Tips to Build a House in the Philippines on 1M Budget…or Less!

 Home is where the heart is, they say. I agree – a home is supposed to be full of love, and within budget’s reach 😉 Once you reach a certain mindset in life – adulting, as most term it – building your own house becomes one of your goals. It may be overwhelming at first but have trust that building a house in the Philippines can be achieved on a 1M budget (or less, and if you truly put your mind into it!).

If you want some tips on how this can be done, read on!

1.       Keep the Design Realistic and Functional

Most of our dream houses when we were kids are extravagant and should I say, unrealistic. Now, keeping it realistic doesn’t mean you forego of the designs you really want to be incorporated. Say, you cannot integrate a home theater if your budget is just 1M; but instead you can allot some space and funds for a mini entertainment area. Creativity and prudence need to be in play. Identify all needed areas in the house and keep your design functional. For instance, learn to identify if you really need bathrooms in each bedroom. Perhaps you do if you are living with elderly people who need easy access to a bathroom and no if you are just a starting couple with no kids yet – makes sense?

Below are some house designs estimated at less than 1M:

                                                                                                      

	Estimated cost: ₱821,000.00             Estimated cost: ₱821,000.00            Estimated cost: ₱985,000.00

2.       Be Smart in Purchasing Materials

It’s always better to do own research about the materials to be used. At least have a working knowledge on which materials are appropriate to your housing needs and those brands that guarantee quality. Prefabricated panels, for instance, can cut labor costs since they are ready to install. Keeping a budget does not mean cutting costs, it means smart buying. Cheap materials may keep you within your current budget but may cost you more headache and expenses in the future. Take time to ask around.

 

3.       Consider the Location Carefully

Rural areas in the Philippines are normally cheaper compared to the city. Take into consideration the cost of living as well. Remember, you are building a house that will be your shelter for the long term. Areas near the mall, market, school, and other essential establishments can cause more as well but put into mind the additional transportation expenses if you live too far from the urban spots. Balance it out.

 

4.       Choose the Best Contractor

Labor costs can spike up the expenses. Make sure you select a credible contractor who keeps true to the contract agreements. Some contractors offer free designs and estimates, and you should grab such opportunities. TopNotch construction, for one, offers this. Check out the contractor’s completed projects also so you get an idea of their expertise and reliability. Bear in mind that your contractor will be your partner in building your dream home, so it’s best to choose the best.

 

5.       Commit to Commit

When you are building a house, you are also surprisingly building your character. The entire process takes patience and smart thinking. Be committed that in every hurdle, you try to act as sensibly as possible. There will be a lot of challenges ahead, believe me (My marriage was put to the test when we were building our house, you bet!). The challenge of building a house within a 1M budget is no easy feat but it can be done. With the right amount of commitment, you will be on track.

 

Building a house in the Philippines – or any house in wherever, in fact – entails various challenges. The process doesn’t need to overwhelm or scare you away though. Quoting from Dorothy Thompson, “Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live” -- or in our case, do we begin to build a shelter to live in. You got this!