@ roofie, CHB is a lot cheaper than wood. we are also currently constructing our house here in Tampakan, South Cotobato and the only place we use wood is for the stairs because hardwood is so expensive ... i would highly recommend that before you start the construction, review your house plan and make a detailed list/quantity/cost of all the materials or the main critical materials for the house. this way, you have a clear idea of how much its going to cost so that you don't get shock once the construction is in full blast 🙂 ... cheers

Boo!

Thanks sir! You're really active here and I appreciate your advice. Looks like I have a lot of research to do! Where can I find the photo album of your house building in progress? I don't plan to use expensive hardwood, maybe high quality coco lumber? Only for the upper level though. I will make sure it's finished properly with stains and sealers.

@ roofie, my house construction thread is "House ... Tampakan, South Cotobato" under home building and improvements ... same as you, i found this website when i was planning the house i want to built last year. i always get this forum site whenever i googled something about house construction in PH. as such, being a DIYer myself, i joined the forum to learn more from the members and also share what little information i have learned over the years 🙂 ...

@ rosy, that's my way of plugging how great this forum is, i really learned a lot these past 10 months 🙂 he he he ...

@ roofie, with regards to "high quality coco lumber", from what i have seen this last few months, i really doubt it if there is such a thing, given the kind of coco lumber i have seen and i'm not even in the construction industry. i hope other members from the construction industry can give you their insight on this matter. even if you do find good quality coco lumber, there is still the issue of how long it will last (e.g. 3,5,or 10 years)? looking forward, you will have problems with maintenance of this type of wood, you may save on cost today, but in the long run i think it will be too costly ... a well built house needs to last for at least a generation (25 years) ...

look at other possibilities (think outside the box) of constructing your 2/F made of wood ... it can be of any other materials inside, but the outside appearance can look like wood if that is what you want ... talk to your friends (e.g. architects and engineers) to get some ideas and do your research in the internet ... cheers

Boo!

I'll go for the CHB if the budget allows it. Eventually nabubulok ang kahoy if not properly treated and you also have to worry about waterproofing issues.

Thanks sir! You're really active here and I appreciate your advice. Looks like I have a lot of research to do! Where can I find the photo album of your house building in progress? I don't plan to use expensive hardwood, maybe high quality coco lumber? Only for the upper level though. I will make sure it's finished properly with stains and sealers.

If I were you I'd stay away from using coco lumber, them type of lumber will not last you long, as it dries out,it looses its density/hardness. Might as well use good kind of lumber if you insist to push through with your plan on the upper floor.

But of course CHB is still the best choice if you can still stretch your budget. :agree::thumbup:

Good luck and cheers !!