15/12/2025
Before You Build That Two-Storey (or More), Read This First!
Dear Client, before you lay that foundation or call your Contractor, please read this.
Youâre about to spend millions of Naira, maybe your life savings on a project that should stand for generations. But hereâs the truthâŚ
Many buildings are not demolished because of âtribeâ or âreligion.â
They get demolished because someone didnât do things right from the beginning.
Before you start, here are 4 things you must do, not to impress anyone, but to protect your hard earned money and your future:
1. Secure the Right Land Documents
That âreceiptâ you got from the agent is not proof of ownership.
Make sure you have your survey plan, deed of assignment, and C of O or Governorâs Consent (depending on your location).
Without these, your land can be disputed, or worse, the government might claim it.
Before you build on land, make sure you truly own it.
2. Know Your Zoning Area
Every land has a purpose, residential, commercial, or mixed-use.
If you build a 2-storey house in a zone meant for bungalows, authorities can mark it for demolition no matter how fine it looks.
Before you design, visit your local planning authority to confirm whatâs allowed in that area. Donât assume, confirm.
3. Get Your Building Approvals First
Donât be in a hurry to start laying blocks.
For a two-storey building or more, you need approved architectural, structural, and mechanical drawings.
This isnât about bureaucracy, itâs about safety and legality.
Once approved, you can build confidently, knowing your project meets every standard.
4. Work With Qualified Professionals, Not âExperiencedâ Bricklayers or Quacks.
This is where many people get it wrong.
Theyâll say, âMy uncle has been building for 15 years; he knows what to do.â
No! Multi-storey projects are science, not guesswork.
You need qualified Architects, structural engineers, and builders, people who understand loads, reinforcement, and safety.
Donât risk millions to save thousands
