Are you thinking about building in the Philippines? 🇵🇭

Episode #7 of our retirement journey. How to find the right people to design and build your home.
‪@buildingthephilippines‬
#architecture
#contractor
#building

[@jerrymarshall2728]

All great advice! In 6 months, once I get my house in the U.S. sold, and get back here, we’ll be going through either buying an existing home and renovating to my standards, or finding a lot and building a new house. I’m betting that 2 years ago, when you and Wilma started this journey, you never dreamed of being a source of information for so many? But I’m always grateful for the information! 👍

[@buildingthephilippines]

No, we definitely never did. It was our son's idea to start this channel. We have had a lot of fun with it. Keeps me busy too.

[@georgevernham2784]

All sound advice, keep up the good work. Helps us newbie’s who are new here navigate the process.

[@buildingthephilippines]

Networking is the way to go. Thanks for commenting and watching our videos.

[@destinationnamibia2658]

Great video, we now in the Philippines we brought our own architect from Namibia and had last week meeting with the contractor to discuss the plans, was funny to see there reactions in the beginning, exactly what you mention they have old blue prints make small individual changes, all looks the same, now we bring in a fresh idea exactly how we wanted, end of the meeting the ceo of the company told our architect join us with your ideas we can start building unique projects. As you correctly mention it Greg do your homework bring your own ideas in to be happy and comfortable in your new (retirement) home.

[@buildingthephilippines]

Agree 100%, why not get exactly what you want. Nothing but good luck to you guys, sounds like it will be great.

[@steveperyer4850]

All good advice, not only in the Philippines, but anywhere you plan to build. Always spot on Guys😊

[@buildingthephilippines]

Yes, these rules apply anywhere in the world, I would guess. Thanks for commenting.

[@user-bf9sk5wl5z]

I'm a retired archtiect, back in the U.S. yet heading to PH ...was in Southeast Asia for 16 consecutive yrs working. I love the creativity some Asia's do in homes yet some issues really need to cease being implimented just because: "that's the way we do it" Super high ceilings may look great but they cost a lot to keep cool using A/C in super hot weather, plus Asians don't understand the use of ceiling insulation means much less cost to keep cool during hot weather ....it's a hold lot easier to cool the interior space with lower ceilings and insulated ceilings. An approperate ceiling height would be 9 foot max. ...not 10" to 10"-6" I'd also be using 8' ceailings in small rooms, such as bathrooms ...otherwise a bathroom looks and feels like a bowling ally. The higher the ceilings, the more narrow a room feels. With typhoons, a real concern would be windshear protection to ellimate damage. Space planning to get the most value for the buck (Peso) is critical. There's lots of "preventative" measure to insure one gets better value and a happier results 20 yrs down the road. Best of luck those who do build ...it can be a great or depressing experince, lets pray fir the best.

[@buildingthephilippines]

Thanks for sharing your opinions. Our room with 12 foot ceilings is 2 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than our rooms with 10 foot tall ceilings. Aircon not needed at our 640 meter elevation.

[@llothar68]

Please drop more tips if you have some. I know about the ceilings heigh (they think it gets cooler if you don't use AC and without more research i think thats right) but even 9 foot seems excessive for me as a german. We use 8 feet everywhere in Germany and it feels good enough

[@user-bf9sk5wl5z]

Thanks ..well some of this is only logical. If there is more volumn to cool ..naturally it takes much more energy to cool it and on really hot days and A/C unit may not be able to cool extra space.. Why cool 10'-11' ceilings? I'm used to 8' also but I'm ok with 9' ...but the higher the ceiling ..the more narrow the room feels also. Dark colors also make a room feel smaller. There's a lot of tricks ...too many to mention here. If your buildling for yourself... Do it the way YOU want. Best of luck, blessings

[@buildingthephilippines]

Taller ceilings actually make the room feel larger. Cool air sinks. When aircon is off (we rarely use it at our elevation) the 12 foot ceiling room is several degrees cooler than the 10 foot ones we have. In the tropics, the ceiling temperatures are quite high. The farther away that heat is from the floor level the better.

[@buildingthephilippines]

8 foot ceilings is normal in the US as well. The tropics higher ceilings are the norm. Need to keep the heat from the ceiling as far away from floor level.

[@DonFashionBeauty]

Good morning Greg and Wilma. I'm back in Dumeguete and watching your build videos. I'm now looking for an overlooking lot in Dauin. I'm very happy to see how well you are doing. Charles

[@buildingthephilippines]

Hello, Good luck with your land search. I'm sure you will find what you want. Thanks for watching.

[@TheBadlildoggie]

Great advice, thanks for this video!!

[@buildingthephilippines]

Thanks appreciate it.

[@lmcc0072]

You’re absolutely right! Just because something works for your situation doesn’t mean that it’s going to work for someone else as everyone’s situation is different. I watch several different vlogs on house building, solar, cars, condos, renting, etc… I truly appreciate the trial and error that you’ve all shared with us 😂. Combined with my own knowledge, hopefully I won’t run into too many problems when the time comes to build.

[@buildingthephilippines]

Appreciate the comment. Good luck with your home build.

[@mgillanders]

Alma is very knowledgeable and friendly

[@buildingthephilippines]

Yes, we like her. Smart and a go getter.

[@MarkHall-gh5js]

Hi Greg and Wilma its mark and Jemma from Brisbane Australia, love your channel and we watch all your new releases, enjoy retirement hope to meet you guys one day

[@buildingthephilippines]

Hi guys, Thanks for watching we appreciate it.

[@rorybellamy2533]

having the living rooms separate the owners Bedroom from the others is a great idea . and the taller ceilings make your place feel very spacious . the covered outdoor kitchen is a very useful space for many uses . the covered parking and front sitting patio make outdoor living very accessible .

[@buildingthephilippines]

Thanks Rory, we tried to think of everything. Appreciate the comment.

[@lestergambrel8931]

Wilma & Greg. Hope everything's good with you two. Haven't seen anything from you in 2 weeks. Keep us updated. All out love from Iowa USA 🇺🇸.

[@buildingthephilippines]

Hello, we are all good. Taking a break. New videos coming out soon.

[@lestergambrel8931]

Thanks for the update. You are right. You guys go above and beyond doing your videos. You guys need it. Your 1 of my addictions. Just kidding. You and The Boss take it easy.

[@buildingthephilippines]

Thank you

[@annabellehurley7636]

Architect Roy was our Realtor on the house we bought here in Valencia. We highly recommend him. He is so professional and very helpful even to personal things that we encounter as a new resident here. 5 stars for his services.

[@buildingthephilippines]

Thanks for commenting. Roy is certainly a professional.

[@Ray_Warren]

Hi guys, as you know we are boots on the ground now and the fun has begun with meeting architects and builders. Speaking with lots of folks to get their opinions and 2 cents on everything they know or have heard. Very interesting 🤔

[@buildingthephilippines]

Its an education for sure, but in the end the hard work you put in now pays off later. Good luck.

[@rosemariealmero1214]

Great and interesting video!! Im curious, do you still have a home in the U.S. just in case things got complicated there in Philippines?

[@buildingthephilippines]

No, we sold our home before we moved to the Philippines.

[@Billy_B_Goat]

Hi Wilma and Greg, ok I finally subscribed. I wondered if you have posted that rather long 'Land Laundry List"?? I have my own preferences of course, but it might behoove me to review your list as well to make sure I haven't overlooked or not properly considered some variables. Thanks a ton for all your hard work. I now need start binging the cool playlists you have built for us. My final move to PH should be in June(ish). I hope to get to meet you both some day. Peace and Love, B Goat

[@buildingthephilippines]

Thanks for subscribing. In our Playlist, our retirement journey, look for the video- How to buy land. We discussed what we were looking for. Good luck in your search.

[@Billy_B_Goat]

@@buildingthephilippines I watched it and so glad I did. Watching your build is gonna be fun. Salamat po, B Goat

[@tedrobertson1344]

Greg and Wilma First of all, Congratulations, you are professionals and Godly people with wonderful traits. Question: If I may ask you, how is your attic ventilated? Hot air is being trapped between ceiling and the underside of the roof. Resultant: overheating of the joists and rafters, at night cooling and condensation, corrosion, etc.. How to do a natural convection ventilation? And, protection against insects and gouko from getting into an attic? Thx a lot. All the best in your gorgeous home for many decades. Ted and Hannah, Cebu Island

[@buildingthephilippines]

The attic has vents at the highest point at the underhand. Air can flow and out these vents.

[@videoguyinfinity]

Great content! What websites/resources did you use to find potential lots?

[@buildingthephilippines]

Facebook messager. Did a video on that. Look at our Playlist named our retirement journey. It's there.

[@robertkusakabe9989]

Thanks for the info., Your home is magnificent. To what extent did concern for exposure to typhoon risk play in your choice of location and how you designed the house? Thank you.

[@buildingthephilippines]

Our shed type roof, typhoon clips, and the fact our concrete beams (around the perimeter of the structure) sit up higher than the running line of the metal roof. These things were all done to minimize catching the wind.

[@robertkusakabe9989]

Thanks for your reply. Of all the areas that you've visited in search of a lot which area would you say would be the next up & coming residential area that hasn't already experienced a property boom? @@buildingthephilippines

[@buildingthephilippines]

It all seems to be overpriced now. Greed has set in.

[@Voltis-5]

Got a lot that my parents have in iloilo (200sqm) and planning to put a bungalow on it as well. Only thing I'm bummed out about is with the codes of building a home out there. The set back of the property in some areas is a waste of space in my opinion. We are only getting about 110 sqm floor plan on the home and rest are for the setback/firewall space. Unfortunately according to the our Architect this is how it is and the only way we can get more out of the lot and have more space is that we need to go with a2 story home which I don't want. Is there no way around this? I'm in no hurry to getting the house built but I do want to finish it by the end of next year.

[@PhilsPhilippinesParadise]

I honestly wish more of the subdivisions being planned would have better setbacks in the planning. I see too many areas here where kids walk out the house and are right in the street. Or the roads are not wide enough for 2 cars to pass side by side without one needing to stop to let the other squeeze by.

[@buildingthephilippines]

Need to check with the municipality. I was told your house needs to be 3 meters from your property line. Some municipalities may be different. Good luck.

[@buildingthephilippines]

People do build very close to the highway.

[@lmcc0072]

We have a 200 sqm lot in CDO. From the looks of the other houses it looks like we need a 4-5’ space between the property line and the house. We are also required to have a second story as there is a minimum height requirement. Either that or we need to have a really tall vaulted ceiling. We don’t plan to have much of any vegetation on the property so that will save some room.

[@buildingthephilippines]

@@lmcc0072 congrats on your future building project.

[@LoganJoannesRollerCoaster]

It’s been 12 days since this video. What are we supposed to do without our Greg and Wilma fix! 😜. Hope you both are well.

[@buildingthephilippines]

We are well, just keeping up with daily chores, cleaning house, shopping and relaxing. I do have 2 interviews pending.

[@richard8181]

Where can you get under sink S and P traps etc in Manila and in the north Pangasinan Thanks In Australia we use Metric sizes.

[@buildingthephilippines]

Wilcon, City Hardware and Triumph Home Depot has all that stuff.

[@mgillanders]

did you use sketchup for your drawings?

[@buildingthephilippines]

No actually I just used paper and pencil. Old fashion.

[@mariameehleib61]

For the contractor and architect, how much down payment did they request? Thanks

[@buildingthephilippines]

Architect asked for nothing up front, paid once we had our blueprints and permits in hand, and approved. Contractor was 1/7 th of the contracted price since the build was going to take 7 months.

[@mariameehleib61]

Thank you so much

[@dimitri3623]

💋 Promo'SM