The Hidden Costs of Cheap Construction

Aljhon Rodrigo
Jun 9
3 min read

Filipinos love to save. This belief is true as we value resourcefulness, practicality, and frugality—which are evident in our “tingi” culture and numerous thrift shops here and there (Exploring the Culture of Savings in the Philippines: How Filipinos Are Prioritizing Financial Security, 2023). These values also extend even in the context of hiring a contractor.

However, affordability isn’t always good, as it might also mean compromising the quality of the materials or services to sustain “affordability.”

Here in this blog, we will discuss what could possibly happen when we choose the affordable contractor.

Compromising the Quality of the Materials

Materials are often what gets compromised when contractors offer low construction services. For example, they may use thinner steel bars that lack proper structural strength, incorrect concrete mixtures with too much sand or insufficient cement, substandard hollow blocks that break easily, or low-grade paint that fades or peels quickly.

And although the house might look good during the turnover, or even the first 6 months, the effects of substandard materials will eventually appear, might even be in ways we don’t want it to.

Skipping Processes

Every process is important in construction. Let’s dissect it:

Preconstruction: the contractors have to process proper documents. This includes the government requirements, the HOA requirements, and other necessary information about the project the concerned managements or parties may need. This will ensure that the plans abide by the existing rules of the residential association.

During the construction: it is true that every contractor may have different processes and strategies, which does not necessarily make it improper. After all, there is no one right way to do things, even in construction. Despite this, there are still mandatory steps to do to ensure the quality of the work. For instance, before pouring concrete for a slab, the contractor must check if the formwork and rebar are properly installed and pass inspection. Similarly, before closing up walls, the electrical and plumbing systems should be tested to ensure they’re leak-free and functioning correctly. These mandatory checks serve as a quality control checklist to ensure each stage is ready before moving on to the next.

Post Construction: After the construction, the contractors still have responsibilities in the project. For example, problems in the flooring, leakage, and lines on the walls have to be addressed by contractors. Unfortunately, there were clients encountering contractors running away after the turnover.

This is because some contractors, mostly the affordable ones, tend to skip some of these steps. At True North Construction Services, we ensure we undergo all the steps for quality and safety standards.

Hiring of Unskilled Workers

Hiring skilled workers would require the contractors to spend more money to hire them, which will affect the budget. So, some contractors fix this by hiring unskilled workers. This not only compromises the quality of the work but also prolongs the construction.

These are just the hidden costs of affordable construction. At True North Construction Services, we advocate for choosing the right contractor—not just the cheapest one. We believe that your home should be a place of safety, comfort, and long-lasting value—not a compromised build that may put you and your loved ones at risk. At True North

Construction Services, we don’t just build houses—we build with quality, integrity, and your family’s safety in mind. Choose a contractor that puts your future first. Choose True North.

Contact us today and start building your dream house with us: +63 953 310 2100 or email us at truenorthconstructph@gmail.com