Building your house in phases: how to do it right
Many Kenyan families build in stages as money allows. How to plan phases so each one is safe, protected and ready for the next.
By Redbay Group ·
Why build in phases
Building in phases lets you pay as you go instead of taking on a large loan. Done well, it works. Done badly, you end up paying twice: for work that is exposed to the weather for months, or for parts that must be broken and redone.
Plan the whole house first
Get the full, approved drawings before the first phase starts, even if you will only build the foundation this year. The foundation, columns and starter bars must be sized for the finished house. Adding a floor later only works if the structure below was designed for it.
Sensible places to pause
These are natural stopping points, where the work can wait safely:
- After the foundation and ground-floor slab
- After the walls and ring beam, before the roof
- After the roof is on, when the building is protected from rain
- After plaster, before finishes such as tiles and paint
Protect the work between phases
A long pause is where most damage happens. Before you stop:
- Cover exposed starter bars so they do not rust
- Make sure rainwater drains away from the foundation
- Store materials off the ground and under cover, or do not buy them yet
- Keep a written record of what was built, so the next team knows
Ask for a phased quote
A good contractor can price the whole house and split the quote into phases. You then know the full cost from day one, and each phase has a clear scope and budget.