Excavation and formwork
stage 2 excavation and formwork
After having your lot cleared, its time to set out your house and setup the formwork. Once the surveying and laying out of the house has been done, the 1 metre deep holes for the concrete posts are dug. The holes will provide a footing for the concrete posts. 2" x 2" coco lumber is used to provide scaffolding and formwork which will form the concrete posts and the horizontal beams. Please note the effective use of string lines and water levels. You can't fault the 3-4-5 system to determine square and perpendicular lines, the ancient Greek Pythagarus would be proud.
Once this is completed the site is levelled by hand and checked with a spirit level. All holes are filled with gravel collected by the local children at a cost of 5 pesos per bag. Everyone has a chance to make a peso on this build.