​When money is saved, there is the possibility of more complex things being built!
Hiring someone that has skills and knowledge like a mason might be essential!
When money is short, the only way to make improvements is incrementally!
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type 1
Simple and easy fixes
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Consider the order of priority based on your budget.
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They can be done incrementally, when money is available.
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1
the most important items are
plumbing fixtures
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2
next step should be
patching walls &
floor ceramic tiles
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3
if not enough money for tiling the full walls, go for
half walls ceramic tiles
4
+whole tiled walls
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+ adding privacy
quick fix!
incremental improvements
$$
based
type 2
Maintenance related repairs
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Consider replacing/repairing roofing elements prior to the rainy season starts.
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Roofing tiles can be recycled or new, depending on the money available
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Consider painting walls after raining season for health (get rid of mold), or aesthetics purposes.
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exterior wall painting
new openings with reused elements
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type 3
division of existing spaces to accommodate immediate needs
Dividing spaces to accommodate new income source like adding business or tenancy.
Enlarging opening at ground level, for exemple, might be necessary.
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Look out for structural elements, like columns. Lintels might need to be extended/added depending on the size of the opening.
live
work / tenancy
$
$
type 4
Prefab Elements
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They are cheaper and easier to install.
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Awnings can provide shade and protection against rainfall.
External staircases can be used when there is the necessity of separating the two levels, in case of tenancy, for example.
prefab awnings
prefab staircases
$$
balconies
recessed terraces
type 5
Terraces and Balconies
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These spaces can be created to replace the lack of a backyard where people can hang clothes to dry.
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They can be used as socializing semi-private spaces by dwellers and neighbors.
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Be careful when talking about removing walls and adding overhangs to the existing structure. Consider hiring a mason to ensure the safety and integrity of the dwelling structure.
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Saving money should be consider when attempting this type of fixes.
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whole shabang!
$$$
new levels or rooms added
This process tends to be more complex and expensive.
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There is usually a person who is an expert involved, like a hired mason, if money is not an issue.
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A significant amount of money for materials, hired helped and other expenses are required.
1st priority is the main structure
reused roof
structure
and tiles
roof tiles
roof wooden structure
exterior brick walls
cast-in-place concrete top
prefab slab
structural columns and walls
last priority are finishes
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if the case, interior spaces comes first​.
1st: patching interior walls
2nd: facade finishes
last: sides
reuse as many elements as possible to save money, such as roof structure and tiles, door windows, etc.