I have but some people tell me that I can get them cheaply in ind. area without giving a specific place. I would happy if I know where.

I have but people tell me that I can get them cheaper in Ind. Area without giving a specific place.

Try super centre building on Sheikh Karume road.Its directly opposite the tuskys on that street. Inside you'll find at least 5 different shops that sell Chinese tiles.

@a4architect.com

What are the con of over raising foundation level? My foreman has advised we do a 5 course layering in an area which i've noted most developers do 4 courses.

Secondly, how is the best way of catering for various floor profiles. For example at what point is sunken Lounge implemented?

As always many thanks for invaluable information you share with novices like us.

@ fakemoney, whatever you do, ensure your ground floor is at least 300mm above the level of a finished access road. It makes sense for your Fundi to advise you do one course above the average

@african coloner, you can use lighter material such as hardwood or steel instead of heavy concrete. also, for heavy concrete, you can construct support columns as you suggest.

@kifagio, for high density projects, bio digesters are recommended.for low density buildings such as single dwelling bungalows/maisonettes, septic tanks will suffice.

Cost wise how does the two compare? Got some referrals who does bio-digesters at 80K for single dwelling unit. Thought that is reasonably priced compared to labour cost + construction costs involved in a septic tank set up.

@fakemoney,most cement on retail sale in kenya is of equal strength, 32.5kn/mm2. for special mixes, its possible to purchase stronger cements that have over 32.5kn/mm2 strength. Its high time an independent body did random strength tests on all the brands to ascertain if the 32.5kn/mm2 displaid on the package is indeed this, going by the many recent building colapses in nairobi, eg today's at jogoo road and last month at ruaka.

septic tanks are far much cheaper than bio digestors. the mistake most developers do is construct huge inefficient septic tanks that are cosstly and cant perfom thru anaerobic processes due to poor internal design.

@xsx, there would be no problem. well designed septic tanks are just as effective as bio digestors.

@A4 my dad did 20 two bedroomed houses in nakuru. he is spending sh 40K per month to empty the septic tank which has to be done twice in a week

what could be the problem?