Architectural Designs
We believe you may not be present to supervise the construction exercise but you can take charge of what you want by collaborating with us in the design stage. Ensure all aspects you want in the house are captured and detailed. If everything is captured and you’re satisfied, we can have them printed in preparation for regulatory approval.
Structural Designs
The structural soundness of your house is of paramount importance. Having engineers that understand the general layout of the plot you intend to develop makes them able to capture the details that may have otherwise been missed. This is why our engineers visit the site before expertly determining how and where your house will be, optimal use of the plot and drainage related matters.
Construction
After the Architectural and Structural designs have been drawn and agreed upon, we can help you seek approvals from the relevant authorities if you’re not in a position to do so yourself.
Once the approvals are obtained and the terms agreed, construction will begin and will run as per the agreed timelines.
Process
- A client has to identify a house design that they wish to develop. Once a client knows what to expect, it becomes easy for the vision to be brought to life. This is shared with us to then have an architect draw it up and share the results (layouts) for the client’s consumption and review. The client’s suggestions and preferences are captured at this stage which the architect will add or tweak to level with the client’s desire. This professional will also be required to visit the site supervise and ensure all aspects captured in the design are being implemented and make periodic progress reports for accountability to the client. The client is free to engage a professional of choice that is registered and is listed on https://boraqs.or.ke/registered/architects
2. Engineering and structural drawings. Upon receiving the architectural designs, the engineer will review them and learn the location of the proposed project for their visit to establish the soil structure and general layout of the land for the proper situation of the structure. The visit to the site before the structural drawings are done is a mandatory requirement unless the client provides a topographical survey to guide the engineering. The client can choose to deal with professionals in The House of Diaspora or have others of their choosing who will have to sign an agreement reporting us for the period of the project to ensure accountability. This individual will have to commit to visit the site periodically to assess and write progress reports for accountability to the client. The client is free to engage any engineer so long as they are certified and registered on the Engineers Board of Kenya https://www.ebk.go.ke/professional-engineers/?tk=1687268934
3. Quantity surveyor and BoQs. After architectural and engineering drawings are ready, they are submitted to the quantity surveyor to draw up the estimates based on the quality and quantity of materials proposed for the construction of the unit. The costs differ from one location to another and these are specific to the area the property will be erected. These estimates will inform the client of whether they have the resources to see the project through or seek financing.
We require the client to source for this professional independently so as to avoid a scenario where we have to cost a project that we’ll end up managing. This avoids the question around conflict of interest.
You can find qualified and certified quantity surveyors on: https://boraqs.or.ke/registered/qs
4. Have the designs approved by the relevant authorities before commencement. The designs have to be approved before we can commence. The client can arrange for this or we can assist in submitting the drawings for approval on their behalf. There are a lot of things to consider first before this stage and it should be made clear to the client during our preliminary engagements. These are things llike permissions for the proposed projects, costs associated in obtaining them and how to obtain them . We can help the client with this but they can also seek help elsewhere.
5. The client must sign a binding contract with THOD witnessed by his/her lawyer. A contract stipulating our relationship should be signed before we start. This will bring our terms of engagement like how the payments will be made as we have to ensure the process is con proof. The client will release the amounts in bits. 40% at the start of the project, which will be used for the purchase of material and foundation of the house and proceed to exhaustion. Once the amount is fully utilized, the Quantity surveyor will visit the grounds and asses the costs of the material and labor used to that point which they’ll then make a report to the client approving the release of the next 30%. The project will continue to the full utilization of the second installment and the Quantity Surveyor will repeat their visit and report approving the release of the final installment. This will bring the project to a close where the Architect and Quantity Surveyor will inspect and make professional reports upon the client inspecting the unit to satisfaction. A completion certificate will be issued with a one year guarantee.
6. Costs and Fees. Engagement fee of KSH 100,000 is paid to The House of Diaspora upon signing of the contract. This facilitates the movement and coordination of the pre-project process until the construction cost is determined and captured in the Bill of Quantities. This amount is however deducted from the fees payable to the House of Diaspora when the project begins. It’s however not refundable should the client choose not to proceed for whatever reason. These fees are to protect The House of Diaspora from investing time and resources that may not get reimbursed at the point of suspension. All other fees to the company will be dictated by the contract and payable after the execution. Any engagement beyond architectural and structural designs will be deemed the start of the contract and amounts payable on the signing of the contract becomes due.
7. Architectural and structural fees are paid to The House of Diaspora upon instruction for the drawings to be done. This is to give assurance that they will be paid after their work is done and is only paid upon delivery. It is also coined to protect the client in case the architect or engineer fails to deliver. In this case the amount is sent back to the client.
Please NOTE: Professional fees are not dictated by The House Of Diaspora.
8. Fees to the House of diaspora are dependent on the Bill of Quantities and location of the project and all are captured in the contract.
9. Bank Financed projects. In case a client engages a bank for a loan and the client secures our services, we provide a contractor’s profile as well as the practicing certificates for all the involved professionals for the purpose of bank verification. The client will provide a list of documents requested and we will make them available within 24 hours.
10. Other Services
- Land search services
- Arranging remortgage for the diaspora to source funds from existing capital or property at home
- Planning permission
- Due diligence
- Advice on borrowing
- Property agency that can manage and let on behalf of the diaspora