Construction

The restoration of Quick Response (QR) coding system has made it easier for Nairobi property developers to have their development plans approved virtually. The QR system eliminates the need for stamping the plans, which required the applicants to present them physically. Successful applicants will be issued with  e-construction permits. The notice from the county authorities reads: “It...

The biggest hurdles boil down to two main factors: the gradient of the slope and whether the site is upslope or downslope.  You can get a rough idea of how challenging a particular site will be to build on by its gradient rating. Less than 10% incline is considered slight and is the easiest to build on, while 11-20% is considered moderate. Anything above 20% is deemed steep. Beyond about 15%, costs...

On a basic level, flat roof construction comes in the form of roofing timbers, or joists as they are more commonly known or steels that are laid across two uprights (walls in most cases). The steels, or RSJ’s (Rolled Steel Joists) are often built into one or both walls to give added stability to the roof structure. The joists are then either laid on top of the steels or cut into them. These joists...

Wall tiles and floor tiles are both types of ceramic or porcelain tiles used in different areas of a building, mainly for interior decoration and protection. While they share some similarities, there are key differences in their design, durability, and suitability for specific applications. Design and Surface Finish: Wall Tiles: Wall tiles are generally thinner and lighter than floor tiles. They are...

Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) has undergone a transformation for the last few weeks following renovations done by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). Renovations that began in early August have involved the refurbishment of various conference rooms, hallways, pavements, and flower gardens. Some of the conference halls were also flipped to create a large space for the upcoming African...

Capsule hotels (Japanese: カプセルホテル, romanized: kapuseru hoteru), also known in the Western world as pod hotels, are a type of hotel developed in Japan that features many small bed-sized rooms known as capsules. Capsule hotels are typically used by budget-conscious travelers and business people who need a place to sleep for a short period of time. They are also popular with tourists who want to...

It's a construction design consists of two steeply angled roof-line that usually begin at the plinth level,the sloping sides that meet at the top to form a triangle with the base of the triangle being the ground beam or slab hence resembling letter "A".   ADVANTAGES   1. Efficient use of Materials:-they require fewer materials to construct than traditional designs...

Whether you like to practice your diving skills or lounge away the day on a raft, swimming is one of hot season's perfect pleasures. With a minimum of materials and without an arsenal of chemicals, you can build an idyllic water oasis right in your own backyard.  If you ask most Kenyan contractors to build a backyard pool, they'll roll out a long list of goods, including rebar, gunite, fiberglass,...

Urban agriculture means growing crops withing the city. Rooftops offer ample, otherwise unused open space ideal for growing vegetables, making rooftop farming an attractive solution to feed growing urban populations in the future.   The procedure of rooftop farming Select a suitable spot on your rooftop Select your plants for farming Choose pot and pot mixtures Prepare the soil...

Islam is one of the major religions on the African continent. With over 400 million adherents and growing, Islam is going to be on the African continent for a long time. Apart from being a religion, Islam has also influenced architecture in many parts of Africa. The beautiful mosques which can be found in most countries are proof of that. Here are some of the most beautiful mosques on our...

Here are 4 common reasons even properly installed metal roofs can leak:   1. Metal roofing screws  Roofing screws are responsible for the majority of leaks on metal roofs. Metal roofing screws seal water out by compressing a rubber washer at the base of the screw head. When the screw is driven into the metal roofing panel the rubber washer forms a “ gasket” between the roofing panel and...

This is not one of those articles that make vague assumptions about the roofing materials prices. Rather, it stretches beyond indefinite pricing estimates to reveal the specific costs of roofing materials across different regions in Kenya. We’ve compiled the guide after scrutinizing an array of contract bills, as well as roofing materials price lists from various manufacturers, suppliers, and...

A house plumbing system is a complex network of water supply pipes, drainpipes, vent pipes, and more. Because plumbing is complicated and one of the costliest systems to repair or install in a house, it pays to understand how the system works. Understanding the fundamentals of a plumbing system allows you to better understand the types of problems that occur or, if you’re planning a remodel or new...

Here are some of the cheapest types of perimeter fences, starting with the most affordable: Barbed wire fencing: This is a very simple and effective way to enclose an area, and it is also very cheap. Barbed wire is typically strung between wooden or metal posts, and it can be used to keep animals in or out, as well as to deter intruders. However, barbed wire fencing can be dangerous, so it is...

Transform your entrance door approach, ledges, veranda floors, and walkways with Diabond WPC decking panels—the perfect alternative to traditional tiles!   Why Choose our WPC Decking?   ✨ Stunning Wood Accent Aesthetics Achieve the timeless beauty of natural wood, enhancing the appeal of any outdoor space.   💪 Unmatched Durability Designed to withstand the...

As times evolve, so do roofing styles in Kenya. From the thatched (makuti) roofing materials that defined our past, today’s home owners have a variety of options when building their houses to suit each individual style and function. The style one settles on relies on a variety of factors. First, the climate and weather of the location of your home should be considered. If it is prone to harsh weather...

Along with advantages come a few disadvantages of ceramic flooring tiles.   Hard underfoot Ceramic flooring is extremely hard. While this makes it easier to clean and maintain, it can also make it uncomfortable to stand on. This material, unlike resilient floors, can’t be softened using padded underlayments, which means it might not be a suitable choice for some. However, the hardness of...

If you buy an apartment would will acquire a sectional title. To fully understand the differences between sectional title and traditional freehold property ownership, here is a definition: Freehold or full title is the transfer of full ownership rights when you own a property, which includes the building and the land it is built on. These kinds of properties include free-standing houses, cluster houses...

If county officials come calling at your construction site and are found without a C of O they will arrest your crew and confiscate you building materials and equipment. Here is how to obtain one step by step.   The procedure for obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) in Kenya Step 1 The Applicant should purchase a form from the Land use and Administration Committee (LAC) or Obtain...

Abandoned construction sites and excavations posed a safety hazard to the public. "Developers with abandoned construction sites and deep excavations shall present to the Authority a structural integrity report from a structural engineer within 30 days from the date of the notice and a plan to proceed with works.   "In absence of this report, the Authority will recommend necessary remedial action...