Insights for better building decisions
Practical articles for landowners, developers and clients planning projects on the Kenyan coast. Learn the basics, then use the calculators and project check when you are ready to test your site.
Mombasa plot feasibility checklist showing site, code, cost and approval layers
How to Check if a Plot in Mombasa is Worth Developing
A practical first-pass method for landowners: confirm the plot, estimate buildable area, test cost, revenue, approvals and risk before committing.
Apartment construction cost breakdown for a Mombasa coastal development
How Much Does it Cost to Build Apartments in Mombasa?
A simple way to think about apartment construction cost in Mombasa: GFA, specification, structure, MEP, approvals, professional fees and contingency.
Mombasa building approval process diagram with documents, fees and review stages
Mombasa County Building Approval Process: Documents, Fees, and Timeline
A plain-English guide to the approvals path: drawings, professionals, county review, statutory fees, NCA/NEMA considerations and realistic timelines.
Kenya statutory construction fees budget with NEMA, NCA and county approval layers
NEMA, NCA and County Fees: What Developers Should Budget For in Kenya
An early budgeting guide for statutory and approval-related costs that can surprise landowners and developers.
Architect reviewing site analysis, brief and feasibility before drawing plans
What Architects Actually Do Before Drawing Plans
The hidden early work behind good design: brief, site, code, climate, cost, risks and consultant coordination.
Diagram of plot ratio, site coverage, setbacks and buildable area
How to Read Plot Ratio, Site Coverage and Buildable Area
A simple guide to FAR, coverage, setbacks and GFA so landowners understand what a plot can actually support.
Landowner project planning checklist before construction in Kenya
Common Mistakes Landowners Make Before Starting a Building Project
The avoidable early mistakes that lead to redesign, budget shock, approval delays and weak project briefs.
Professional fee planning for architects, QS and engineers in Kenya
How to Estimate Professional Fees for Architects, QS and Engineers in Kenya
A guide to professional fee thinking: regulated scales, percentage fees, minimum fees, scope options and why cheap appointments can become expensive.
Modern office building design in Mombasa with coastal façade and glazing
Office Building Design in Mombasa: Cost, Approvals and Design Tips
What to consider when planning an office building on the coast: site, façade, parking, approvals, services, interiors and commercial viability.
Mombasa apartment design with balconies, ventilation and parking podium
Apartment Design in Mombasa: Ventilation, Parking, GFA and Construction Cost
Early design and feasibility considerations for apartment projects in Mombasa, from climate comfort to parking and unit mix.
Climate-responsive coastal Kenyan building with shade, airflow and passive cooling
Climate Design on the Kenyan Coast: Wind, Sun, Rain and Passive Cooling
How coastal climate data can inform orientation, shading, ventilation, envelope and material choices before design begins.
Bill of quantities and cost estimate documents before construction tendering
Bills of Quantities vs Cost Estimate: What You Need Before Tendering
Understand the difference between early estimates, cost plans, BoQs and tender pricing so you use the right tool at the right stage.