The requirements to build a house in Kenya are different from what you would be required to build in the USA or the UK. This is because the building codes and requirements to build a house in Kenya differ from the other countries. The country is prone to terrorism therefore the government imposes various restrictions on the people who wish to build a house in Kenya. If you are interested in starting a new life here, then you must comply with the requirements to build a house in Kenya.
You will have to get a Building permit from the local authorities if you are building a residential home. The permit can either be obtained directly from the municipality or from the relevant authorities that you will have to contact. This is very important as you will need to ensure that you follow the stipulated rules and regulations by which the permit is granted. You will have to submit all the relevant documents as well as the required fees to the local authority. There will also be certain charges imposed on your behalf if you are planning to use an architect for the construction of your residence.
There are certain specific requirements that you will have to comply with. For example, there is a ceiling to the height of the building and the floor space for each and every individual must be measured accurately. You will have to provide proof that you are an eligible candidate for building the house. If you are eligible, then you can apply directly to the relevant authorities or you can employ the services of an architect.
Apart from this, the architects in Kenya are not allowed to practice on their own. They can only work for licensed firms. It is also important to point out that there are many restrictions on the use of force by the architect during the construction of a house. The architect must have prior approval of the local authorities.
The requirements to build a house in Kenya also require you to obtain a building permit. This is actually not mandatory, but the law demands it. In fact, all contracts and agreements between you and the architect must be in writing. You can either pay an additional fee or you can get the written copy of the contract by posting the necessary papers at the office of the governing body. Building permits are also required for all establishments that require more than one room such as offices, shops, schools etc.
Planning the design of your home is very important. Before you start with the actual construction, you must make sketches and get the required permits. This is very important because building without proper planning or design can cost you a lot of money. If the plan and the blueprint are not approved, then you will not be permitted to start with the construction. Only after the approval will you be allowed to proceed with the actual construction.
When you hire an architect to help you build your house, make sure that you are hiring the right professional. There are many contractors and designers in Kenya who are just after making a quick buck and not following the requirements to build a house in Kenya properly. These builders will only ruin your plans and project since they do not follow the guidelines and standards. It is therefore important to hire someone who has years of experience in building and planning.
A good architect can also help you with the construction costs. They can negotiate with the owners of the land and other neighboring businesses to reduce the required construction costs. You can also ask your relatives or friends to help you with the construction. You can easily find a reputable architect on the Internet and all you have to do is compare the quotes so that you can choose the best deal.