The Most Common Building Materials for Building Homes in Ghana

Homes that are built in Ghana are constructed with certain materials that are divided into two different categories: conventional and unconventional. In the formal construction sector, more conventional materials will be used, such as concrete, slate and asbestos. Unconventional materials may consist of substances such as mud, mud bricks, palm leaves, bamboo and wood and may be used in areas that are more rural. Unconventional materials are used primarily because more conventional materials are either too expensive or are not easy to come by in certain areas.

In the bigger cities of Ghana and the areas that are more modernized and have larger populations, building materials are much more accessible. Materials used on these homes are similar to those used in places such as Arizona and Florida for construction of homes and buildings.

Here are the most Common building materials in Ghana for Conventional Construction

• Walls
• Bricks
• Masonry Blocks
• Concrete Blocks
• Gypsum Boards (plasterboard or drywall)
• Wood
• Floor
• Concrete Slab
• Roof
• Concrete Tiles
• Brick Tiles
• Shingles
• Long Span Aluminum Roofing Sheets
• Onduline Roofing Sheets
• Windows
• Aluminum Framed Glass Windows
• Aluminum-Clad Wood Framed Glass Windows
• Wood Framed Glass Windows
• Wood Paneled Windows
• UPVC Framed Glass Windows
• Wood Jalousie
• Doors
• Wood Paneled
• Aluminum Framed Glass Doors
• UPVC Framed Glass Doors
• Steel Doors
• Floor Finish
• Porcelain Tiles
• Ceramic Tiles
• Marble Tiles, Linoleum
• Terrazzo
• Cement/Sand Screed
• Carpet
• Ceiling
• Wood T&G
• Plastic T&G
• Acoustic Ceiling Tiles
• Plasterboard Ceilings

Outside Walls

When building the outside of a home, there is little distinction between conventional and unconventional. Most construction involves the use of bricks and earth as a traditional building tool. Cement blocks and concrete are also used in areas where they are available for the outside of a home. Although wood is exported from Ghana, it is not used as widely or as popularly as the previously listed materials.

Roofing Materials

Conventional materials used in Ghana for roofing include corrugated metal sheets and slate or asbestos roofing. Unconventional materials that are used in more rural areas include thatch or palm leaves or raffia. These materials are the second most common used in the roofing of homes in Ghana, second only to metal sheets.

Floor Materials

The most common materials used for construction in Ghana in the form of floors are cement or concrete. While earth or mud brick flooring is still often used, it is quickly being replaced by the convenience, stability and durability of cement flooring in the areas where it is available. In situations where cost is not an issue, homebuilders may also use terrazzo, vinyl tiles and ceramic tiles.
The materials used for construction on a home in Ghana are often chosen based on the location of the home being built and cost.

5 Simple Steps To Getting A Mortgage In Ghana

1 - Determine What Kind of Mortgage You Need

As a prospective borrower in Ghana, you have a few options that you must consider to decide which type of loan is the best for you and your situation. The primary loan options you have are:

• First-time home buyer loan
• Investment loan for property renting
• Existing home-owner loan, using your home as collateral

2 - Process Overview - Taking Your First Steps

The first step to accessing a mortgage in Ghana is to submit a completed application form. Depending on the bank you can do this on-line, or download, print, then scan and e-mail a completed form. Alternately, you may prefer to submit an application in person in a bank office. You will also need to decide whether you want to file an application by yourself, or jointly with two or more people with the proper relationships.

3 - Required Documents

When applying for a mortgage in Ghana, most organizations require the following documentation from each person applying during the lending process:

• Two proof-of-address forms
• Proof of income
• Two forms of personal identification
• Recent banking statements
• Credit reports
• Offer letter
• Letter of intent
• Facility letter
• Professional appraisal
• -Final mortgage agreement, signed and witnessed (may be done through Power of Attorney)

4 - Mortgage Terms and Conditions

Before signing anything, be sure that you have read through the entire mortgage agreement and are familiar with all the outlined terms and conditions. Items of particular importance may include:

• The loan amount
• Required down payment amount
• The loan term (this is typically about 15 -20 years for a mortgage in Ghana)
• The installment amountThe repayment schedule
• The payment dates
• What constitutes a shortfall
• Insurance requirements
• What constitutes a default
• Transaction fees

You can expect to pay about 20% to 25% down payment for most home loans in Ghana.

5 - Finding a Good Bank and Interest Rate

Lending rates in Ghana are extremely high at the moment, even when doing business with the best banking institutions. Current rates are ranging, on average, from about 13.5%-30% depending your credit history. In a recent study, the top rated and recommended baking institutions - to get the most for your money - were the following, in order:

1. Ecobank Ghana
2. SG-SSB
3. CAL Bank
4. HFC Bank Ghana
5. Ecobank Transnational

Adhering to this information should greatly ease the burden of obtaining a good mortgage in Ghana.

7 Little-Known Factors That Could Affect Your Home Construction Project in Ghana

If you are considering a home construction project in Ghana, you are probably very excited about the design of the building and are anticipating the time when you will be able to move in. However, it is important to realize that there are a number of factors that can cause problems with your project. Following you will find 7 factors that could impact your home construction project in Ghana.

1. Wrong permits - if you get the wrong permits for your project, you could wind up paying extra fees or even being required to stop construction. It is very important that you do your due diligence and verify that you have all the right permits.
2. Land ownership - clear title to the land where you will be building is not always as easy to come by as it seems. It is important to be aware of scams that sell land in Ghana and utilize the services of a lawyer experienced in these matters to verify your land ownership before you begin the project.
3. Land legal issues - there may be other legal issues that affect your land, and having your lawyer go over everything with a fine-tooth comb is the best way to avoid these types of problems.
4. Constant material cost increases - when you plan a project, you must be aware that material costs may increase over the course of the building project.  If you are aware of this, you can build this into your plans for construction.
5. Labor cost - this cost will vary depending on the crews you use, but don't sacrifice quality of the work for cheap labor.
6. Time overruns - Such things as weather damage, utility issues, and so forth can impact the length of time it takes to complete a construction, and this can increase the cost.
7. Cash flow problems - it is important to work with a contractor that has adequate planning for cash flow so that you don't run into problems.

As you can see, these are some of the things that can negatively impact your construction project, but with careful planning, many of them can also be avoided.

What's your construction story? Share below.

7 Ways to Protect Your Investment from Cheap Ghanaian Building Contractors

The possibility of owning a newly constructed home is a dream that can be realized for more and more individuals today. It’s an investment that shouldn’t be taken lightly, though. Hiring a licensed professional contractor might cost a little more up front, but in the long run it can mean the difference between a home that is functional, lovely and lasting versus one that is poorly planned and shoddily built. Listed below are seven ways you can protect your investment from cheap Ghanaian contractors who might otherwise gamble with your investment and your money.

1. Get recommendations

Colleagues, friends, and family members can offer up honest opinions when it comes to finding a contractor.  They can be one of your best resources in finding someone who might offer quality services at competitive prices. Friends and family members have nothing to lose or to gain by discouraging or recommending a contractor. 

2 - Interview first

When investing in something as important and personal as one’s own dream home it’s important to find the right people to do the job. One way to determine if a construction company will suit you is to interview them. Don’t hold back when it comes time to ask questions. 

3 - Get more than one bid

Oftentimes a construction company will offer free bids, and it’s pretty standard for buyers to obtain three. It would be incorrect to assume the lowest bid is the most cost effective, and the highest bid is definitely out of consideration. They are all worth considering.

4 - Have a written contract in place

Before beginning a project it’s important to have a written contract in place so each party knows what’s expected beforehand.

5 - Look at past projects

To get a good idea of how skilled the contractor’s craftsmanship is: peruse past projects.

6 - Inspect the materials

When it comes to quality, not all materials are the same. It’s important for you and the contractor you hire to select those that would be durable as well as affordable.

7 - The crew

Ask questions about the workers who might be involved in the building process. Determine what their credentials are and how they might impact the quality of your home.

While it may take time to interview and obtain bids before hiring a quality Ghanaian contractor, it can save a lot of money and heartache in the long run.

Trust the Ghana Homes Group to equip you with your dream home House Plan. Begin by browsing their House Plans here.

Share your contractor’s story in the Post a Comment field below.

Share this article by using one of the buttons below.

7 Basic Steps to Successful Buying Land in Ghana

Whether this is your first time making a land purchase, or if you own properties in different locations throughout the world, buying land in Ghana can be a very attractive option and challenging. While Ghana does not maintain any restrictions against foreigners purchasing land, there are several principals that need to be understood so that you can successfully buy land in Ghana. As a brief overview, these include:

1. Verify land ownership
2. Check with the Land Commission to find out who truly owns the land
3. Check seller’s reputation
4. Find out whether the land is a leasehold or freehold
5. Ask for a transfer of ownership process
6. Check the cost to transfer and register the land at the court
7. Verify lawyer fees if any

In order to help you understand the process a little better, there are also certain concepts that you need to understand.

Land Ownership

The constitution of Ghana was approved in April of 1992. According to this constitution, all public land was vested in the President on behalf of the people. Prior to this time, Customary Land had been granted to individuals and families. Customary Land is now considered to be private land. If you want to purchase private land, it is necessary to talk to the individual who owns it; otherwise, all land is purchased from the government.

Ghana Land Freehold vs Leasehold

There are distinct differences between leasehold and freehold land. When someone owns freehold land, they have exclusive rights to the land as well as the building or home on that land. Contrastingly, purchasing a leasehold property means that you purchase the rights to the building or home on a given property for a certain amount of time – several decades, usually – but the actual land does not belong to you.
These are a few of the most important things to understand when you are in the process of purchasing property in Ghana. By following these seven steps, you will find that the purchasing process goes much more smoothly.

What's your Ghana land buying experience? Leave a comment below.

How to Choose a Ghanaian Architect for Your Building Project in Ghana

The Value of a Professional Architect

An architect with the appropriate credentials in licensing and education will be an invaluable addition to every building project. The architect is able to provide you with a house plan which accommodates your desires while in accordance with the local building regulations. When building in Ghana, it will be a good idea to hire a Ghanaian architect.

Because of the growing movement towards urbanization in Ghana, there is a lot of opportunity for a new generation of talented architects to create house plans that reflect the heritage and cultural identity of Africa, according to the Ghana Institute of Architects.  The incoming generation of architects in Ghana has much to offer those individuals who are interested in building in Africa.

Questions To Ask The Potential Ghanaian Architects

• What type of experience does the architect have? You want the reassurance that comes from knowing that the architect has designed the type of building that you have in mind.
• How involved will the architect be throughout your project? Some architects will provide their continued assistance throughout each stage of the building, including help with documents, bids and working with the contractor.
• Ask to see examples of some designs that the architect has created and if you can see any completed projects.
• Which services are covered in the architects’ fees? Sometimes the architect will work with other professionals and those consultations may be billed separately.
• Always ask about the architects’ licensing and insurance coverage. The architect should have professional liability insurance. It won’t be out of line to ask to see the paperwork.

An Established Firm in the Area

By choosing an established Ghanaian architectural firm who understands the building climate in Ghana, you can enjoy a new home that reflects the heritage of the African nation. Ghana Homes Group has the experience to provide this perspective. They are globally experienced and are the best architectural firm to create  the dream homes desired by Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians, both locally and within the diaspora.

How To Take Charge Of Your Construction Project In Ghana

Since scams are common if you live outside while a project is being completed in Ghana, there are ways to take charge of the project and avoid some of these potential problems. You must first be present in the process. This does not mean physically per say, but at least being on the phone and in contact with the people working on the project on a regular basis.

Checking In

If you can make at least one or more trips to Ghana, it would be in your best interest to do so. This can save you a lot of money and disappointment in the future. By checking in on things, you are ensuring that the right people are working on your project and completing it as expected. You can be there in person to have questions answered. This is the best way to avoid a scam happening at your expense.

Knowledge

You should go into the project with all the knowledge you can. This means knowing what kind of house plan, building material to use, cost, labor, scams that can happen to you, etc.  Scams can include lying about the cost of materials, completion of the project or asking for more money than what was expected. If you are naive in thinking a scam cannot happen to you, then you are setting yourself up to get taken advantage of. With the right preparation, you can take charge of the project and see it through.

Your Role

It is important to play an active role in the project. You should be involved and take charge with decisions. The people involved should know that you mean business and that taking advantage of you is not an option. If you look to be easy prey, then you run the risk of being scammed. Do not stand by waiting for the project to be completed. Make phone calls, visit the area and keep in regular contact with everyone that is part of the project.  This could really pay off both short-term and long-term.

Leave a comment below. What’s your construction project story?