Hi I’m new to this site and looking for advice. I plan to spend 6 months a year from next year when I retire in the Bulacan region during our winter period. We have a half built house on a good sized plot which we need to finish, it was a completed house until the bank foreclosed and the owners sold everything before it was reposed, including the roof, windows, fencing, electrics, well, plumbing etc., but left us the concrete block walls which are still in good condition. Any advice on reliable trades people in that area (between Manilla and Angeles City) would be appreciated, mainly roof and window companies as we will complete/manage most of the other work. I also have mild angina, which could get worse over the years, although it has been stable for the last 10 years and doesn’t slow me down, and would be interested if any of you have looked into medical insurance either organised in the UK or the Philippines. I am married to a Filipino and have visited there 4 times in the last 10 years so I understand what to expect on a day to day basis. Any advice appreciated
I don't have angina, but spent a couple of days in the Philippine Heart Center some years ago - it was impressive. My later experience in China with a well known UK medical provider was rather underwhelming - they were slow to respond and really didn't do much - I had to pay all the initial hospital bills.
The heat doesn't bother me too much and we plan to be back in the UK before the worst around April. When I am there I generally feel healthier than in the UK and although clinically I still have angina, I had angioplasty (stent) 10 years ago and my blood pressure and cholesterol levels are fine, the medical insurance is more of a precaution as I know medical costs can be very expensive.
I'd say the quality of medical services in the Philippines can be excellent. The cost will not be above the UK, but it won't be on the NHS. I'd be inclined to suggest asking around the UK providers explaining exactly what you will be doing, and going with the one who knows what you are talking about!
Hopefully you have a building plan and building permit. That way it will be pretty easy to get as many quotes as you can from local companies dealing in roofing materials and fitting.. Same goes for Windows.. I doubt that anyone on this forum lives in Bulacan so I doubt that you will get much advice or recommendations here. The builders that we flew in from Manila to Bohol are all from Bulacan.. All I can say is that they are damned good at what they do.. If you like,I can ask my foreman if he can recommend a friend still in Bulacan in the trade?? No promises..But I`m happy to ask for you if you wish.
Hi, thanks for the reply. We don't have building permit, do you need a building permit for any type of building work as we will only be putting back what was originally there, and if so what is the process to obtain one? Thanks for your offer regarding asking your foreman for contacts in the Bulacan region, we may take you up on that closer to the time we plan to go out there. We plan to be there to project manage and supervise any work.
Yes.. You do need one and you will also need a fencing permit if you wish to build a fence or wall around the lot perimeter (if the lot is not already covered by an existing permit).. It may be that the original owner obtained a building permit which is still active. The only way to find out is in your local Municipal building. (Engineers office) They will advise you either way.. If you are lucky and the old one is still active they will give you a permit number that you will need to display clearly on site... If not then you will need to submit a new application.
