NewStats: 3,263,484 , 8,180,283 topics. Date: Friday, 06 June 2025 at 07:54 AM i263b

How to do a proper foundation for building a new house on a waterlogged land.

Home ownership, especially building a new one could be very exciting. Many people have bought lands to build their houses, but to their surprise, the lands they bought during a dry season that is looking dry and cool on the surface turns out to be a swamp, with so much water flow and settlement in the rainy season that some of them will seem impossible to construct your dream home. Sounds familiar right? Then settle down and review these few points about what you need to do to solve this problem, and still build your dream home.

1. First, conduct a survey on the land.

Stop fretting about the problem, get a diagnosis of the problem first. Call in a structural engineer to study the nature of the land. There are lands that have very low bearing capacities. A land that has a low bearing capacity is a land that will not the load of a heavy building without sinking, cracking, or collapsing completely. It is important to study the nature of the land with instruments made for the purpose, one of such equipment is called a Theodolite. The land should be studied extensively, with the type and size of the building planned for the land well considered.

2. Design the right foundation type.

After a careful examination of the land, and obtaining results from it, the next thing is to use the results of the land structural investigation to design a proper foundation type for the building. This will need a careful application of structural engineering, combining with an architectural design that will bring out the best of the planned building. I must sound a note of warning here, it's always better to conduct land surveys to understand the nature of a land before an architect will finally conclude the design the planned building. There are many types of foundation that could be chosen for a building, they include;

A. Raft foundation
B. Mat foundation
C. Pad foundation
D. Pile foundation

The type that will be chosen will depend on the nature of the land, and the desired building type.

3. Planning for the foundation

We all plan for the foundation of every building, but the type of planning you do for a waterlogged land is more intense. This is because you will be planning on how to work on water, most of the time. Working on water, especially natural swamps will expose the workers to a difficult terrain, where moving materials, equipment and workers could be more difficult. There could also be the added risk of meeting with some animals that live in such habitats. Examples include poisnous snakes, alligators or crocodiles, poisonous insects or mosquitoes.
Your plan will be on ways to mitigate against these identified problems of logistics, and added risk of marine dwelling animals.

4. Higher cost implications

By now, with these few points above, you should know that with these added problems, there must be the likelihood of a higher cost implication for the foundation, when compared to doing it on dry ground. On the average, it will cost about 40% more money to build a house foundation in a waterlogged land, compared to dry ground. There is also the possibility of using special kinds of building materials, like waterproof cement, and other materials.

Finally, its good to make sure you do it right with a foundation on a land that is waterlogged, because the cost of redoing a foundation could be much higher. It is also imperative that building professionals are involved in the planning and execution process of the foundation. For more information about this topic or others, us on 08033350750.

It seems this land has a lot of ground water in it. We are preparing for what we will find when we start the foundation excavation works later today.

GreekDon:


Welcome back, Oga mi.

Thanks for the clarity you provide to all of us. Cant appreciate you enough.

Please what is the SQM of the land this beauty is going to stand on? Looks small to accomodate a 6 bedroom duplex.

Abeg carry us along with the current cost of building materials.

Thank you.

This land measures over 1,000 square metres. Thanks for the kind words bro, we will continue to do our best to satisfy more customers. Welcome.

I have started gathering building materials for our use in this site. Currently paying for blocks, cement, rods and some sand. I wish I could have made our blocks here, but I am afraid of space constraints.

HossanaHeights:


Welcome back Spyder. I actually thought you have stopped posting your works here.

This section have been missing your vibes.

Thank you, I went on a short break when the work became too stressful. Welcome.

michlins:
good to have you back after a well deserved rest.

Congratulations to you sir

Thank you bro, I am coming back well rested, we are ready to give our best efforts as always. Welcome.

The site we are going to be building on............

Pictures

To God be all the glory!

Ladies and gentlemen, we are here once again in this thread to witness the making of another beautiful edifice. I have just got a contract to build a new building for a client in Enugu. The details of the project are as follows:

Project: Construction of a new 6 bedroom duplex
Location: Enugu state, Nigeria
Client: A Nairalander

We are poised to arrive at this site tomorrow to do what we always do to building plans, which is to bring it to reality. We plan to begin works here as soon as possible. Please stay tuned as we bring you all the updates on this our latest construction.

Welcome.

Scaffolding is any type of temporary structure, or s built around a work area to aid workers to reach higher in relative safety to work on any ongoing new work, maintenance, or a cleaning process in a building structure. An example of a structure where scaffolding is usually done to the work process is a home building project. Different kinds of workers will work on a scaffolding during the life of a home building project, masons, carpenters, plastering workers, screeding teams, electricians, painters and even cleaning workers will work on scaffolds from time to time.



Scaffolding could be done on, and around every kind of building structure, be it residential, commercial or industrial buildings. There are a lot of materials that could be used to form scaffolding s on a building project, they include;



1. Iron scaffolding

2. Aluminium scaffolding

3. Bamboo scaffolding



In iron and aluminium scaffolding, there are fixed types, there are also adjustable types that are fixed with bolts, some are ted by way of removal of the different components to move the scaffolding to another part of the work.



In bamboo scaffolding, the scaffold is usually built by bamboo of different sizes nailed together by a professional, then additional work is done to provide more stability and firmness to the different components that make up the scaffolding. There is also the use of specially made straps to tie down the ends and ts of the scaffolding, there could also be the use of iron strips (binding wires) tied like ropes around each t.



All these are processes made to ensure the safety of bamboo scaffolding form works. It's usually advised that workers who will have to work on scaffolds are additionally provided with fastening tools to provide additional safety, and suspend workers mid air, in the event of accidental slips or falls. These fasteners come in the form of belts, ropes and suspenders that hold workers working at heights. One important thing to consider in a scaffolding is the nature of work that will be done, so that the right kind of spaces are provided in the scaffolding, while ensuring the safety of workers. Safety of workers should be the most important consideration above all else, ensure that your scaffolding works meets intentionally accepted safety standards.



Think safety always.

michlins:
Another critical aspect is the economy. Imagine a project started two years ago and projected to cost 100ml and the owner made adjustment with extra 20ml but currently the same project will need extra 100ml to finish

Na serious abandonment go follow

You're correct, financial planning while watching the economy is key to a successful building project development.

duduade:
For your tiling and interior decoration of your 🏫 🏢 🏫 🏢

Consultations and also available to travel to anywhere in Nigeria to work

WhatsApp number
Zero9zero788two759zero

Thank you once more for the enquires

Where are you based?

arantess:

Maybe you.

Not everyone is crazy about stuff

I did IT at coca cola Owerri, you go taya to drink soda at a point

I was in same company, Enugu as staff for a long time. Drinking soda was the last thing we thought of, even when they were giving me 22 crates free every month end as sampling, we just sold them and never take home even a bottle.

They are everywhere in every city, wherever you look you will see uncompleted houses, or housing projects that had stayed under construction for a long period of time, usually the site will be inactive or totally abandoned. In some extreme cases, the delayed or abandoned houses will be prone to pilfering, or outright stealing of building materials and other valuable items in the compound. So what are the causes of these types of unfortunate situations? I will outline a few of the main reasons below.


1. Failure to plan with professionals.


Some people still do not understand that those trained in relevant fields of construction are well placed to understand a lot of things that needs to be done before a building is started. Some will think its costly to hire professionals, and they will attempt to do some of the works themselves. Failure to involve professional advice even before a building is started can lead to avoidable mistakes like to adherence to necessary set backs required for the building in the compound it will be. Another mistake it might lead to is not planning the layout of the rooms, or not providing the building with enough headroom to make the building functional. In cases like this, the owner of the building may spend more money correcting the errors, and might get frustrated over the difficulty in making the corrections, then abandon the project.


2. Check government regulations


Another leading cause of building delays or abandonment is lack of adherence to government building regulations. There are recommended set backs for the front of buildings, the sides, and to the fence and to other buildings. There are also specified building heights, some areas could also be zoned to be low or high density areas. The building owner/investor should find out these government regulations and ensure he adheres to them. Failure to follow government regulations can lead to work stoppages, building enforcement or outright building demolitions. To avoid surprises which could lead to projects abandonment, always check the government approval authorities for their regulations.


3. Lack of financial planning


Your building is usually a major financial item. A lot of resources are going to be deployed to make it successful. In fact, a lot of money will be spent building your house. It is important to plan well for these huge financial commitments, are you going to take out loans to build this house, do you have savings that can complete this house, or do you plan to spend from salaries as they come, or from profits and other ive income to fund this building? These are some of the most important things you have to consider to avoid situations where the building will need money to be spent and you dont have the money to continue spending, resulting in project delays or abandonment.


4. Soured relationships


There could be situation where the professional handling your building project behaves in a way that could be termed as unprofessional, and this has led to misunderstandings, quarrels and fights which can delay, or force a stop to an ongoing building project.

There could also be a situation where the building professional, is fighting for control of the site with the relatives of the owner/investor, or even the paid staff of the the owners or investors due to some unplanned events that may occur in the life of the building project. These two mentioned scenarios, when not properly managed can lead to serious problems that can lead to project delays, and possible abandonment as each side tries to assert their authority over the project. When two elephants fight, the grass suffers, the grass in this case is the house building project.


5. Sickness/Demise of the building owner/key investor


Of course when the person who is most involved in the release of funds for the continuation of a building project suddenly falls sick or es on without an agreed plan of succession, the project will be forced to stop. This is why people should make their plans to ensure the continuation of their projects and programs even when they are indisposed. These plans could come in the form of a planned funding process fixed with the bank or other escrow services, or prepare their wills and place instructions with their financial planners or managers to continue a project whether they are there or not.


Conclusion


Before starting off any building projects, plan it very well, to the minute details. Ensure you are prepared for most of the eventualities that may occur as the project goes on. Call or us for more information.

Kenneth (Spyder880) is a building construction contractor and consultant based in Enugu, Nigeria.
0803 335 0750.

Fergie001
Nipfmod

Tinyemeka:


Well done chief.

I have a plot (of about 820 SQM) at Agu-Abor, inside that river valley, before Ugwu Onyeama. The entrance to the plot is very inclined as it descends towards the river, but the bottom remaining 75% is flat land.

I've been thinking of what to build there in the future, possibly a twin duplex for sale as I don't have the strength to rent, but the steep slope is giving me cause for concern.

If you have the chance, could I send you pics and video to know your thoughts on what I can do there please?

Thanks.

Please send me the pictures on my WhatsApp. 0803 335 0750, I know the area, I live in Enugu.

Oluwa18:
OK my other , I used to follow spider many years ago . He’s a builder in Enugu and I can’t seem to find his tag anymore.
Will appreciate some help if anyone can help me with his @again.

Haven’t been here for a few years and can’t the exact @

Spyder880 is here in Enugu. Chat me up on 0803 335 0750. Thanks.

Bwisewiturvote:
Greetings to the elders and guru in the house.
I have read the much I can as a first time builder.
We have managed to completely roof the building, now looking out to securing it, I mean, outside doors installation, windows installation and then plastering plus screeding.

Please, it's a duplex in one of the south eastern states, located in the village to be precise.
I understand metal doors would be ideal more than the regular turkey doors or wooden doors because they would rotten easily due to non-regular usage. Is this correct?

Please can the gurus and active here recommend a (if turkey or local metal door) door professional

Modern window professional and then, like I heard Togo plasterers or any good plasteres plus screeders here.

These three are what's needed for now, to complete this stage.

Gurus and active , i will highly appreciate your recommendations (tested and trusted contractors) of these trio
Those willing to work in the south east region preferably

Many thanks

@Spyder880

Let's start with doors, there is no truth in saying local metal doors are better than Turkish doors. There are specific Turkish or even China made doors that will last for many years without issues, even without regular use. The only place a local door will compete with a Turkish door is in cost difference. Local doors are sometimes cheaper. Then you can also order your local welded doors to be done with more thickness, which improves its durability and strength.

Windows are pretty much the same way, there are aluminium windows, local and foreign profiles, there are other newer models and you have to choose what you want.

Plastering is a long story, maybe I will need to write an article about it. I have completed the fill finish of more than 50 houses in Eastern Nigeria. I am also based there. Please send me a WhatsApp message if you want more details and pictures as I find it more difficult attaching pictures to my posts here these days. 0803 335 0750. Thanks.

Commendable, very commendable.

Zzyzxt:
Engineers in the house is it OK to use quarter rod for the ring that will be used to cast the pillar and linted of a bungalow?

If you can afford 8mm rods, it's better suited for such work. Some quarter rods are not even up to 5mm.

hypernikao:
Greetings Chiefs,
I am currently at the paraphet stage of my property and the engineer has quoted 12mm 28pcs, 10mm 20pcs and 8mm 12pcs. Does this seem right for a paraphet, it doesn't seem right to me. I don't understand why he needs 3 kinds of rod for paraphet, when he only used 2 for chaining. Can someone help me understand it better?
@spyder880 and other elders in the field, kindly help.
Thanks

What I think he wants to do is to use 12mm as the parapet beam rods, use 10mm to do the stirrups, and then use 8mm to do the runners. Its adequate for a parapet.

In home building construction, people get confused with different technical terminologies being used by industry professionals to describe different types of the work. Since its not everyone that underwent training in construction engineering, a need therefore arises to explain some of the technical we might meet in home construction. This is why we are going to look at the term “decking”, and explain what it's all about.

A decking, which could be described by insiders in the building industry as the suspended slab, is a platform built to hang on top of a building ground floor unit, and therefore forms the floor for the upper unit of a building. Usually, steps are created so that occupants of this upper unit can climb up to a decking, and so enter a higher floor of the same building.

There are many materials that could be used to create a decking platform. Engineers have used metal sheets, aluminum form work, hard wood timber, concrete, synthetic fibres and thick plywood boards to create different shapes and sizes of decking for use in different types of buildings.
For the sake of this write up, we are going to be focusing our attention on the concrete decking slab.

The concrete decking slab is made when the objective of the deck is durability and safety. Among other types of decking materials, the concrete is among the most reliable, it could last for very long, even up to hundreds of years. In buildings where fire could be a risk, the concrete deck could be relied upon as compared to wood or plywood. The concrete deck also fits well on buildings especially those started with concrete columns and beams.

The concrete beam is always reinforced with good quality metal bars (iron rods). The specifications of the rods that should work in any decking slab should be detailed by a qualified building professional, specified in the building plans and approved by the state or local authorities to ensure compliance to existing building codes. There are so many types of iron bars for different decking slabs, there is the 25mm, 20mm, 16mm, 12mm, 10mm, 8mm etc. These iron rods are used in a pre planned combination suited for the project, as stated in the building plans.

Other important uses of the decking is that the electrical or mechanical piping works on a floor can be ed inside the decking. Electrical pipes of between 20mm to 25mm are usually run within the decking slab, providing electrical wiring provisions where wires and cables could be ed from room to room in a building project. Same applies to the water pipes, or even waste pipes.

There are also specifications on the thickness of the slab. The thickness planned for a decking slab has a lot to do with the intended use of the decking slab. There are slabs for residential buildings and there are slabs for commercial buildings like shops and plazas. Since shops and plazas may contain live loads like heavy goods and equipment stacked on the floors, its important to plan for theis extra weight, especially during the planning of the building. In concrete decking slabs, the thickness can range from 125mm to even 300mm thick, depending on what it was planned for.

The mixing ratio for the materials that will be used to cast a concrete decking should also be well planned and specified in the building plan documents. Clear specifications should be stated for the mixing ratio of sand and aggregates like granite, gravel and for cement. Care should be taken to ensure a superb mix for the decking slab concrete, a good concrete mixing machine is advised where it is available. A concrete tool which shakes the concrete (poker) is also a very useful tool to ensure the efficiency of the decking process.

The above shown picture is a decking we have completed in the past, we have started and completed more than 130 different decking slabs in different locations in Nigeria, for more questions and inquiry, call Kenn on 08033350750.

They must have given you this bulk sum amount of money on what it will take in total to build the house you plan to build, and it's overwhelming to say the least. Where do you even start from? Relax, drink a glass of cold water and then do these;

What I will advice you to do, as an experienced building professional, is to put a call to your builder, contractor or a quantity surveyor to have a good look at you building plan, then consider where your building will be located and then give you a quotation. Ask them to break the quotation down to smaller, manageable milestones. The location consideration is very important because costs rise or fall in some locations because of different conditions prevalent in the location.

These milestones could be few, for a typical bungalow, ask for 3 stages, for a duplex, ask for 5 stages, and so on. These are just for the construction of the skeleton of the building only. For example we can divide a duplex thus;

1. Foundation and DPC stage
2. Ground floor block wall stage
3. Decking stage
4. First floor block wall stage
5. Parapet and roofing stage

Out of the bulk sum earlier given, let the costs be broken down and allocated to each of the stages, dont forget to add timelines for completion. This will make the work measurable, and thus easier to monitor.

Now start to negotiate these costs, conditions and timeliness with preferred builder, considering your realities and expectations. When you arrive at the cost and conditions that you both will agree to, then start the project. Good luck with your building project.

Reach me on 0803 335 0750 for more information and advice. Thanks.

dongc:



Looking forward to the details ..

Thank you bro, still working on it.

mexxy1:


This is a poorly designed floor plan I must say.

I don't see the entrance assuming this isn't the ground floor.

Also, why should the visitors toilet be in front of the living room entrance and not to the side of it?

Air flow is also going to be a problem in my opinion.

I think you should take a look at this floor plan and revise it.

Thank you.

Thank you for these concerns. I will respond as follows, although not defending the plans, and I am not saying its final, I can always make adjustments as the building is ongoing.

1. The entrance to each of the flats is directly off the landing step for all the floors on top, there is a door there like any other flats in a normal block of flats. For the ground floor, the door is off the balcony, slightly shielded from direct prying eyes, for enhanced privacy.

2. The reason why we have the visitors toilet in the front is to make it separate. A age cuts the toilet from the living room, some people see this as positive because of the way people feel about the proximity of toilets to places like living rooms.

3. Air flow. Look at the living room again, there is a window, and two doors. I ensured in the actual building of the first prototype that I made sure there is another window at the lobby, between the kitchen door and the main bedroom door. This is planned to supply additional ventilation to the living room, lobby and even kitchen. As for the bedroom, we have a door, a big window at the back and I plan to open another balcony to the back, making the door to the balcony another supplier of air.

It's a work in progress Sir, thank you for this , and if there is any other way you think it will be structures, please make the suggestion to me, I will make my architect work on new suggestions. Thank you.

emmabest2000:


Following

Welcome bro

This is a 3D drawing of this proposed project..............

Accessmuah:
Good day Esteemed Sir

I came looking for your handle for guidance and this caught my attention. I would love to participate in this as I look forward to more information regarding costing, how developed is the area and potential of ROI for people like us that's not base in Enugu or be to Enugu, and conditions for investors and any other interesting details

Regards

Thank you. I am still working out the with my lawyers and other professionals and will return with the complete package as soon as possible. Thanks.

hypernikao:
Top of the day to the elders and professionals in the house, I have a question about raising my building from DPC to lintel level now and I'd like to know if I can raise the walls now and cast the pillars in like 2 weeks from now, or the casting has to be done immediately so the walls don't fall. What's your take on this, I look forward to your responses.
@Spyder880 @rotech77
Best Regards

When set with good standards, blocks can stay up for months or even years without putting pillars or lintels. Except there are other physical factors like animals leaning on the block walls or other heavy materials that can push it down. You can lay your blocks now and cast pillars later.