Remodeler and builder

[imhirphil]

Originally Posted by Marky

imhirphil, I think you're going over the line in what you're saying on a public forum here.
IMO if you really had 2BB's best interest at heart, like you profess so strongly to have, you'd PM the man and arrange to have a visit or a chat with him so as to be able to relate in a one-to-one the reservations you have with his situation.

But here its looking more like you're trying to embarrass or humiliate the guy with a bunch of "what if's" and "could happens"....


In the world of the internet, we call people posting like Imhirphil

"concern trolls"

No, I would not PM in this case, because what blackbelt was trying to imply was that this owner/builder was a class AAA guy who should be recommended to the expat community. He even posted contact numbers with gushing recommendations. Anyone who enters into idiotic arrangements like this, and tries to tell others on an open forum like this one to do the same needs to be responded openly and publicly. Thus, I chose to respond openly, not via PM. Do you understand this, Marky?

Never should people enter into conflicts of interest situations, particularly in Philippines where no one trusts each other for good reasons. And to recommend it openly is just not called for.

I don't know blackbelts and don't care what he does or is planning to do on his own. But if he is trying to influence others who may be naive, that needs correction in my view.

Concern troll? Ok, I might be. Who cares? I don't.

[Philippinediver]

Am curious as to what km your house is located. I saw a huge house being built on the beach just north of the malatapay market. There was a concrete road leading up to it and the house it directly across from Apo Island. How big is you main house and how much to build it per sqm and what is included. thanks

[KAI]

Originally Posted by imhirphil

No, I would not PM in this case, because what blackbelt was trying to imply was that this owner/builder was a class AAA guy who should be recommended to the expat community. He even posted contact numbers with gushing recommendations. Anyone who enters into idiotic arrangements like this, and tries to tell others on an open forum like this one to do the same needs to be responded openly and publicly. Thus, I chose to respond openly, not via PM. Do you understand this, Marky?

Never should people enter into conflicts of interest situations, particularly in Philippines where no one trusts each other for good reasons. And to recommend it openly is just not called for.

I don't know blackbelts and don't care what he does or is planning to do on his own. But if he is trying to influence others who may be naive, that needs correction in my view.

Concern troll? Ok, I might be. Who cares? I don't.

it happens to me, that I'm involve in a bad deal in philippines that sometimes people who are frank and tell me the reality I considered it as a rude comments....but when you really waking up to the reality...then you can really see that what he is talking is true.......

[2blackbelts]

Against my better judgement, and since ImhirPhil is no longer on the board, I hope I can help others with their building.

As mentioned before, we did very good due diligence before paying for the lot. Here is a list of the house.

1. The land is titled.
2. We are not Phil., so for now, it is a 25 year land lease, and renewable.
3. It is South of Malatapy market, between Mal. and Zambo ( if my directions
are correct)
4. The road is in, but not paved yet.
5. The house is 4,000 sq. ft, with a 30 x 40 ft.pool.
6. 300 ft on the ocean across from Apo. All will be fenced and landscaped
7. We were going to build a seperate gym and second home for my daughter,
but those plans have changed. Just building the house, pool, fence, and
landscaping.
8. Since we have changed the total compound, we are adjusting the prices
as I write this.
9. The house is built of concrete, with stucco exterior. Granite floors and
countertops. Fully air conditioned, well, 2 car garage, helpers quarters,
electric gates, electric garage doors, dome and cove ceilings. It is a
Florida style and 2 stories.
10. As mentioned, we have over 20 pages of legal documentation regarding
this project. Written by attorneys, reviewed by my stateside atty, and
also reviewed by two judges.
11. As "imhirphil" accused me of, I am not trying to persuade anyone to do
anything. All I was doing was trying to help out anyone who wanted a
trustworthy builder. I get constant pictures, emails, and updates weekly
on how the project is goings.

Please feel free to send me a personal message if I can be of further help.

2 blackbelts

[Philippinediver]

It sounds very nice and I 'm sure we all look forward to seeing the pictures. Curious as to how much per sqm you are paying for this construction. Is it a cost plus Job and what is the plus %. Otherwise what is the sqm cost and what does that include. I can't imagine you walking into this construction blind. There was some discussion earlier bout how much you liked your contractor Mr. Lu. I am thinking this would be a perfect time to give more details as I am sure there are others who might consider using him as well or just learning from your experience

I think some of the reservations people are starting to have here with builders and buying property is how many and how often people keep getting screwed. We as expats are soley responsible for prices escalating to where they are generally due to us thinking we are so smart when indeed we are really ignorant and stupid! and not doing a due diligence and paying the asking price or slightly less. This also carried over to selections of builders. Anyway, I know you are happy with your deal and that is all that mnatters but it would be interesting to see your episode of "Builders Reality TV" . Bottom line is we can all learn from your experience which despite your upbeat accessment it is far from over and we want to learn from it. That is kinda the reason for a site like this

Please don't misconstrue objective critisism for name calling. Sometimes people don't express themselves properly or are immature.

[oncebitten]

Is that the house near the boat to Apo Island? - the one which needed its own road? If so, have you actually been to see the house recently? I am told by people who have seen it that it has big problems. I have also had serious problems with this builder - quite the opposite of what you are suggesting.

[2blackbelts]

Oncebitten, what problems have you had with Mr. Lu, I find him to be a very wonderful person to work with. I have had the house, property,etc. inspected by three different agencies, and it has passed with flying colors. In fact, it is all these government inspections and changes that has caused the budget to run up.

Maybe some communication with Mr. Lu could straighten things out? Best of luck.

2 blackbelts

[sntmig]

Question BB's...Did the house in question,sell yet??

[oncebitten]

Originally Posted by 2blackbelts

Oncebitten, what problems have you had with Mr. Lu, I find him to be a very wonderful person to work with. I have had the house, property,etc. inspected by three different agencies, and it has passed with flying colors. In fact, it is all these government inspections and changes that has caused the budget to run up.

Maybe some communication with Mr. Lu could straighten things out? Best of luck.

2 blackbelts

He was fine with us at first but seems to have run out of money. We have paid him for work but he has not done it. Naturally we complained so now he refuses to communicate with us. He seems to expect people to tell him he is wonderful, as presumably you did, but we cannot in the circumstances!
What work they have done, he and his engineer son have proved to be incompetent and uncooperative, failing to build our (simple) design correctly, making unapproved changes for no good reason, ignoring our specific instructions, etc. They also failed to get a building permit, lying to us about it being needed, and ignored other building regulations.
I could go on but I guess you get the picture. Happy for you if your project is a success but ours is in ruins.

[2blackbelts]

Gosh Pecoskid 45, who said I ran home with my tail between my legs? I still come over to Duma whenever I get the chance, I love it there. It's just a situation where we can't move over right now, and the price has been lowered on our house to a great price, even if you do have to spend some money on the finish.

As far as the Whynot goes, and this doesn't apply to everyone. I saw a bunch of expats sitting there, gulping beer, with their guts hanging out, calling all the locals "boy". If that trips your trigger, then go for it, just not my cup of tea. I enjoy eating there and maybe going to the club, but I sure don't plan on making it my second home.

Oncebitten, I'm really sorry for your problems. So far, for us, Mr. Lu has been very good. If there is anything I can do, let me know. Does he still need to finish some work? Best of luck and stay in touch.

2 bb