Advice from a building expert: How to cut costs when building a home in Papua New Guinea

So like many others I’ve embarked on another  a journey of self-learning.  This time it’s  building and architecture.

It can be  mind boggling if you don’t know where to look and who to talk to.  For some,  the simplest option is to have an architect design your house and have a builder construct it.  Or get a kit home. In PNG, this is expensive but marketed as ‘cheap.’

Being me, I wanted to understand the whole thing.

So it began with lots of consultations and finally, I was introduced to a brilliant builder (I can’t mention his name because I don’t have his permission to do so yet.)

He walked me through the intricacies of building and construction which I found highly valuable to me.  Some of the tips he shared are obvious but to other people. But for people  like me who work with cameras and television, it was a GREAT help.

Below are the tips I am sharing based on his advice:

1. Kit homes are overpriced  – While kit homes may seem the most convenient option for many Papua New Guineans,  he says,  companies charge at least a third to double on the the material costs to make a profit.   The temptation to buy a kit home is  always there. But suppliers won’t let you buy in  packed portions so cost  is manageable you.  They prefer a lump sum payment which, in many cases, in unaffordable.
2. Use the designs but buy your own materials IN STAGES – The way to reduce  cost,  is to  get good advice from someone who can give you a material listing in stages based on a design.    Start with footings (posts, cement bags, gravel). Then, move on to the bearers and joists (new words I learned along the way :D). Followed by the walls then roof. You will find that metal  house stumps (posts)  and cement bags  are not as expensive as many think. With innovative transport options ie. using family and friends, a lot can be achieved.
3. Don’t let people over charge you on designs – You can easily find and buy designs online. They are arguably cheaper than getting an architect design. These days, designs are available online.  This makes owner builder options very attractive.
4. Advice is usually free – Most of the advice given is usually free if it’s from a friend or family.
5. This advice is primarily for people building on your own land separate from an urban municipal setting.