Pre-Construction Red Flags Alert
Warning Signs You're Not Ready to Build
Hello homeowners, Inspector Milo here!
Check yourself against these three major red flags. If even one applies to you, stop. You're not ready to build.
Red Flag 1: Pressure + “Bahala Na” Budget
The signs:
“Lagi akong tinatanong about sa bahay” - Building because people keep asking
“Kaya I will start it na, bahala na sa budget” - No real budget plan
“1M kasya na siguro, utang na lang pag kulang” - Planning to borrow more when money runs out
What to do:
Stop. If you’re building because of external pressure, your budget is “bahala na,” and your backup plan is to borrow more money, you’re walking into financial disaster.
Don’t start until you can honestly say: “We need this house” (not “People expect this house”) and “We have exact amounts with 20% buffer protected” (not “Siguro kasya, utang na lang”).
Red Flag 2: Vague Vision + Building for Show
The signs:
“Ang gusto kong bahay ay basta spacious” - Can’t specify exact square meters
“Parang yung nakita ko sa Facebook...” - No clear plan, just random inspiration
“Dapat sosyal ang dating! Yung tipong ang ganda!” - Building to impress, not for function
What to do:
Stop. Write down specifics now. How many square meters? How many bedrooms? What’s the actual layout? If your answer is “basta spacious” or “yung maganda,” you’re giving the builder permission to decide for you and charge you for their version.
Only build when you can explain exactly what you want and why you need it.
Red Flag 3: Blind Trust + No Problem Plan
The signs:
“Si Engineer ang bahala na sa lahat-lahat” - One person controls everything
“Wala naman siguro magiging problema” - No backup plan for when things go wrong
Asking “Ready na ako magpagawa?” when clearly not ready
What to do:
Stop. If one person handles design, money, purchasing, and verification with zero oversight, you’re creating the perfect scam setup.
Separate the roles: Designer ≠ Contractor ≠ Money Manager ≠ Inspector. Create your three-level problem plan before you start (refer to The “Something Went Wrong” Plan).
And if you’re asking, “Ready na ba ako?” Well, the answer is NO. You’re ready when you KNOW you’re ready, not when you’re hoping you’re ready.
What You Do Next
Take the full assessment: Go to the Pre-Construction Self-Assessment Checklist and answer all seven questions honestly.
Follow the action plan: Go to Questions Dispatch for the 10 Actionable Steps.
Inspector Milo is Construction Pulis’s vigilant mascot who shows up with warnings and reminders to homeowners. Para walang palusot. 🐾