Archive for November, 2025
The Truth About ‘Affordable Housing’ — What Most Developers Don’t Say.
Affordable housing in Kenya continues to grow in Nairobi, Ongata Rongai, Ruaka, Athi River, and Ngong. Affordability is shaped more by financing models than sale price. Developers rely on SACCO loans, mortgage subsidies, instalment plans, and tenant purchase schemes to reduce deposits and make homeownership accessible. Compact, efficient designs—open layouts, multifunctional spaces, natural lighting, and […]
Lessons from the Wang Fuk Court Fire
The tragic loss of 44 lives and 279 missing in the Hong Kong Wang Fuk Court fire— believed to have ignited on external bamboo scaffolding—shows how quickly fire can spread when temporary works are vulnerable . Prof. Jiang also noted that the blocks were “relatively old,” built in the 1980s, meaning their single-pane glass windows […]
Retrofitting vs. Rebuilding: Which Is Cheaper in the Long Run?
Deciding whether to retrofit or rebuild starts with a professional condition survey assessing damp, structural movement, and overall building health. Planning restrictions, conservation rules, neighbour sensitivities, access rights, and party wall agreements influence feasibility, costs, and timelines. When Retrofitting Makes SenseRetrofitting is ideal for buildings with sound structures. Upgrading insulation, windows, and services improves comfort, […]
How Poor Supervision Silently Eats Into Your Construction Budget
Ineffective supervision can quietly drive up construction costs, causing budget overruns and reducing project profitability. When work schedules are poorly planned and daily progress isn’t monitored, materials are wasted, tasks are repeated, and expenses accumulate unnoticed . Proper oversight ensures resources are tracked, work quality is verified, and timelines are maintained to prevent hidden costs […]
Why the Cheapest Builder May End Up Being the Most Expensive
Opting for a budget builder may seem cheaper upfront, but it often results in unsafe, low-quality buildings that lead to high initial building costs and long-term repair expenses. Corner-cutting, substandard materials, and poor construction practices create structural weaknesses, delays, and expensive maintenance. Cost Efficiency, Optimization, and SustainabilityWhereas inexperienced builders lack the technical insight to foresee […]
How Small Design Mistakes Turn into Big Construction Costs
The global construction industry is projected to reach $17.5 trillion by 2030 (14.7% of global GDP), yet design errors remain a major challenge, costing $85 billion annually. These design mistakes account for 40% of construction issues, with total direct and indirect costs reaching $865 billion worldwide. Causes and Impacts of Typical ErrorsTypical errors include inaccurate […]
Simple Ways to Make Your Building Stronger — Without Overspending
Foundation SizingGeotechnical tests ensure precise foundation design, preventing over-engineered and oversized foundations, wasted materials, and costly repairs. Accurate soil assessment minimizes dewatering costs and construction delays ensuring safe and cost-effective building foundations. Structural Optimization TechniquesStructural optimization improves building efficiency and reduces costs:Shape Optimization :Informs structural members’ geometry, suited to the specific primary internal actions, for […]
Can Your Building Handle an Extra Floor? Here’s How to Tell
Foundation Assessment and EvaluationBefore adding bedrooms or an upper office, a licensed structural engineer should inspect your foundation, checking footing depth, width, soil capacity, cracks, and stress indicators . Evaluate slabs, subfloor condition, structural tie-ins, waterproofing, and insulation. Remedial measures may include underpinning, enlarging footings, micro-piles, or reinforced concrete jackets. Load-Bearing Walls and Structural StrengtheningDetermine […]
Thinking of adding another floor? Here’s what you should know first
Adding extra floors in Kenya increases property value and usable space. A study by Nationwide Building Society found that extensions or loft conversions can raise a property’s value by up to 25%. However, vertical expansion requires a structural assessment to ensure safety. Structural Assessment and Load CapacityA structural engineer must evaluates if the existing structure […]
The Real Reason Some Buildings Crack — and How to Prevent It
Why Buildings Develop CracksAccording to UK-based Property Buyers Today, visible wall cracks can reduce a property’s value: small hairline cracks by 3–5% and major structural cracks by 15–30%. While some cracks are minor surface marks, others signal serious structural issues, often resulting from poor design, foundation movement, environmental factors, weak materials, overloading, or aging. Early […]