I think the error a fair few expats make is taking recommendations from people that don't know if a house is built well or not.

Also if looking at a finished project it all looks shinny and new.

If choosing a local builder I would look at several houses under construction and in different stages of the build. Also houses that are finished at least 5 years ago, give you a better idea of quality. If you don't understand building methods employ someone that does and take them with you when you look at these houses before selecting the builder.

 

50 ft wow that is high. We have a couple guys we have gown to trust over the years to do the best possible job. As had been said their knowledge level isn't always there, but they sure do try hard. One good example is we have a CHB wall, maybe 10' high surrounding our main property in Bacong. The front have hollow block half way then decorative metal the rest of the way and of course the gate is metal. Last year we decided to have them repainted and hired a guy we thought was decent. We just happened to have another guy come out for a different reason and saw what the first guy was using. He stopped my relatives right away and showed them why why the first guy was doing was wrong. Sure it would kind of work but it wouldn't last. We ended up having the second guy finish the project and everything looks brand new. Everyone is extremely happy with the quality of work.

We have been very lucky we haven't hit many snags like that in all the projects we have. Other than repainting the house, we don't have any crack, leaks, or any other noticeable flaws that have come to light years after it was built. My brother in law has worked hand in hand with all these guys to learn how they do it, so he can do a lot of the work himself now and do it right-at least the best Filipino way.