i'm glad you enjoyed watching. Please make sure to subscribe. We try to post a video every few days. I will keep posting updates on the progress of the house.
I'm a builder from Florida. Been living in Cebu for the past 6 years. I hate seeing hollow block used. I'm on my third build at this time. I really think I'll start posting my build to show a better option. I pour my wall 4' high and include my columns in the pour at the same time. I put 10mm steel 16" on center in the walls. I install my electrical in the walls prior to pouring along with my plumbing. I frame my door and wo dow openings in the walks before I pour also. When I pull my forms I skim coat with skim coat, not cement. I'm ready for paint and it last forever. I seen too many hollow block crumble after a few years. I hate seeing them pull strings to determine the amount of concrete the will toss on the wall to make it somewhat smooth. The way the windows are squared with the same method. This vidio convinced me to start vidiong another way for feorigners to build. Filipinos are very clever and understand new concepts of building if shown new methods. My crew never dud poured walls so I had them put my fence up first. They understand now and I anticipate a smooth job on the house. Wish you all the luck. Hoping my vidio will give others a better option though
I don't know how to edit my first comment. Hope people will see this add on. I pour 4' first. Then move the panel up for the next pour. I then frame up to my beam. It sounded like I only framed 4' on my first comment. Hope people understand
I did try to resolve some of that by hiring some family to make the blocks. They used 2x the cement of normal blocks. Once they're filled and have the rebar reinforcement I am confident the house is very strong. Thanks for your comment. Please subscribe and continue to follow the progress
@@jmfarrell5 thank you! I find it very interesting. I’m glad you do too. Hopefully you have subscribed to our channel so you don’t miss more updates, coming soon.
One only has to pinch a hollow block and it disintegrates. I do hope you have a civil engineer keeping an eye on your build because they love to cut corners.
tbag, I totally understand your comment. We actually had special blocks made up using 2x the amount of cement. Not only do we have a engineer and architect overseeing the project, I am onsite everyday. I am a retired General Superintendent in Commercial Construction.
Good luck on that project; I always think that the construction method, especially the thickness of outer walls is a bit flimsy and doesn't provide enough insulation from the heat, might consider to build a double-wall with a concrete core
hi. Thanks for the comment. I think that many people misunderstand the construction techniques in the Philippines. Dont get me wrong, it is totally different than what we're used to in the West. But the concrete columns and horizontal beams (all reinforced with lots of rebar) make for a very strong structure. The filled cmu block between the columns is just a filler. The house is very strong. Concrete makes for a very good insulator from the heat. It ends up being about 6" of solid concrete. I cant speak for all construction here in Philippines, but our house is being built very strong. (Although I can say that the concrete to water ratio here is off). Look for some more vids soon and keep the comments coming! :)
@@TheMcLeodWorldInThePhilippines My experience is with high-rise condos; in a lot of cases, the used rebar is of little quality, hence they carry a lot of moisture through the walls. 6" as a core sounds good (which in turn is the total thickness in those high-rises), still need to figure out how to build our own house in the next few months
@@ronsorenson7196 yes there is a septic tank. You can see the excavation for the septic tank on the right side of our house in one of our videos. Our gray water goes into catchbasins.
Hollow blocks made in someone's yard, corners broken off and liable to disintegrate in a strong breeze, walls put together with a trowel in one hand and a gloved hand (to stop it falling straight off) using semi-cured concrete, not mortar, with most of the structural integrity coming from 8mm rebar poked into the holes in the blocks. What could possibly go wrong?
@@thechriswhewell Well, CHRIS, I can tell you this. The blocks are used for my build was made by a family member. They use 2X the cement as normal. They were cured. That being said, the hollow blocks are not structural. The concrete columns and beam structure With 10 MM rebar as well as stirrups every 6 inches Is the structural integrity of the house. It was designed by a licensed engineer, and an architect. With a stamped set of design drawings, And stringent inspection by the engineer, and myself I feel very confident the house is well built. (BTW, my background is 45 years as a commercial Superintendent) That being said, the CHB were used as wall filler between the structural columns. The CHB has vertical and horizontal rebar placed (not poked), as it was built, then filled with concrete. I would challenge anyone to try to create a strong breeze (even a typhoon) to see if the blocks disintegrate. Thanks for watching. I appreciate the comments, even if they’re not accurate. 👍🏻
@TheMcLeodWorldInThePhilippines Drop one from your scaffold. If it turns back into gravel and dust, it's up to the usual standard. Clearly you are aware of this, otherwise you wouldn't have gone to the trouble and expense of having your blocks 'manufactured' to a higher standard. Perhaps commercially- made blocks come up to international standards, but many that are available from backyard operations are far from satisfactory. I note that you say that you aren't using your super blocks for anything other than infill. There will no doubt be good reason for that. Whilst strong winds won't blow them over, immersion will dissolve them because they haven't been constructed in accordance with the usual care and attention.
@@selbstsein967 The province I live in you rarely ever see a house build with wood, Mostly concrete and bamboo houses. I would guess maybe less than 5 percent are made with wood.
@@Expat225 ups, Even bamboo without wooden frame „inside“ - astonishing 🤔 On Siquijor Island 60-80% somewhere with wood - frame inside and/or plywood or bamboo
You’ve got to be careful with safety standards in the Philippines and that’s the problem as they have very little by way of fire regulations for example. It’s upto yourselves to how you interpret that information, materials and knowledge are sorely lacking in the Philippines. And unless you’ve built before and have a knowledge of construction and working practices you’ll be guided by well intentioned but mostly poor knowledge by the locals. I watched another channel where the western guy built his house off the side of a mountain and was guided by his Filipina partner/family and a local builder and the It’s a absolute disaster of a build. Having a channel and watching other ex pat builds will certainly help guide you some steps of the way although most have not built before or on any meaningful way. Good luck 🤞
Hi Eric. I agree that I really have to watch the standards of construction here. I'm fortunate that I hired an Architect and Engineer team to design the project. They provided the Contractor team. I'm very happy with the quality standards going into the build. (I retired as a construction superintendent so I am closely supervising the project as well). As far as the fire regulations, there is really nothing that will burn. The biggest danger in that regard is the electrical. Fortunately I have a very experienced construction team. Look for more vids soon and keep the comments coming. I love hearing from the subscribers.
@@nineseven420empire3 I had the block special made. One of our family members produces block. I had them made with 2X the cement. But generally, you are right, they water everything down
@@TheMcLeodWorldInThePhilippines blocks are like a sponge. That’s why they use a lot of water. The blocks absorb water out of the mortar. That’s why they use a lot of water. In addition they need it to flow since they don’t use cement vibrators. Looking good.
Correct - the blocks don’t look strong - I‘m sure you can crash the by hand 😅 - but that’s normal and the reason they make 1inch cement finishing outside to make it strong But seems like in the middle of a rooster farm 🙉 no way to live for me with this constant noise 👎
Build is looking good. Glad I stumbled across your build
i'm glad you enjoyed watching. Please make sure to subscribe. We try to post a video every few days. I will keep posting updates on the progress of the house.
I'm a builder from Florida. Been living in Cebu for the past 6 years. I hate seeing hollow block used. I'm on my third build at this time. I really think I'll start posting my build to show a better option. I pour my wall 4' high and include my columns in the pour at the same time. I put 10mm steel 16" on center in the walls. I install my electrical in the walls prior to pouring along with my plumbing. I frame my door and wo dow openings in the walks before I pour also. When I pull my forms I skim coat with skim coat, not cement. I'm ready for paint and it last forever. I seen too many hollow block crumble after a few years. I hate seeing them pull strings to determine the amount of concrete the will toss on the wall to make it somewhat smooth. The way the windows are squared with the same method. This vidio convinced me to start vidiong another way for feorigners to build. Filipinos are very clever and understand new concepts of building if shown new methods. My crew never dud poured walls so I had them put my fence up first. They understand now and I anticipate a smooth job on the house. Wish you all the luck. Hoping my vidio will give others a better option though
I don't know how to edit my first comment. Hope people will see this add on. I pour 4' first. Then move the panel up for the next pour. I then frame up to my beam. It sounded like I only framed 4' on my first comment. Hope people understand
Thanks for sharing your experience and the tips, it's definitely helpful for foreigners building in the Philippines.
I did try to resolve some of that by hiring some family to make the blocks. They used 2x the cement of normal blocks. Once they're filled and have the rebar reinforcement I am confident the house is very strong. Thanks for your comment. Please subscribe and continue to follow the progress
Wow they really have done alot. Its looking great! I know you guys are excited!!❤❤
yes, it's really starting to look like something :)
Great video and walk through of your house build. 👍🏻
@@jmfarrell5 thank you! I find it very interesting. I’m glad you do too. Hopefully you have subscribed to our channel so you don’t miss more updates, coming soon.
Thanks for sharing rhis video ❤ new subscriber here ❤😊
thanks for being a new subscriber. I hope you enjoy following along on our adventures.
I'm new here, just wondered where your build was located at. I always hope (at times) to see & hear from you both. Thank you.
Hi Charles. We are in South Western Bacolod, in the Negros Occidental region. Thanks for watching.
@@charleshill71 feel free to ask any questions. I try to answer all comments.
One only has to pinch a hollow block and it disintegrates.
I do hope you have a civil engineer keeping an eye on your build because they love to cut corners.
tbag, I totally understand your comment. We actually had special blocks made up using 2x the amount of cement. Not only do we have a engineer and architect overseeing the project, I am onsite everyday. I am a retired General Superintendent in Commercial Construction.
Good luck on that project; I always think that the construction method, especially the thickness of outer walls is a bit flimsy and doesn't provide enough insulation from the heat, might consider to build a double-wall with a concrete core
hi. Thanks for the comment.
I think that many people misunderstand the construction techniques in the Philippines. Dont get me wrong, it is totally different than what we're used to in the West. But the concrete columns and horizontal beams (all reinforced with lots of rebar) make for a very strong structure. The filled cmu block between the columns is just a filler. The house is very strong. Concrete makes for a very good insulator from the heat. It ends up being about 6" of solid concrete.
I cant speak for all construction here in Philippines, but our house is being built very strong. (Although I can say that the concrete to water ratio here is off).
Look for some more vids soon and keep the comments coming! :)
@@TheMcLeodWorldInThePhilippines My experience is with high-rise condos; in a lot of cases, the used rebar is of little quality, hence they carry a lot of moisture through the walls. 6" as a core sounds good (which in turn is the total thickness in those high-rises), still need to figure out how to build our own house in the next few months
Thank you sir❤❤🇺🇸🇵🇭
very welcome. Thanks for the comment. Please keep looking for our videos.
Do you have a septic tank? Curious where the water and waste all go. Thanks
@@ronsorenson7196 yes there is a septic tank. You can see the excavation for the septic tank on the right side of our house in one of our videos. Our gray water goes into catchbasins.
Hollow blocks made in someone's yard, corners broken off and liable to disintegrate in a strong breeze, walls put together with a trowel in one hand and a gloved hand (to stop it falling straight off) using semi-cured concrete, not mortar, with most of the structural integrity coming from 8mm rebar poked into the holes in the blocks.
What could possibly go wrong?
@@thechriswhewell
Well, CHRIS, I can tell you this. The blocks are used for my build was made by a family member. They use 2X the cement as normal. They were cured. That being said, the hollow blocks are not structural. The concrete columns and beam structure With 10 MM rebar as well as stirrups every 6 inches Is the structural integrity of the house. It was designed by a licensed engineer, and an architect. With a stamped set of design drawings, And stringent inspection by the engineer, and myself I feel very confident the house is well built. (BTW, my background is 45 years as a commercial Superintendent) That being said, the CHB were used as wall filler between the structural columns. The CHB has vertical and horizontal rebar placed (not poked), as it was built, then filled with concrete.
I would challenge anyone to try to create a strong breeze (even a typhoon) to see if the blocks disintegrate.
Thanks for watching. I appreciate the comments, even if they’re not accurate. 👍🏻
@TheMcLeodWorldInThePhilippines Drop one from your scaffold. If it turns back into gravel and dust, it's up to the usual standard. Clearly you are aware of this, otherwise you wouldn't have gone to the trouble and expense of having your blocks 'manufactured' to a higher standard.
Perhaps commercially- made blocks come up to international standards, but many that are available from backyard operations are far from satisfactory.
I note that you say that you aren't using your super blocks for anything other than infill. There will no doubt be good reason for that.
Whilst strong winds won't blow them over, immersion will dissolve them because they haven't been constructed in accordance with the usual care and attention.
I was told they don't build with wood here because of termites, but I can't say for sure if thats true or not
I’m not sure if it’s because of termites, but that could be a good reason. I know the wood would not do well in the humidity.
In province 90% are build with wood - you need to preserve it against termites but still - Philippinos don’t build for 20 years 😉
@@selbstsein967 The province I live in you rarely ever see a house build with wood, Mostly concrete and bamboo houses. I would guess maybe less than 5 percent are made with wood.
@@Expat225 ups, Even bamboo without wooden frame „inside“ - astonishing 🤔
On Siquijor Island 60-80% somewhere with wood - frame inside and/or plywood or bamboo
So we… good morning. So what we have… good morning… so w…good morning
I couldnt have said it better :)
🇵🇭😎🇵🇭
You’ve got to be careful with safety standards in the Philippines and that’s the problem as they have very little by way of fire regulations for example. It’s upto yourselves to how you interpret that information, materials and knowledge are sorely lacking in the Philippines. And unless you’ve built before and have a knowledge of construction and working practices you’ll be guided by well intentioned but mostly poor knowledge by the locals. I watched another channel where the western guy built his house off the side of a mountain and was guided by his Filipina partner/family and a local builder and the It’s a absolute disaster of a build. Having a channel and watching other ex pat builds will certainly help guide you some steps of the way although most have not built before or on any meaningful way. Good luck 🤞
Hi Eric. I agree that I really have to watch the standards of construction here. I'm fortunate that I hired an Architect and Engineer team to design the project. They provided the Contractor team. I'm very happy with the quality standards going into the build. (I retired as a construction superintendent so I am closely supervising the project as well).
As far as the fire regulations, there is really nothing that will burn. The biggest danger in that regard is the electrical. Fortunately I have a very experienced construction team.
Look for more vids soon and keep the comments coming. I love hearing from the subscribers.
Its worst but it last century. Just like 3 pig and wolf. Wolf as storm .
so true!
The blocks are crap, for the most part. They use to much water, when hand mixing. The buildings, for the most part have had to many corners cut.
@@nineseven420empire3 I had the block special made. One of our family members produces block. I had them made with 2X the cement.
But generally, you are right, they water everything down
@@TheMcLeodWorldInThePhilippines blocks are like a sponge. That’s why they use a lot of water. The blocks absorb water out of the mortar. That’s why they use a lot of water. In addition they need it to flow since they don’t use cement vibrators. Looking good.
1 sack for 50 blocks is not strong- 1 sack 25-30 ideal
@@daysoff4ever the usual formula here is 80/1
Correct - the blocks don’t look strong - I‘m sure you can crash the by hand 😅 - but that’s normal and the reason they make 1inch cement finishing outside to make it strong
But seems like in the middle of a rooster farm 🙉 no way to live for me with this constant noise 👎