From Farms to Plots: Are We Building Away Our Food Security?
As Kenya continues to grow, one question deserves more attention: what happens when the farms that feed us slowly become plots for development?
From tea plantations to potato farms and grazing fields, the countryside is changing. We need homes, businesses and infrastructure, but we also need productive land and food on our tables.
Are we planning for growth, or building away our food security one plot at a time?
10 Things Every Property Developer Should Know Before and During Construction
Building property is a major investment, and protecting that investment starts long before construction begins. From understanding your site and working with qualified professionals to controlling costs and monitoring quality, every decision can affect the success of your project. Here are 10 important things every property developer should know before and during construction.
Baby-proofing a home: How thoughtful architecture protects little Babies
A safe home starts with thoughtful design. From child-safe staircases and secure windows to slip-resistant flooring and family-friendly layouts, baby-proofing your home begins long before construction is complete. Discover how thoughtful architecture can help protect babies and toddlers, prevent common household accidents, and create a safe, comfortable environment where your little ones can explore and grow. Read our article to learn practical home design and baby-proofing tips for a safer, more family-friendly home.
How Cost Planning Determines the Success of Your Construction Project
A beautiful design and a capable contractor are important, but without proper cost planning, even a well-designed construction project can run into unexpected financial challenges. Cost planning helps you understand the true cost of your project, make informed design decisions and keep spending under control from the early design stages through construction.
Read the full article to understand why cost planning should start before construction and how a Quantity Surveyor can help keep your project financially on track.
An Architect Does More Than Draw: Why Architectural Drawings Are Only the Tip of the Iceberg
When you ask an architect, “How much do you charge for the drawings?” you may be looking at only a small part of what you are actually paying for.
In Kenya, architectural drawings are often seen as the main product of an architect’s work. But before the first line is drawn, a lot is happening behind the scenes: site analysis, space planning, client needs, functionality, natural lighting, ventilation, privacy, budget considerations, building regulations, and coordination with other professionals.
A beautiful floor plan is not enough if the house is difficult to use, poorly ventilated, or too expensive to build.
So, what are you really paying an architect for?
In this article, we explore the value of architectural design, what happens before and after the drawings are produced, and why good architecture is about much more than putting rooms on paper.
Because the drawing is what you see. The design thinking is everything underneath it.
Why Two Contractors Quote Different Prices for the Same House.
Why can three contractors quote completely different prices for the same house?
You have the same drawings, the same project, and the same specifications, yet one contractor quotes KSh 12 million, another KSh 15 million, and another KSh 18 million. So, who is overcharging you?
The answer is not always in the final figure. Sometimes, the difference lies in what each contractor has included in the price. Gaps in the BOQ, different material specifications, provisional sums, and items left out can make two quotes look similar while offering very different levels of value.
Before choosing the cheapest quote, look beyond the number. Know exactly what you are paying for.