guy and so proactive. 09109359705.
Thank you we are building over by Camen Bohol . Living in USA till 2027.
Fantastic. Give him a call or message on Facebook. He has really been great to deal with.
Great video, what is name of your architect and /or his company? i would appreciate it
Hey mate, I interview him in the Video (CN Architectural Design) and link is down the description. Cheers - Matt
$55,ooo us or Australian? How much for the land and how big is the lot? From Melbourne
Hi! Thats USD. The land we paid 1.3m PHP. Thanks for watching - Matt
Where abouts in Honolulu are you?
How much was it additional to have your architect on site each day vs just doing your design?
Not sure sorry. He did the design and is also the contractor so is on site a lot to manage the build. If you got him to do the design and get another contractor, he would still visit the site occasionally to check the work, but no idea on how that would work payment wise. As he is the contractor, his fee is included in the total project price which I believe is a margin of materials and labour. Contact him and I'm sure he can explain. Cheers, - Matt
What is total cost again
Total for the house build as a fully functional home without the solar, drainage and optional extras was 2,966,766 or $51,700USD. Land was 1.3m. My last video I break down all the costs ua-cam.com/video/A2ay0W_sXRA/v-deo.htmlsi=IfT2M-pDSoAUJA8i Cheers, Matt
Where in Bohol your Architect from ? Does the solar panel included in the $55K ?
They live in Panglao but service all of Bohol. The Solar Panels with battery and inverter was an additional 280,000. I list a few extras that were not included towards the end of the video. Total cost breakdown in my last video if you are interested. Cheers - Matt
@CORELLAHOMESTEAD Thank you Matt . I didn't see that you have another video . I'm in the US but I'm originally from Cortes, Bohol . I'm retiring in 4 yrs from now and planning to build a house in the Philippines .
Originally I thought the 60% was crazy. It clearly has worked out I would caution other viewers to be careful Based on this video I think your alright already anyway
Thanks mate. So far it has been the best way for us but can imagine it can go wrong for some - Matt
Does this architect work in Luzon specifically Quezon Province
Hi! I don't think so but can't hurt to ask. Cheers - Matt
This is so "real time" I thought I'd insert some advice - feel free to ignore it. It is too late to tell you it should be floor slab
Is done first right over the foundation walls coming up from 40cm x 40cm footings with four 10mm rebar arranged like column steel on its side. Then you restart those foundation walls as house walls on your whole of house common-level slab. It is not illegal or against even the Australian building code to pour the floor slabs between the walls like you are doing. See 'infill slabs' problems and the list will include ants invading your house through the gap that will form between wall and floor slab edge. An Aussie would know some houses have ant problems - this is why. Ants don't come in under doors or through open windows, termites especially enter from underground. What unavoidably happens with all concrete is it shrinks in the years following a pour. In a couple years there will be a gap of 2mm between floor slabs and the walls. At 5 years a 3mm gap. You could go around with sealant into that gap at that point to keep the bugs out.
More timely advice: put plastic sheeting (the stuff they use for awnings is fine) on the ground under your rebar before you pour and you will get a stronger slab that keeps water from rising through the concrete until it lifts your tile off. When laying tile wait as long as you can before putting it down on a new slab which will do a lot of it's shrinking in the first few months. Use tile adhesive (I know it is expensive) and not sand and cement or you will get hollow voids under your tile and it will crack.
Because you have infil concrete floor slabs, no matter what you do, any tile layed through a doorway will be pulled apart and crack at the door entry as one slab shrinks and pulls against the other. Manage that by ending a tile run for one room at the door of the next room.
Don't let people tell you thin gaps between tiles are okay - you want at least 3mm. Remember, over the years the living room slab will get 1 cm smaller as it shrinks, but the tiles won't. Grout lines are there to cope with that "squeeze" so your tiles don't just pop off the floor a few years from now.
I have experimented with polished concrete, even putting colored broken glass in the concrete. Polishing is easier and less dusty than I expected, but the result just looked like a grey concrete floor. So we tiled it. It only costs $2 to buy a 50 x 50cm porcelain tile. You can do a whole counter for $20. It can look like marble or granite or wood, but it is easy to clean and won't stain tile.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. Makes sense. I think everything but the living area is now poured so might be too late but Ill ask out of interest if this has been done. Cheers - Matt
I would like to say i love this little house, however don't be too cheap, i see that you did not use plastic on your poor/floors, moister will come up through the floors if you do not put plastic down, also do forget to seal all your concreat before painting, this include your floors ok. Good luck with your build.
Thank you. I believe before they pour concrete they use a traditional gravel bedding or chocker to serve like moisture barrier and then waterproof the surface. Cheers - Matt
I hope by clear roof, you mean glass. Any clear plastic is gonna turn into an algae farm quick
Unfortunately, it is plastic at this stage. We understand that it will need replacing every few years but that's ok. We will upgrade later when we have more money. :) - Cheers - Matt
Wow $10 a day for laborer ,here in US $100 an hour
I know. Crazy huh? In Australia we would get one builder for two hours for the same as what we pay for15 guys for 8hrs. Hence why building is so much cheaper here. - Matt
Thats why we are planning to retire in Cebu if my husband health is gonna get better .
Hope your husband feels better soon. All the best - Matt
@ Thank you
if they didnt put 135 degree bends in the stirrups on the column rebar or reinforced concrete headers over all the doors and window openings all the pretty in the world cant make up for it if there's an earthquake.
Hi, they definitely did use 135 degree re bar, or hooks they called them plus steel lintel beams above doors and windows. They really have done things to the engineers drawings and to make the house as strong as possible. Cheers - Matt
@@CORELLAHOMESTEAD i didnt see any videos of the construction so i cant tell. 98% of the time they dont do that here. if your engineer drew the actual shape of the stirrups in the plans i would be shocked.
same with the headers, i have never seen any plans here that detail the rebar placement for headers or the shape of the stirrups used on columns. if your engineer did this you found the one in a million !
@@justaguy-69 I checked the plans and they are very thorough. Looks like I got lucky :)
Bossing !😂
Thanks! - Matt
Not trying to make hateful comments but, from just what I can see from your video, as I said b4 in one of your other videos. In the long run cutting quality is going to cost you and that is just coming from my experience here. Yes you can build on the cheap side and that’s your choice but what I’ve seen is over time you will have more and more problems. Small pipes will clog and cause issues, low quality tiles will crack and break, not knowing what kind of steel and where it came from….. and wood is a big no no, even if treated properly with in 5 years you might start to see the issues. Most don’t follow the directions on the treatment or let it properly dry and over time it doesn’t last. But again all of that falls on you and your pocket and the only reason I’m saying anything is because I’ve been through it years back and back then it was a lot worse, you could not get good quality of anything you just had to build with what you could get. Either way good luck and enjoy while you can and save money for the future repairs!!
Hi Jack, I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. I think we are building the house as well as we can within our budget. The concrete and steel construction is sturdy and again, within our budget. What other methods would you recommend? The tiles, I think all tiles here whether they are 1000php a meter or 3000 are going to be similar. Only if you import at huge costs could you ensure quality. We really have used minimal wood, so we will just have to deal with any issues should they arise. But again, I think we have done as best as we can within our budgetary constraints :) And the pipes are all the proper size or have I missed something? - Matt
@ I’m not going to say you have been misled in any way, long term experience might be missing?? Your builder looks young and I don’t know anything about him, how many houses he has done and where they are? But just from my experience here I see you still have a lot of trees around and what comes with that is birds. Don’t get me wrong I love birds and think they are beautiful and they eat a ton of bugs, but they love to make nests in gutters and the piping, and while he has taken the time to put mesh over the inlets over time it will rust away and where does it go? In the pipes and that mesh will get caught up in one of the corners and cause things to back up, when that happens depending on where it pushes the water and when you notice it will depend on how much damage it brings. A trick to help with all of that is to slightly angle your gutters to help but almost always they make them level, you can easily check them but I’m pretty sure they are level with 0 tilt to one side. Also the mesh needs to be cleaned or checked very often you know salt water and steel don’t mix and not checking your gutters well you get what I’m saying. As for the tiles if you’re not getting from a reputable company you just take your chances and yes sometimes you get lucky and they last 2 to 3 years b4 cracks become visible but most of the time it’s because they are not properly installed and the grout is not sealed. After you move into the house and you are cleaning if you are noticing more dust than normal it’s usually from the grout that is coming loose from not being sealed and that also causes the tile itself to become unstable and crack. But again I’m not saying you’re doing anything wrong trying to stay within a budget, these are just things that have happened to me and my experience you can do whatever you like and as I said b4 that on you. As it goes on utube comments are a dime a dozen some good and some bad but in the end you are the only one that suffers from it so make your own decisions. Just don’t mislead others in the process and maybe make that more clear?? Have a wonderful day!!
I do appreciate your thoughts. And certainly take on board the importance to check the mesh so it doesn’t cause issues. Certainly something I wouldn’t have thought of. The architects are only 35yo but his knowledge and foresight has been very impressive. However anyone would have better knowledge than me regarding building! I think being younger and having more recent qualifications could be an advantage though. Again I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. Keep em coming. I like learning :) And beer. - Matt