Complete step-by-step guide to building your dream home  from scratch

Building a house from an empty plot is a major project that requires careful planning, substantial financing and close supervision.

In Nigeria, where the cost of building materials, labour and land can vary considerably, poor planning can quickly turn an affordable project into an expensive one.

The best way to avoid unnecessary delays and expenses is to approach construction in the right order. From buying the land to moving into the finished property, each stage should be properly planned before the next begins.

In this article, Tribune Online highlights the step-by-step guide to building a house from scratch in Nigeria.

Start with a realistic budget

Before buying materials or hiring workers, determine how much you can realistically afford to spend. Your budget should cover more than the cost of blocks, cement and labour. Allow for architectural and engineering services, approvals, site preparation, foundation work, roofing, plumbing, electrical installations, doors, windows, fittings, painting and other finishing expenses.

It is also wise to keep a contingency fund for unexpected costs. Construction rarely proceeds exactly according to the original estimate, and having money reserved for unforeseen expenses can prevent work from stopping midway. Avoid starting a project based on money you expect to receive later. Begin with a clear understanding of the funds currently available and how future construction stages will be financed.

Choose and verify the land

Once your budget is established, identify suitable  land. Location should be assessed beyond its appearance or price. Consider road access, drainage, electricity, water availability, security and proximity to schools, workplaces, markets and other services. Most importantly, verify ownership before paying for the property.

Land transactions can involve complicated documentation and disputes. Have a property lawyer conduct the necessary searches and examine the title documents before completing the purchase. Do not begin construction simply because someone has shown you a survey plan or other document. Confirm that the seller has the legal right to transfer the property.

Conduct a soil investigation

The ground beneath your proposed house is just as important as the building above it.

A soil investigation can provide information about the type and condition of the soil and help the design team determine an appropriate foundation system. This is particularly important where the ground is weak, waterlogged, filled or otherwise uncertain.

Skipping this stage may result in a foundation that is unsuitable for the site. Problems such as excessive settlement, cracking and structural movement can become extremely expensive to correct after construction. The foundation design should therefore be based on the site’s actual conditions rather than simply copying the foundation used on another property.

Develop the architectural design

With the land and site conditions understood, work with a qualified architect  to develop the house design. Discuss how many bedrooms you need, the preferred room sizes, kitchen arrangement, parking, ventilation, natural lighting, storage and future expansion plans.

The architect should turn these requirements into appropriate drawings while considering the characteristics of the site.

ALSO READ: Automate Customer Support: WhatsApp Chatbot Hacks for SMEs

Obtain the necessary approvals

A building plan normally needs to comply with the planning requirements applicable to the location.The exact approval process differs between states and local authorities, so homeowners should establish the requirements for their particular area before construction begins.

Using qualified professionals can make it easier to prepare the required drawings and documentation correctly. Do not assume that construction can proceed simply because you own the land. Building without the required approval can expose the homeowner to enforcement action and other complications.

Prepare the site

After approvals and planning are in place, the physical construction process can begin.

The site should first be cleared and prepared according to the approved design. Surveyors can establish the building position and mark out the foundation accurately.

Drainage and site levels should also be considered at this stage, particularly in areas that experience flooding or significant surface water during the rainy season. Good site preparation reduces the likelihood of expensive corrections later.

Construct the foundation

The foundation transfers the weight of the building to the ground. Its depth, width, reinforcement and design should be determined by the structural requirements of the house and the site’s soil conditions.

Excavacation should follow the approved structural drawings rather than the personal judgement of individual labourers.

Reinforcement  should also be placed correctly before concrete is poured. Do not allow shortcuts in foundation work simply because the section will eventually be hidden underground.

Build the walls and structural frame

Once the foundation has been completed and has achieved the required strength, construction can move upwards. Depending on the design, this may involve reinforced concrete columns, beams, blockwork or other structural elements.

The quality of materials and workmanship matters at this stage. Blocks should be suitable for their intended use, mortar should be properly prepared and structural reinforcement should follow the engineer’s specifications.

Door and window openings should also be positioned according to the approved drawings.

Install the roof

Roofing protects the building from rain and other weather conditions. Before roofing begins, ensure that the supporting structure has been properly completed and checked.

Choose roofing materials based on durability, cost, maintenance requirements and the design of the house.

Proper installation is just as important as the roofing material itself. Poorly installed roofs can develop leaks, causing damage to ceilings, walls, electrical fittings and household belongings. 

Adequate gutters and downpipes should also be provided to direct rainwater away from the building and its foundation.

Install plumbing and electrical systems

Plumbing and electrical work should be planned before walls and ceilings are completely finished. 

Water supply pipes, drainage pipes, electrical conduits, sockets, switches and other installations should follow the building plans. 

Avoid allowing workers to cut through structural elements unnecessarily to install pipes or cables.

Use qualified professionals for electrical and plumbing work. Poor installations can create leaks, electrical faults, fire risks and expensive repairs. It is also useful to photograph concealed pipes and electrical routes before walls are plastered. These records can help when future repairs or modifications are required.

Complete plastering, flooring and other finishes

After major structural and service installations are complete, attention can turn to finishing.

This stage may include plastering, screeding, tiling, ceiling installation, painting, doors, windows, cabinets and sanitary fittings.

Finishing materials should be selected according to the budget rather than allowing aesthetic choices to push the project into financial difficulty.

Prioritise quality in areas that are difficult or expensive to replace later, such as plumbing, electrical systems, waterproofing and roofing. Decorative features can be upgraded later if necessary.

Install external works and drainage

A house is not complete simply because the rooms have been finished. External works may include fencing, gates, paving, drainage, landscaping, parking areas and connections to available utilities. 

Drainage deserves particular attention in Nigeria because intense rainfall can quickly expose weaknesses around a property.

Rainwater should be directed away from the building and should not be allowed to accumulate around the foundation.

Inspect everything before moving in

Before occupying the house, carry out a detailed inspection. Check for leaking pipes, blocked drains, roof leaks, faulty sockets, incomplete painting, poorly fitted doors and windows, cracks and other defects. Test water supply, electrical installations and sanitary fittings.

Create a list of outstanding problems and have contractors address them before final payments are made where the contract allows for this. Keep copies of the building drawings, approvals, receipts, contracts and records of major installations for future reference.