Experience Wilderness Everyday

The idea of log homes in the Philippines would at first thought seem unthinkable due to the general climate of the country.  But for the areas which have been historically considered as “summer capitals” the said architecture is acceptable.

Log homes for the most part intensifies the experience of nature. The log home is part of that image, the dream hideaway from the stresses of the urban life.

Log homes became known in the Philippines due to two developments – Tagaytay Highlands and Camp John Hay. Log houses here would range from $600,000 to $800,000. And these have sold out, and other developments are following their model.

DecoHomes builds log homes on the lots of clients. No need to wait for another development. Using similar specifications and the lessons learned in building many log homes.

About the Wood

Log homes are all about wood. It is the primary ingredient and the absence of it would defeat the experience. Locally, two species can be used in log homes: Benguet Pine and Mindoro Pine, but these are not allowed for harvesting. Looking overseas, there are several species: Yellow Cedar, Western Redcedar, Spruce, Douglas Fir, etc.

The availability of Yellow Cedar is very low making it the most expensive. The following is the order of the abovementioned wood species according to cost: Western Redcedar, Douglas Fir, Spruce.

W estern Redcedar is specified for Log Homes by DecoHomes. The characteristics of this wood species are as follows:

• Natural oils in the wood act as preservative preventing decay and inhibiting insects
• Resists splitting due to high dimensional stability
• Handles moisture very well thus being used in saunas
• Exceptional acoustic properties
• Exceptional insulation properties
• Naturally aromatic
• Undisputed beauty
• Accepts finishes readily

DecoHomes uses a half log construction system thus reducing the maintenance needed in a full log construction. No more adjustments due to wood shrinkage and no more fear of water penetration when it rains. Half log construction also allows for flexibility in the interiors where logs can be used only where needed.

Allow us to customize for you your very own log home. Call DecoHomes today at 6317995 and 6319725.

Discussions on Cost

Cost usually is the crucial discussion in construction. The design may be good but if there is no agreement in the cost, the project cannot proceed to construction.

In the Philippines, the usual topic is the “per square meter” cost. This is an assumed amount, an average per square meter cost of residential construction. Discussions with contractors, would have one believe that there is a single range of acceptable per square meter cost – whatever the design, whatever the specifications and whatever the location. They would also have one believe that they are the lowest in the field.

So what is the logical explanation of cost? Here are the factors affecting building cost

1. Locational Factors

Geographic location. Materials have to be delivered. A far site would require additional delivery costs. This would also affect labor in terms of rental expenses, etc.

Condition of the Site. It would be important to know the load bearing capacity of the soil and the slope of the site since this would affect the structure. Footings, columns, and beams can be bigger. Structures would be necessary to retain soil. Presence of rock can require additional excavation charges.

Permits. Expenses related to clearances and permits vary from area to area. Some areas charge development levy fees, some subdivisions have higher construction bonds (though this is refundable).

2. Design Factors

Plan Shape. The shape of the plan is important to consider since this dictates the length of the perimeter wall. Complicated plans means there is more “wall cost” per square meter. This will entail more cost in terms of masonry, plastering, painting and/or cladding. Exterior closure is a high cost item (often 10-20% of the total cost). Plan shape has also an effect on the number of lighting fixtures.

Size and Space Efficiency. When floor area increases unit costs usually decreases. The percentage of more expensive areas also decreases with larger floor areas thus a reduction in the per square meter cost. Also when less expensive areas become larger, per square meter costs are reduced. These are the garage, balcony, etc.

Building Height. A two-storey high structure of the same area as a one-storey structure is comparably less expensive. The reason for this is that the roof which is a major cost item needs to cover only half the area. Plumbing lines are also shortened, requiring only less distance to cover. Foundation is also only half that of the single storey. Above six or eight storeys though, there is an increase in cost due to the increase in structural cost to support the load, wind bracing, elevators and fire code requirements.

Storey Height. Taller rooms of course are more expensive than regular rooms. An example of tall rooms are lofty living rooms with cathedral ceilings. Structures with half storey height on the second floor are, on the other hand, less expensive.

Fenestration. Structures with more windows are more expensive than those with less windows.

3. Qualitative Factors

The selection of materials specifications also has an effect on cost. Materials that are require less maintenance and which are usually of higher aesthetic value is more expensive than those which are high maintenance and of simpler design. Roof materials vary from corrugated GI to that of wood shakes or terracotta tiles. Doors can be plain flush plywood or pressure treated for termites. Windows can be plain steel casement with putty or a branded weather proof aluminum or pvc sliding window. Water pipes can be plain PVC or the latest polypropelene fusion welded pipes. Exterior finishes can just painted or even cladded with ship lap planks or Western Red Cedar cladding. Floor finishes can just be vinyl tiles or Granite or Narra planks. Plumbing fixtures can just be local brands or imported brands.

4. Contractual Factors

Most important to note is the “escalation clause.” Will the contractor absorb increases in material cost or let the Client pay for these?

5. Time Factors

Projects which require to be finished in accelerated schedules would require overtime and extra shifts.

What’s New in Homebuilding?

Architectural Styles

Building with a trend in mind? There are many popular styles these days. Still going strong is the Mediterranean look. This style has become a byword with developers. Tile roof and bright colors characterize these styles. Up and coming are the Asian and Tuscan styles. Asian style architecture may have derived its popularity from the current spa culture. Finding serenity and relaxation may be the inspiration for some homebuilders. Asian is usually mingled with other styles resulting the Modern Asian and Spanish Asian. Tuscan is more similar to Mediterranean but stands out for the following features: narrow eaves and antiqued finish.

Construction Methods

The boom in construction these days may have prompted the emergence of new construction technologies. Usually the purpose of these technologies is to lower the cost of the labor component of construction without sacrificing the quality of materials. Prefabrication is a type of these technologies where parts of a house is mass produced and assembled on site.

Financial Assistance

Several local banks these days are competing in the financing of retail home construction. Interest rates have become lower, periods of fixed interest longer, and application approval has become faster.