Building a house usually requires a considerable amount of money; indeed, it is one of the biggest expenses that anyone could ever make. However, through careful planning, and by keeping a watchful eye on all materials and costs, it is possible to build a house on a limited budget.
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The following article features a simple house built by an OFW based in Dubai. With a budget of PHP 400,000, he was able to build a house for his family in Malolos, Bulacan. The video was shared through vlogger Jon Diaz’ YouTube channel, Jon Diaz TV.
Dubai-Based OFW Builds House on 400K Budget
The 20-minute video is basically a time-lapse feature of the house, starting from early construction until completion. The house was built over a 100-square metre lot, with a floor area of 35 square metres.
The video also includes a breakdown of costs, including materials, labour, electricity and water connections, and more. Details were presented as follows:
Labour Costs
1 Foreman – PHP 650/day
4 Skilled Workers – PHP 650/day
2 Labourers – PHP 500/day
Material Costs
Sand – PHP 1500/elf
Gravel 3/4 – PHP 2,200/elf
Cement – PHP 215/bag
Hollow Block #4 – PHP 10/pc
Hollow Block #5 – PHP 12/pc
Metal 9 mm – PHP 85/pc
Metal 10 mm – PHP 116/pc
Metal 12 mm – PHP 167/pc
GI Wire #16 – PHP 70/kl
Nails #3 – PHP 60/kl
Nails #4 – PHP 60/kl
Nails #2 – PHP 80/kl
Nails #1 1/2 – PHP 80/kl
Total Sand Used
PHP 1500/elf x 15 elf = PHP 22,500
Total Gravel Used
PHP 2,200/elf x 4 elf = PHP 8,800
Total Hollow Blocks Used
Hollow Block #4 – PHP 10/pc x 1500 pcs = PHP 15,000
Hollow Block #5 – PHP 12/pc x 200 pcs = PHP 2,400
Total Metal Used
9 mm – PHP 85/pc x 85 pcs = PHP 7,225
10 mm – PHP 116/pc x 120 pcs = PHP 13,390
12 mm – PHP 167/pc x 85 pcs = PHP 14,195
Electrical Materials
Wires, outlets, breaker, etc. = PHP 20,046
Roofing Costs
C Purlins 2x3x12 – PHP 345/pc x 30 pcs = PHP 10,350
C Purlins 2x6x12 – PHP 490/pc x 5 pcs = PHP 2,450
Angle Bars 1/4×2 – PHP 655/pc x 16 pcs = PHP 10,480
Long Span Rib Type 510 cm x 7 pcs = PHP 7,782
Long Span Rib Type 450 cm x 7 pcs = PHP 7,068
“Panambak”
3 Mini Dump Trucks = PHP 5,000
Door and Frame Costs
Door = PHP 5,500
Main Door “Hamba” = PHP 2,200
“Hamba Lababo” = PHP 1,100
Back Door = PHP 2,200
NOTE: Doors and frames are made of mahogany wood.
Electricity and Water
MERALCO Application = PHP 14,200
Prime Water Application = PHP 5,000
Counter Top Granite
60×60 – PHP 160/pc x 5 pcs = PHP 800
Sink = PHP 2,000
Bathroom Costs
Tiles 30 x 60 – PHP 60/pc = Total PHP 4,350
Toilet Bowl 1 Set Mariwasa = PHP 4,520
Other Costs
Sliding Windows and Toilet Door = PHP 17,000
“Kawayan” Sala Sala (Fence) = PHP 130/10 ft
Total Costs
Total Labour Cost (38 days) = PHP 121,550
Total Materials Cost (inc. MERALCO, Water, Windows) = PHP 269,375
By the end of the video, the owner shared that finishing touches have yet to be made, requiring more budget on their part. However, he mentioned that the important thing is that the house is already standing, and can be occupied by his family.
Check out the full video of the house construction below, as posted on Jon Diaz TV YouTube Channel:
The above video shows that even on a limited budget, a good quality house can be constructed. As long as you work hard, save money, and keep your eyes on your goal — you can achieve the house that you’ve been dreaming of for your family!
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