Architectural design for flats and apartment type buildings in Kenya starts when developer identifies the land that they would like to construct on.
Plot size.
Some plots are smaller, 30ft by 60ft , others are larger, 50ft by 1ft all the way to tens of acres.
Change of User.
Most land in Kenya is registered under agricultural use which allows for only one dwelling in the land. To build a flat, this is categorized as multi dwelling , housing many families hence the county government requires the land owner to change the land user status from agricultural to multi family commercial type. The land owner will need to contact a physical planner to assist in the change of use application. In areas such as Karen, Kawaha Sukari, Ruiru Mugutha, there are neighborhood associations that also need to agree with the new development if it is in tandem with their agreed guidelines.
Return on Investment.
The apartment developer will then need the services of an architect to calculate the return on investment feasibility study for the flats. This will aid the developer to know his or her budget and how long the investment will take to pay back amongst other issues. Target market, design style and other new green building technologies can be incorporated at this feasibility design stage.
Building plan approvals.
The land owner is required to submit architectural drawings from the architect and structural drawings from the structural engineer to the county government for the approval process to start. This takes an average of 4 weeks.
Bills of Quantities.
After the approvals are done, the land owner is required to work with a quantity surveyor to estimate the cost of construction and prepare tender documents to be issued to building contractors for the actual building to commence. Several contractors are invited to quote and the best is selected to carry out the works as per the architectural drawings.
Actual construction.
The building contractor commences the construction works, supervised by the architect, structural engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer and quantity surveyor. Periodic, usually bi weekly site visits are done and continue till completion of the building.
Property Management.
The land owner can also hire a property management company to bring in tenants, collect rent and carry out repairs as the building is running.
Architect Francis Gichui Kamau.
0721410684
gichuhi@a4arhitect.com
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