Expats should get together and rate each of the professionals in an area...........sharing the good and bad.........so the cream rises to the top and gets the best work as long as they provide the best service.........wht u think?
As a foreigner, we all need to be cautious about calling people out by name. The laws here allow them to file a case against you for damaging their reputation.
Imagine being the one who is dying of lung cancer and just trying to sell a home that you're not going to use anymore... Someone comes and offers what you were asking but your sister-in-law and listing agent won't take it. Just absolutely shameful. I live here too and I don't think Westerners fully understand that so many people here do not abide by the same ethical principles as they do. It's easier to be ethical when you're not living in absolute poverty. Certainly doesn't make it right to do because you're poorer. But it's really an "every man for himself" mentality here. You have to be cautious everywhere, but it is rampant in the Philippines. Thank you for being honest and sharing all of this. So many RUclipsrs refuse to cover the negatives here because they are afraid of the backlash they will get from their Filipino audience members. Great video.
Yes, we feel it's important to discuss and highlight the issues here regarding real estate/building etc. We don't want to see anyone lose their retirement dollars.
@@buildingthephilippines the columns on the front and side of the house extend up thru the slab to form the terrace handrail pillars and half wall. the japanese style stone pillars have a bigger stone sticking out in the center you will see, i mounted led lights up under those to see where you are walking at night and use those stones as a 'roof' over the lights and prevent the light from shining in your eyes at night. i just ran small pipe inside the pillars and floor to get access for the wires. those are solid steel bars in the handrail running thru the pillars, i deformed it with a grinder in the area inside the pillars so the concrete would bond to them, then primed them with iron oxide. they add stability to the half wall and pillars. i have to sand them down and repaint them with black gloss industrial enamel every 3 years since i am 20 feet from the ocean.
@@buildingthephilippines those "umbrella nails" you see in the roof picture have all been replaced with 3 inch galvanized screws with rubber gaskets under them, i hate umbrella nails! i painted all the roof with iron oxide 2 coats and 3 coats of white high gloss oil enamel,to reflect the sun, it stays cool now even at noon ! the roof is oil painted 3/4 inch plywood screwed to 2X6 filipino mahogany rafters 4ft on center with 2x2 cross members 4ft on center. the sheet metal i put on that i had trucked in from ormoc 5 hrs away, there was no real heavy gauge steel sheeting around here. only the stuff that bends and crinkles when you walk on it hahaa.
Hey guys, I'm laughing so hard at Leyte story! Lived in Spain and Costa Rica, both same as Philippines. You guys stringing sister in law of vendor along so funny made me smile ear to ear.😂😂😂
You two are the best. Once again saving so many of us money and stress. Yes. These type of things happen everywhere but good to know the specific issues to be aware of there. Thank you. Your faithful Vegas subscribers. 👍🏼👍🏻
very well-presented video on the scamming issues in the Philippines. It's a shame that foreigners in the philippines gets taken advantage of just because they are looked at as rich. As compared to the locals, we expats do have more money to spend then they do, so I guess that's how they feel about us. I'll only rent there, sadly, but I don't have the money to build a home. Besides, you have to have a filipino wife or gf to invest in a home. I won't do that, too risky. Renting gives you the option of moving around once in a while to see different parts of the islands, or go to another country without that anchor tied to you.
of all the comments i've made in building videos you're the first one to ever ask to see picture of my build. i appreciate that,nice you saw the few i sent you in the email, i wish you knew how to open a zip file you would enjoy seeing the rest!
@@buildingthephilippines i tried to reply to you in the comment section where you asked for some pictures but every reply i make gets shadow banned or deleted..
Thanks for the helpful info! We visited the Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao in Dumaguete. I was surprised to see that Filipinos were charged 10 pesos while foreigners were charged 200 pesos. I couldn’t believe the difference!
You have always shared excellent advice and experiences. I really appreciate all the info and enjoy all of your posts and the process of your upgrades. Thank you!!
Thanks, Wilma & Greg for your advice. I have 2 questions: 1. What do you mean primary and secondary power? 2. When you did your house project with your contractor, were you the one to buy the materials or did the contractor do that job? If the contractor bought the materials, do you think he provided the quality requested by you? What do you have to look out for? Special thanks for explaining that scheme, where to be aware of contractors using your money to finance other projects!
Primary power means you're connected to the main line, need to buy your own transformer, and have proper steady 220 volt power. Secondary means you are on a line that's shared by many homes. You rarely get 220 volts and you will notice dimming in your lights. Quite bad for your electronics. Contractor bought all materials for our build. Hard to really now about quality of building supplies. Finishing items were picked out by us, but not things like sand, cement and rebar.
Great info thanks. As for the tradesmen, yes it can and does happen anywhere, I've had a plasterer scam me where the deal was that I paid for the plaster and the labour, discovered he was watering down the plaster and using the balance on other jobs, he then got caught by my neighbour trying to break into my home with a crowbar to probably steal all the new kitchen appliances sitting waiting to be installed. The plaster began to crack and fall off the walls within weeks. Dishonest people can be anywhere.
I’ve been here for 2.5 years and living in northern Luzon and the same thing happens here as well. I am still looking for property with my Filipina wife because we just can’t find an honest deal and I flat out refuse to pay the foreigner price. I grew up near a Filipino community in the US and had a bunch of Filipino friends growing up and we treat Filipinos in the US the same as anyone else and there isn’t any foreigner pricing in the US so I expect to be treated the same. It’s the same concept as if you’re inviting someone to your house and then visiting their house. Treat others as you want to be treated and if others treat you bad then just avoid them all together
@@buildingthephilippinesHas taking advantage of expats always been part of Filipino culture? I really wonder where or how Filipinos learn that this is ok? A ‘skin tax’ is dishonest, don’t you think? As a foreigner, I would never do this.
I agree with you, but it does seem it's part of the culture here. I guess it stems back from the 1940's when GIs arrived to the PI and showcased their money around the country. Just a guess.
@@buildingthephilippines it’s not just the Philippines. You see this exact thing in India and most other Asian countries. I experienced the same thing in China when I visited there about 16 years ago but when I went to Russia and Japan during that same time I didn’t experience any type of foreigner tax. There are lots of RUclips channels that talk about this in different countries in south east Asia, India and even in Africa where black Americans are getting charged a foreigner tax. I even experienced something similar to this when I was in the military from fellow members who are Filipino. I worked with two Filipino Americans in my shop and I am still close friends with them today and we would eat breakfast together everyday so when I asked for breakfast fried rice I was told by the Filipino cook that it was only for Filipinos. After I sat down to eat with my friends they asked why I didn’t get the fried rice like I said I was gonna get so I explained what happened and one of my friends got up and came back with a bowl of fried rice for me and said it wouldn’t be an issue anymore. He later told me that they call is the Filipino mafia and that they had a network to help each other out and they only treated a few non Filipinos like them. It wasn’t just Filipinos who did this and after serving 22 years I was aware that there were also female groups that did the same as well as Muslims and blacks. It was always blatantly obvious and nothing could be done about it.
@@justaguy-69 I have had several conversations with the engineer who designed our house. When he suggested we test our well water for salt-content before using it to make cement I was pretty impressed.
@@FEgoestoPI look into the proper rebar stirrups spacing and make sure they are closer together at bottoms of columns and where beams and columns meet, make sure the stirrups 'end' in the center of the columns, not laying along side the column, i see that A LOT. make sure none of your rebar ends in a corner or column, the ring beam rebar should be bent in the corners and extending onto the next wall, one by 3 ft, one by 5 ft, one by 7 ft and last one by 10 ft. so the joints are 'staggered' not all in one place! if a cross beam meets a column its ok to 'end' the rebar there if its bent in a "j" and runs thru the column rebar then bends down or left or right and is tie wired to the ring beam rebars. always bend your rebar to a 90 degree and bend it back the opposite direction 90 degrees to test it, if it breaks dont buy it ! cheap chinese rebar is brittle ! lastly lay all rebar out on hollow blocks and prime it with iron oxide before using it, come back later and touch up the bends and cut ends with a brush after its installed.
@@FEgoestoPI learn yourself what to watch for, dont trust an engineer OR that the crew will do whats required! in the end you are responsible for what you get.
Thanks for sharing. Its a lesson learned for me. Its a good idea of that monthly payment based on contractual period. Your video helps our retirement journey. Uploading my videos too hope i can help others same as what you are doing. ❤️
Would really like to buy a home there, but these contractor stories make me feel really comfortable renting in the Philippines. Know you are not trying to scare peeps, just make them aware. Great video, Wilma and Greg...Jim
As a married couple who will be moving to the Philippines on Oct 9th, this is great info. Currently, we are closing on our house here in the US next week and being both a buyer/seller of houses many times you always discover issues with Real Estate agents. All the closing costs are alot of monies to spend but you know legally things are going to get taken care of. Ghen and I have discussed this exact same topic many times, so when we look for a place to rent in Southern Luzon, then look at land and/or a home to buy too, she will first visit with the contacts and I will stay away. Honestly, not sure if we will be able to get the Filipino price but sure in the heck will try. All part of the game of give and take. 10 year old kids saying yes we swim there, had Ghen and I laughing so hard. LOL!🤣🤣😂
@@buildingthephilippines Thanks! Following channels like yours and the home builds like your neighbor and the new one like Ellen and Sandy's give everyone so much insight into home building. I am not construction worker by any means LOL, but learn alot how Philippines constructs houses thanks to you.
Good video! You're right, you have to keep them hungry and honest. You still get scammed and it makes you mad. But after a while you just shake your head. Lol
US contractors give highball bids when work is good, also. Very common practice and profitable. Needed roof redone; got it done for $4,500; but one contractor bid $10,000. Same with gutters. Guy said work was good and gave me a highball bid at $4,500 for the leafless gutter covers. Probably triple market.
Hello Greg and Wilma, good informative video, i like to comment on few subjects, foreigner prices, it happens in the Philippines and maybe other Asian countries, but similar way salaries get rated in the middle east, as we lived 14 years in Dubai we used to this, if there is a position in a company for example accounting manager, the basic salary is for a Indian or Pakistani will be 1200 AED, for a Filipino 2500 AED, for a European 15000 AED, so this kind of as we call " racism" is everywhere, the issue with agents or contractors as you correctly mentioned, too many time a family member is involved, as you mentioned with the agent of the Canadian gentleman, also many foreigners start building as the girlfriend or wife has a uncle or a brother or a nephew or husband of a sister what is so called an contractor, then things go south and to keep the peace you as western is cornered. Can't remember the youtuber name i think he based in Dumaguete, best advice is stay away from in-laws and family at least 1 island or at least 2 hours car drive away to keep peace Challenges are everywhere, i think we still off far much better as in Europe or USA, just as you teach us, both feet on the ground, don't show off, keep it fair but realistically then you can truly enjoy your hard earned money Keep posting your videos we enjoy them so much
These contractor scams happen in the USA also. I learned the hard way. What I learned was to NOT pay by time but to pay by job completion. This solves the ponzi scam.
One thing I wish I did was have a lawyer review my contract with the contractor and modified it to protect my interests in the property. This is one major advice I have for those who want to hire a contractor. It can save you a lot of stress, headache and money.
Im a Canadian now retired and living here since 2017. Trust me like you say it's a 50/50 gamble with a contractor maybe worse lots are scammers in one way or another. They cut corners cut materials then your the one that looses
We plan to contract our own. I will be the general contractor. I will be on site. We know lots of Filipinos that will work for us, who are good honest Christians and will work diligently. We will not have to concern ourselves with skin tax.
Great video, and from what I know the spending your money on another build does happen by the shady contractors here in the US. My Dad did electrical work for contractors when I was growing up and use to help him. so it is real.
Thanks for commenting Steve. Wilma and I are glad to hear you are back home recovering. You went through a lot recently regarding your health. We wish you a speedy recovery.
We hired the local expert builder (brother-in-law) of the Brgy. Captain. COST-PLUS, he wanted 40% labor over the of cost of the materials, I offered him 25%, he said he would settle for 35%, so we kept accurate accounting of everything WE BOUGHT then deducted the 12% tax and paid him 35% of the net price. Near the end he was asking for draws for birthdays, etc. and ended up he couldn’t finish the job. So we let him go and me and my boys finished the job.
Happens often where contractors leave before the job is completed. They misspend the money and simply run out, often asking for additional funds above the contracted price.
Real estate agents told me 8m for land. Drove by seen a 4 sale sign by owner. I had my flipino driver call and he said 5m I offered 4.75m and got it. Put zero down and have a Foreman &. 12 man crew. No issues at all. Give them bonus when complete early or on time. Should be putting the roof on tomorrow been 2 months. I have been in construction for 42 years so that helps a lot.
Good to know information. Thank you. Hard to overcome YEARS of being without or little and opportunity comes along you’re gonna do everything to get that coin. Perhaps if enough foreigners talk SOME truth to them, they might learn but it’s like you said, long game. Most beings I’ve discovered, don’t like truths lol! Question for Wilma; are you raised in spirituality and learn about KARMA at all? Curious because we’re not taught about it in the US. Not that WORD anyway, it’s Christianity and it’s so good or else devil gets ya kinda thing. I’m aware you lived here and none my business but you might know of which I mean . Thank you again for sharing such good knowledge of experience. Love to Prince-give him a SCRITCH for me🙏🏻❤️😉
That is exactly what happened to my sister while she tried to sell her land . There were a bunch of people giving them different prices other than the realtor 😅
After meeting with several independent contractors, and listening to many of them trying to give me a song and dance, I'm probably more inclined to just buy from an established developer who is building a community of "rubber stamped" homes. 2 of the developers I'm looking into have already built dozens of houses in their respective communities, and have good reputations. But I'll be dealing with the developer directly, and not using an agent, since there are multiple prices for the same model house, and I'm sure each one is trying to pad their services.
i hired an engineer to measure my lot because the neighbors kept nudging in on it. he charged 35,000 peso to physically gps the lot and set markers and half was for the filing of the paperwork to make it official on the municipality maps. when it came time to get him to do the filing paperwork he handed my some documents i needed signed and notarized , one was a PERMISSION SLIP ALL MY INTRUDING NEIGHBORS HAD TO SIGN ! well we all know thats totally takes away any purpose of getting an engineer to settle the dispute with the neighbors! of course they are not going to agree to sign ! i just said fk it and we are living here on our deed and deed of sale without title, our house is here and we're not leaving regardless.
OH i forgot- the neighbors removed the corner markers 2 minutes after the engineers crew left ! cops said they dont get involved in property disputes... LOL
Hey Greg and Wilma, do you guys know of any good attorneys that could handle a purchase of a property for a foreigner good contractor? I know you guys have a solar man can you give me his contact details? Also we are looking in your guises area or Bacolod 15:57 don’t know if I spelt that correct or not, also do you have an email address to where we can talk confidential through emails? Let me know thank you.
Expats should get together and rate each of the professionals in an area...........sharing the good and bad.........so the cream rises to the top and gets the best work as long as they provide the best service.........wht u think?
I think there's not much cream.
As a foreigner, we all need to be cautious about calling people out by name. The laws here allow them to file a case against you for damaging their reputation.
EXCELLENT Idea, but I guess it has to be done in a 'smart' way, because when even the 'law' is gainst you, then....you know.
Unfortunately a bad rating or review will get you sued and you absolutely will loose and pay out big money.
Don't use a camera. Dont use your real name. Create a secondary RUclips account. Use a voice tone slider like in Davinci Resolve (free).
Imagine being the one who is dying of lung cancer and just trying to sell a home that you're not going to use anymore... Someone comes and offers what you were asking but your sister-in-law and listing agent won't take it. Just absolutely shameful.
I live here too and I don't think Westerners fully understand that so many people here do not abide by the same ethical principles as they do. It's easier to be ethical when you're not living in absolute poverty. Certainly doesn't make it right to do because you're poorer. But it's really an "every man for himself" mentality here. You have to be cautious everywhere, but it is rampant in the Philippines.
Thank you for being honest and sharing all of this. So many RUclipsrs refuse to cover the negatives here because they are afraid of the backlash they will get from their Filipino audience members. Great video.
Yes, we feel it's important to discuss and highlight the issues here regarding real estate/building etc. We don't want to see anyone lose their retirement dollars.
@justaguy-69 send some photos of your home, I'd love to see them. Buildingthephilippines@gmail.com or Buildingthephilippines on Facebook messager
@@buildingthephilippines sent you what pictures i had on hand, just odds and ends in my laptop but it will give you a general idea
@@buildingthephilippines the columns on the front and side of the house extend up thru the slab to form the terrace handrail pillars and half wall. the japanese style stone pillars have a bigger stone sticking out in the center you will see, i mounted led lights up under those to see where you are walking at night and use those stones as a 'roof' over the lights and prevent the light from shining in your eyes at night.
i just ran small pipe inside the pillars and floor to get access for the wires.
those are solid steel bars in the handrail running thru the pillars, i deformed it with a grinder in the area inside the pillars so the concrete would bond to them, then primed them with iron oxide. they add stability to the half wall and pillars.
i have to sand them down and repaint them with black gloss industrial enamel every 3 years since i am 20 feet from the ocean.
@@buildingthephilippines those "umbrella nails" you see in the roof picture have all been replaced with 3 inch galvanized screws with rubber gaskets under them, i hate umbrella nails!
i painted all the roof with iron oxide 2 coats and 3 coats of white high gloss oil enamel,to reflect the sun, it stays cool now even at noon !
the roof is oil painted 3/4 inch plywood screwed to 2X6 filipino mahogany rafters 4ft on center with 2x2 cross members 4ft on center.
the sheet metal i put on that i had trucked in from ormoc 5 hrs away, there was no real heavy gauge steel sheeting around here. only the stuff that bends and crinkles when you walk on it hahaa.
Hey guys, I'm laughing so hard at Leyte story! Lived in Spain and Costa Rica, both same as Philippines. You guys stringing sister in law of vendor along so funny made me smile ear to ear.😂😂😂
Gotta have some fun sometimes.
As someone who has built two small businesses in the Philippines, this is great information
Appreciate the comment.
You two are the best. Once again saving so many of us money and stress. Yes. These type of things happen everywhere but good to know the specific issues to be aware of there. Thank you. Your faithful Vegas subscribers. 👍🏼👍🏻
Knowledge is power. Glad you liked the video.
Scammers everywhere.
That is certainly true.
very well-presented video on the scamming issues in the Philippines. It's a shame that foreigners in the philippines gets taken advantage of just because they are looked at as rich. As compared to the locals, we expats do have more money to spend then they do, so I guess that's how they feel about us. I'll only rent there, sadly, but I don't have the money to build a home. Besides, you have to have a filipino wife or gf to invest in a home. I won't do that, too risky. Renting gives you the option of moving around once in a while to see different parts of the islands, or go to another country without that anchor tied to you.
Thank approach works as well. Thanks for commenting.
of all the comments i've made in building videos you're the first one to ever ask to see picture of my build. i appreciate that,nice you saw the few i sent you in the email, i wish you knew how to open a zip file you would enjoy seeing the rest!
I'm always interested in other builds. That's how you learn, by seeing what other people do.
@@buildingthephilippines i tried to reply to you in the comment section where you asked for some pictures but every reply i make gets shadow banned or deleted..
@justaguy-69 I'm not deleting comments. What's shadow banned?
@@buildingthephilippines where your comment looks like its there to you, but if you log out or come look in another acct nobody can see your comment
Thanks for the helpful info! We visited the Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao in Dumaguete. I was surprised to see that Filipinos were charged 10 pesos while foreigners were charged 200 pesos. I couldn’t believe the difference!
Yes, I have seen that as well. Pretty amazing right.
You have always shared excellent advice and experiences. I really appreciate all the info and enjoy all of your posts and the process of your upgrades.
Thank you!!
Thank you, glad you liked the video. Hopefully this info helps some people.
Great vlog really interesting.
Thank you
Good advice. Thank you.
Thank you
Valuable info...thanks Greg & Wilma.
Thanks for watching.
Thanks, Wilma & Greg for your advice. I have 2 questions:
1. What do you mean primary and secondary power?
2. When you did your house project with your contractor, were you the one to buy the materials or did the contractor do that job? If the contractor bought the materials, do you think he provided the quality requested by you? What do you have to look out for?
Special thanks for explaining that scheme, where to be aware of contractors using your money to finance other projects!
Primary power means you're connected to the main line, need to buy your own transformer, and have proper steady 220 volt power. Secondary means you are on a line that's shared by many homes. You rarely get 220 volts and you will notice dimming in your lights. Quite bad for your electronics. Contractor bought all materials for our build. Hard to really now about quality of building supplies. Finishing items were picked out by us, but not things like sand, cement and rebar.
Great info thanks. As for the tradesmen, yes it can and does happen anywhere, I've had a plasterer scam me where the deal was that I paid for the plaster and the labour, discovered he was watering down the plaster and using the balance on other jobs, he then got caught by my neighbour trying to break into my home with a crowbar to probably steal all the new kitchen appliances sitting waiting to be installed. The plaster began to crack and fall off the walls within weeks. Dishonest people can be anywhere.
Wow, such a shame. Some people are just a holes.
Thanks for your information
You are welcome.
I’ve been here for 2.5 years and living in northern Luzon and the same thing happens here as well. I am still looking for property with my Filipina wife because we just can’t find an honest deal and I flat out refuse to pay the foreigner price. I grew up near a Filipino community in the US and had a bunch of Filipino friends growing up and we treat Filipinos in the US the same as anyone else and there isn’t any foreigner pricing in the US so I expect to be treated the same. It’s the same concept as if you’re inviting someone to your house and then visiting their house. Treat others as you want to be treated and if others treat you bad then just avoid them all together
It's really part of the culture here. All foreigners are rich so taking advantage is OK. Good luck with your search.
@@buildingthephilippinesHas taking advantage of expats always been part of Filipino culture? I really wonder where or how Filipinos learn that this is ok? A ‘skin tax’ is dishonest, don’t you think? As a foreigner, I would never do this.
I agree with you, but it does seem it's part of the culture here. I guess it stems back from the 1940's when GIs arrived to the PI and showcased their money around the country. Just a guess.
@@buildingthephilippines it’s not just the Philippines. You see this exact thing in India and most other Asian countries. I experienced the same thing in China when I visited there about 16 years ago but when I went to Russia and Japan during that same time I didn’t experience any type of foreigner tax. There are lots of RUclips channels that talk about this in different countries in south east Asia, India and even in Africa where black Americans are getting charged a foreigner tax. I even experienced something similar to this when I was in the military from fellow members who are Filipino. I worked with two Filipino Americans in my shop and I am still close friends with them today and we would eat breakfast together everyday so when I asked for breakfast fried rice I was told by the Filipino cook that it was only for Filipinos. After I sat down to eat with my friends they asked why I didn’t get the fried rice like I said I was gonna get so I explained what happened and one of my friends got up and came back with a bowl of fried rice for me and said it wouldn’t be an issue anymore. He later told me that they call is the Filipino mafia and that they had a network to help each other out and they only treated a few non Filipinos like them. It wasn’t just Filipinos who did this and after serving 22 years I was aware that there were also female groups that did the same as well as Muslims and blacks. It was always blatantly obvious and nothing could be done about it.
Great video with good advice! Starting our build here in Bohol. Lots of family involved but still need to be vigilant about the "scam"!
Never let your guard down. Good luck with your building project.
seek advice about rebar and its use and cement and do your research first !
i lived and learned !
@@justaguy-69 I have had several conversations with the engineer who designed our house. When he suggested we test our well water for salt-content before using it to make cement I was pretty impressed.
@@FEgoestoPI look into the proper rebar stirrups spacing and make sure they are closer together at bottoms of columns and where beams and columns meet, make sure the stirrups 'end' in the center of the columns, not laying along side the column, i see that A LOT.
make sure none of your rebar ends in a corner or column, the ring beam rebar should be bent in the corners and extending onto the next wall, one by 3 ft, one by 5 ft, one by 7 ft and last one by 10 ft. so the joints are 'staggered' not all in one place!
if a cross beam meets a column its ok to 'end' the rebar there if its bent in a "j" and runs thru the column rebar then bends down or left or right and is tie wired to the ring beam rebars.
always bend your rebar to a 90 degree and bend it back the opposite direction 90 degrees to test it, if it breaks dont buy it !
cheap chinese rebar is brittle !
lastly lay all rebar out on hollow blocks and prime it with iron oxide before using it, come back later and touch up the bends and cut ends with a brush after its installed.
@@FEgoestoPI learn yourself what to watch for, dont trust an engineer OR that the crew will do whats required! in the end you are responsible for what you get.
Thanks for sharing. Its a lesson learned for me. Its a good idea of that monthly payment based on contractual period. Your video helps our retirement journey. Uploading my videos too hope i can help others same as what you are doing. ❤️
Glad you found the video useful.
Would really like to buy a home there, but these contractor stories make me feel really comfortable renting in the Philippines. Know you are not trying to scare peeps, just make them aware. Great video, Wilma and Greg...Jim
It's definitely not for everyone. Rental properties are really starting to rise here as well.
Great information thank you for sharing sad but true it’s a lot in the Philippines.
Takecare you two,Godbless 🙏🙏
@@filipinasimplelifeinAmerica good to hear from you again. Thanks for commenting and watching our video.
@@buildingthephilippines always sir.
As a married couple who will be moving to the Philippines on Oct 9th, this is great info. Currently, we are closing on our house here in the US next week and being both a buyer/seller of houses many times you always discover issues with Real Estate agents. All the closing costs are alot of monies to spend but you know legally things are going to get taken care of.
Ghen and I have discussed this exact same topic many times, so when we look for a place to rent in Southern Luzon, then look at land and/or a home to buy too, she will first visit with the contacts and I will stay away. Honestly, not sure if we will be able to get the Filipino price but sure in the heck will try. All part of the game of give and take.
10 year old kids saying yes we swim there, had Ghen and I laughing so hard. LOL!🤣🤣😂
Congrats on your future move. You sound like a great couple. Use caution everywhere and enjoy your life in the Philippines.
@@buildingthephilippines Thanks! Following channels like yours and the home builds like your neighbor and the new one like Ellen and Sandy's give everyone so much insight into home building. I am not construction worker by any means LOL, but learn alot how Philippines constructs houses thanks to you.
Appreciate it.
i'd build my own place personally, so i knew what i was getting.
Good video! You're right, you have to keep them hungry and honest. You still get scammed and it makes you mad. But after a while you just shake your head. Lol
It's hard to understand for sure. Definitely need to shake your head sometimes.
Bra information Ni är duktig. Mabuhay take care🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪👍🏿
Thank you appreciate it.
US contractors give highball bids when work is good, also. Very common practice and profitable. Needed roof redone; got it done for $4,500; but one contractor bid $10,000. Same with gutters. Guy said work was good and gave me a highball bid at $4,500 for the leafless gutter covers. Probably triple market.
Buyer beware all over the world I guess. Three bid minimum for every project.
Hello Greg and Wilma, good informative video, i like to comment on few subjects, foreigner prices, it happens in the Philippines and maybe other Asian countries, but similar way salaries get rated in the middle east, as we lived 14 years in Dubai we used to this, if there is a position in a company for example accounting manager, the basic salary is for a Indian or Pakistani will be 1200 AED, for a Filipino 2500 AED, for a European 15000 AED, so this kind of as we call " racism" is everywhere, the issue with agents or contractors as you correctly mentioned, too many time a family member is involved, as you mentioned with the agent of the Canadian gentleman, also many foreigners start building as the girlfriend or wife has a uncle or a brother or a nephew or husband of a sister what is so called an contractor, then things go south
and to keep the peace you as western is cornered.
Can't remember the youtuber name i think he based in Dumaguete, best advice is stay away from in-laws and family at least 1 island or at least 2 hours car drive away to keep peace
Challenges are everywhere, i think we still off far much better as in Europe or USA, just as you teach us, both feet on the ground, don't show off, keep it fair but realistically then you can truly enjoy your hard earned money
Keep posting your videos we enjoy them so much
All good points. Appreciate the comment. Sharing info and experiences is important for all of us.
These contractor scams happen in the USA also. I learned the hard way. What I learned was to NOT pay by time but to pay by job completion. This solves the ponzi scam.
Scammers are everywhere unfortunately. Thanks for watching.
One thing I wish I did was have a lawyer review my contract with the contractor and modified it to protect my interests in the property. This is one major advice I have for those who want to hire a contractor. It can save you a lot of stress, headache and money.
Sounds like good advice. Thanks for commenting.
Im a Canadian now retired and living here since 2017. Trust me like you say it's a 50/50 gamble with a contractor maybe worse lots are scammers in one way or another. They cut corners cut materials then your the one that looses
That is very true.
best to be your own general contractor.
We plan to contract our own. I will be the general contractor. I will be on site. We know lots of Filipinos that will work for us, who are good honest Christians and will work diligently. We will not have to concern ourselves with skin tax.
That sounds like a good approach. Good luck with your building project.
good luck
Great video, and from what I know the spending your money on another build does happen by the shady contractors here in the US. My Dad did electrical work for contractors when I was growing up and use to help him. so it is real.
Thanks for commenting Steve. Wilma and I are glad to hear you are back home recovering. You went through a lot recently regarding your health. We wish you a speedy recovery.
good info
Thank you
We hired the local expert builder (brother-in-law) of the Brgy. Captain. COST-PLUS, he wanted 40% labor over the of cost of the materials, I offered him 25%, he said he would settle for 35%, so we kept accurate accounting of everything WE BOUGHT then deducted the 12% tax and paid him 35% of the net price. Near the end he was asking for draws for birthdays, etc. and ended up he couldn’t finish the job. So we let him go and me and my boys finished the job.
Happens often where contractors leave before the job is completed. They misspend the money and simply run out, often asking for additional funds above the contracted price.
Real estate agents told me 8m for land. Drove by seen a 4 sale sign by owner. I had my flipino driver call and he said 5m I offered 4.75m and got it. Put zero down and have a Foreman &. 12 man crew. No issues at all. Give them bonus when complete early or on time. Should be putting the roof on tomorrow been 2 months. I have been in construction for 42 years so that helps a lot.
Wow, crooked real estate agent. Glad to hear things worked out.
building yourself is the only way to go!
Good to know information. Thank you. Hard to overcome YEARS of being without or little and opportunity comes along you’re gonna do everything to get that coin. Perhaps if enough foreigners talk SOME truth to them, they might learn but it’s like you said, long game. Most beings I’ve discovered, don’t like truths lol! Question for Wilma; are you raised in spirituality and learn about KARMA at all? Curious because we’re not taught about it in the US. Not that WORD anyway, it’s Christianity and it’s so good or else devil gets ya kinda thing. I’m aware you lived here and none my business but you might know of which I mean . Thank you again for sharing such good knowledge of experience. Love to Prince-give him a SCRITCH for me🙏🏻❤️😉
Yes, old habits are hard to change. Yes, she's aware of the term Karma. Things will definitely come back around eventually. Appreciate the comment.
If you're an American or Canadian always assume foreigners will attempt to cheat you. That's in pretty much every country, not just the Philippines.
Appreciate the comment.
That is exactly what happened to my sister while she tried to sell her land . There were a bunch of people giving them different prices other than the realtor 😅
Yes, it happens all the time.
👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
Thanks
After meeting with several independent contractors, and listening to many of them trying to give me a song and dance, I'm probably more inclined to just buy from an established developer who is building a community of "rubber stamped" homes. 2 of the developers I'm looking into have already built dozens of houses in their respective communities, and have good reputations.
But I'll be dealing with the developer directly, and not using an agent, since there are multiple prices for the same model house, and I'm sure each one is trying to pad their services.
That approach could certainly work. Good luck with your search.
i'd never trust a structure here i didnt witness and supervise building. that sounds crazy to me!
Can you please let me know who is your contractor if you don’t mind? Thank you
TLC construction out of Valencia.
Real Estate Agents same as Taxidrivers !!! Must I explain more !!! ???
Yeap fulco is a taxi driver!
Good way of putting it.
i hired an engineer to measure my lot because the neighbors kept nudging in on it.
he charged 35,000 peso to physically gps the lot and set markers and half was for the filing of the paperwork to make it official on the municipality maps.
when it came time to get him to do the filing paperwork he handed my some documents i needed signed and notarized , one was a PERMISSION SLIP ALL MY INTRUDING NEIGHBORS HAD TO SIGN !
well we all know thats totally takes away any purpose of getting an engineer to settle the dispute with the neighbors! of course they are not going to agree to sign !
i just said fk it and we are living here on our deed and deed of sale without title, our house is here and we're not leaving regardless.
OH i forgot- the neighbors removed the corner markers 2 minutes after the engineers crew left ! cops said they dont get involved in property disputes... LOL
Sorry to hear
@@buildingthephilippines oh well, i'm a guest here. it is what it is😆
What if they called you out , would you have the money , cause seems ur current house isnt near that .
I don't understand your comment, please clarify.
Meaning if they took you up on the offer of 7mil .
@davidsimpson8917 LOL, I guess I will keep that a secret.
Hey Greg and Wilma, do you guys know of any good attorneys that could handle a purchase of a property for a foreigner good contractor? I know you guys have a solar man can you give me his contact details? Also we are looking in your guises area or Bacolod 15:57 don’t know if I spelt that correct or not, also do you have an email address to where we can talk confidential through emails? Let me know thank you.
You can reach out at buildingthephilippines@gmail.com
Well you set me up with your builder & led to to some land like you hae is perfect & I would pay you
Lol, retired and taking it easy these days.
you can do it yourself with some good advice. find a good person whos been thru it all and been here 10+ years and ask lots of questions!
So you’re saying “Just do it and send me the bill”, may not be the best approach huh?
😂
It's an approach, but not the best one.
LOL.....they will always be the sheep to feed the wolves.
That's exactly what they are hoping for.
I have found that you are better off price and quality building a home in the Philippines. Which you both can attest too.
I agree, thanks for commenting and watching our video.