17/11/2025
Why Do People Still Gamble With Their Hard-Earned Money When Building?
Earlier this year, I visited a two-floor apartment project in State.Lodgei. The building was still under construction, yet the entire structure was already sinking. The ground floor had started to dip, the columns were stressed, and the building was at the point of collapse.
I spoke with the engineer who almost lost his mind. He reportedly used in an attempt to fix the problem. They introduced H-beams to hold the slab and added more columns, but from what I observed, those fixes were temporary. The real issue was never addressed.
My only prayer is that nothing tragic happens in the future.
When you are building a house for personal living or for commercial purposes, you are investing your sweat, your savings, and sometimes your entire life’s stability. Cutting corners is the fastest way to destroy everything you have worked for.
Before starting any building project, ensure you do the following:
1.
Do a proper soil test with a certified Geotechnician.
They determine the soil type, bearing capacity, and water table. Without this, you are guessing. Buildings shouldn't be based on guesswork.
2.
Get a complete building design package.
Architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing drawings are all essential. The structural engineer uses the soil test report to choose the correct foundation type. For weak soil, they may recommend a raft foundation or pile foundation. Never assume. Design is cheaper than collapse.
3.
Hire a qualified builder or contractor.
Not “one man wey sabi work”. Ask for certifications, licenses, referrals, and evidence of previous projects. A professional saves you money, time, and future problems.
4.
Secure all necessary government approvals.
Building approval, structural integrity approval, environmental approval, and relevant permits protect you legally and ensure you’re following the right standards.
5.
Use quality materials and test them when necessary.
From cement to reinforcement to blocks, poor materials can sabotage even the best foundation. Ensure your steel has the right tensile strength and your blocks meet standard compressive strength tests.
6.
Supervise the project or hire a supervisor.
Even with professionals, supervision is key. Mistakes happen on site when no one is paying attention. Proper site monitoring prevents errors, fraud, and shortcuts.
7.
Document every stage of the work.
Take photos, keep receipts, keep reports. If a mistake happens later, your documentation will help identify the cause and protect you during disputes.
Building is not guesswork. It’s science, engineering, and proper planning. Do it well or don’t do it at all. Your building should give you peace, not sleepless nights.
You worked hard for your money. Don’t gamble with it.
