You will also need to get clearance from the local Fire Department, as they will inspect your house.

Here are some tips for homeowners…

1. Your backdoor has to open outwards.

Typically, your main or front door will open into your house. Your backdoor should open outwards, so that in case of a fire or a similar emergency, people can easily exit your house (since they will simply push the backdoor outward). That’s one way of increasing your family’s safety in the event of fire.

2. You need a fire extinguisher.

If your total floor area is around 120 square meters, a 10-lb fire extinguisher will be sufficient. Please budget around P2,500 for this vital piece of firefighting equipment. Get the red cylinder.

3. You need smoke detectors.

Each room in your house needs a smoke detector. This will prove useful particularly in the case of two-storey houses because if you’re alone in your home, you will have a hard time monitoring what’s going on in other rooms.

4. A door that leads to a balcony can serve as a fire exit.

If the Fire Inspector or Officer sees that you have a balcony on the second floor, plus a door that leads to it, then that’s as good as an adequate fire exit.

Moreso if the door that leads to the balcony is accessible via a common area; meaning, you don’t need to enter a bedroom first before gaining access to the balcony.

Did you enjoy these homeowner tips regarding inspections conducted by the fire department? Who knows, this may even help you reduce your premiums when you buy fire insurance for your home.

Before I forget, budget around P1,800 to P2,000 for the documentation needed for your Fire Safety and Inspection Certificate, plus P2,500 for the fire extinguisher.

(If you choose to purchase your extinguisher elsewhere, please present your Official Receipt to the Fire Department Inspector.)

With the signed documents from the local Fire Deparment, you may proceed to the Municipal Hall (or City Hall) and complete your application for the Occupancy Permit.

This will allow you to smoothly move into your new home, and help speed up the recovery of your Construction Bond, which you deposited with your subdivision’s Homeowners’ Association prior to the construction of your house.

1. Wait two to four days after installation.

Granite is porous. That means that it can absorb water or moisture. During installation, some moisture will seep into your granite countertop, and this will give it a “wet” look.

I know you’re excited, but you need to wait two to four days for the moisture to evaporate.

2. Have your granite countertop sealed.

After the moisture has dissipated, have your granite supplier or installer apply a granite sealer to your entire countertop using a paper towel.

3. Wait for 24 hours.

Yes, you’re so excited to enjoy your beautiful Galaxy Black granite countertop, but please give the sealant 24 hours to dry. By being patient, you will protect your countertop from unnecessary stains.

4. Okay, enjoy your lovely granite countertop.

Congratulations! It wasn’t easy to wait an entire day. Now you and your friends and family can admire your shiny and clean granite countertop. At least it will make washing the dishes more fun, as you stand there and stare at the smooth surface surrounding your professionally installed kitchen sink.

Yes, live and learn. Here are some lessons I learned which I hope will help you have a more enjoyable time building your house…

1. Your friend is not your contractor or contratista. Your contractor is not your friend. Dispel all those silly notions of “he will take care of me because he is my friend.” The truth is, that contractor is a business person.

2. Don’t let your contractor prepare the plans for you. Hire an independent third-party. Budget around P40k for architectural plans.

3. A third-party will be responsible for computing your Bill of Materials. Do not show that cost estimate to your contractor.

4. Don’t fall for the: “We’ll build it for you for only P10,000 per square meter!” This is misleading, because different parts of the house will have different costings per square meter.

5. Building a two-storey house? Budget around P18,000 to P20,000 per square meter. Set aside 15% of the total cost for items you may have missed.

Will add tips in future, so that future homeowners may benefit and enjoy a stress-free build your dream house project.

If your contractor was able to secure the building permit even though the plans are incomplete, then you can assume that some “magic” was done.

Anyway, check out this list of required documents and plans…

The following list is based on bryant77’s June 6, 2009 post in PEx:

Application for Bldg Permit. (Residential Only)
Architectural Plans:
-Vicinity map/Location Plan
-Site Development Plan
-Perspective
-Floor Plans
-Elevations (at least 4)
-Sections (at least two)
-reflected Ceiling plan
-Architectural details: e.g. stair, fire escape, cabinets, partitions, etc.
-Schedule of doors & windows
-Schedule of finishes
-details of major architectural elements

Civil/Structural Plans
-Foundation Plan and details
-Floor/Roof framing plan and details
-details and schedules of structural work

Electrical Plans
-Location & site plans
-legend & symbols
-Gen. notes
-Electrical Layout
-Schedule of loads
-single line diagram

Plumbing/Sanitary Plans
-Location & site plan
-Plumbing plans, layouts and details
-legend & general notes
-Isometric of the system
-technical specs

I’ll go speak with my contractor and ask him about the missing roof framing plans.

Another good site (in Tagalog) that will give you tips when hiring contractors to build your house is http://construction711.blogspot.com

What this means is you’ll see “65% green” and even enjoy the water features, child-friendly and wellness amenities, plus the Tropical Garden which can hold 300 guests for your special events and occasions.

For more information:

Please call +63.25100
Or email info@alveosales.com.ph
Or visit http://www.twoserendra.com.ph

Celebrate Life’s Passions at The Meranti

The developer is Alveo Land, and it upholds its commitment to enriching your lifestyle and giving you more ways to enjoy the various facets of life. For example, The Meranti at Two Serendra provides you with “multi-experiential” amenities.

Where Everything Is Within Reach

You have easy access to various locations, because you are right at the heart of the Bonifacio Global City! For example, you’re just a short walk away from St. Luke’s Medical Center (a top medical institution in the Philippines), a quick drive from the International School Manila, the Mind Museum (the country’s much awaited science museum), various shops, supermarkets, and restaurants.

Right outside your front door, you’ll have easy access to the various popular shops at Serendra and Bonifacio High Street. Dining and shopping destinations galore!

And just a few minutes away are the Makati and Ortigas Central Business Districts.

Where You Live Life to the Fullest

The Meranti at Two Serendra allows you to live out your passion. Whether you enjoy lush gardens, or improving your health at The Meranti’s Fitness Club, or if you prefer to bond with your family in the Discovery Hall, there’s a wonderful spot just for you.

Plus, you’ll enjoy facilities such as WiFi, library and play areas for children, and even relaxing talk and lounge areas.

Want to unwind at the end of the day with your business partners? Check out the Enterprise Lounge. And if you feel like wowing your friends and family with your latest recipes, The Culinary Studio allows you to share your creative best as it comes fully equipped with a high-grade kitchen and grill.

Passion + Social Interaction = The Meranti at Two Serendra

There’s Chateau Elysee near SM City in Bicutan, and Mezza Residences across SM City in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

You’ll also find Grass Residences in the SM City North EDSA Complex, and Berkeley Residences across Ateneo and Miriam College in Katipunan, Quezon City.

You can also go to Field Residences in the SM City Sucat Compound (Paranaque City), or Sea Residences in the Mall of Asia Complex (Pasay City).

Plus, there’s Princeton Residences in LRT 2 Gilmore Station across St. Paul in Quezon City.

Among the upcoming projects are:

Sun Residences in Quezon City
Jazz Residences in Makati City
Light Residences in Mandaluyong City
Tree Residences in Cainta, Rizal
Wind Residences in Tagaytay City

What exactly is Suite Living? Look forward to a pampered lifestyle as SM Residences offers hotel-like property management services.

Dedicated staff can provide homeowners a hand in leasing out units and in daily essentials such as handyman and housekeeping services. You can enjoy these privileges at reasonable rates.

For inquires, please contact:
+63.2 858 0300
+63.917 500 5151

Or visit http://www.smresidences.com

The developer of the project is SM Development Corporation (SMDC)

SM Residences: Five-star homes in prime locations now affordable.

Malasia Property News reported last June 25, 2009 that Asian developers are more upbeat:

Asian property values did not rise as much as in the US and parts of Europe this decade. In dollar terms, property in countries such as the Philippines are cheaper than before the onset of the Asian crisis in late 1997.

So, will this actually translate into more sales from OFWs of Filipinos living in the US (who are planning to return to the Philippines)? That remains to be seen, although you can classify this as a possible opportunity for the Philippine real estate market.

When people look at the value of their remaining dollars, and the purchasing power of their fund, and compare this will the cost of various Philippine properties (as compared with other places), then it does make people pause and say: “Hey, why don’t I buy some land in the Philippines?”

Afterall, owning a house and lot in an idyllic location such as Antipolo, Rizal provides numerous benefits not only to retirees, but also to people interested in vacationing in the Philippines while they’re in the prime of their lives or careers.

So it really pays to at least inquire and find out what’s available in the Philippines. You don’t have to look too hard because opportunities are everywhere. For example, you can check out the Avida Land communities in Antipolo: St. Gabriel Heights Antipolo House and Lot.

Developed by Northpine Properties, Forest Ridge offers you two house models:

Aspen (131 sq m lot area, 128 sqm sq m floor area)
Total Contract Price: PhP 4,487,701
Reservation Fee: PhP 30,000
30% Downpayment, payable in 12 monthly installments (PhP 109,693)

Birch (270 sq m lot area, 189 sq m floor area)
Total Contract Price: PhP 6,109,657
Reservation Fee: PhP 30,000
30% Downpayment, payable in 12 monthly installments (PhP 150,242)

Both types give you 3BRs and 3 T&Bs.

The developers offer unique interiors, which make every home a wonderful haven. Of course, there is a limit to how much customization is available, so please keep that in mind.

The different flyers show a two-level house, and the interior layout looks similar to loft-types.

They also offer Lot-Only packages:

131 sq m PhP 1,008,700
150 sq m PhP 1,155,000

On the ground floor, you’ll find a bedroom, kitchen, toilet and bath, dining area, living area, service area, and carport.

On the second floor, you have the Master Bedroom, another bedroom, a family hall, and a balcony.

The house is an example of Mediterranean architecture, and the water-resistant roof deck is a great place for multi-purpose activities.

How To Get To Spring Country

Traveling northbound along EDSA, turn right into Quezon Avenue, then go straight past Iglesia Ni Kristo Central Temple, McDonald’s and Ever Gotesco Mall. When you see St. Peter’s Parish on the right side of the road, get ready to turn right into Batasan Road.

Your landmark will be the new Sandigan Bayan building, across the new market corner.

Follow Serra Monte’s directional signs, and turn right into the Batasan Road Extension. Then turn left at the North View II Gate.

For inquiries, please call +63.926 680 8747