Building expert, Kwabena Peprah has advised Ghanaians, especially young professionals with limited income, to consider putting up expandable homes rather than attempting to complete a large house at once.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show as part of Joy Sustainability Month, where the discussion focused on practical ways to own a home, he explained that individuals should first assess how much they can realistically save in a year, since financing should always determine the type of house one can start with.
Using the example of a nurse earning about GH¢3,200 a month, he explained that the first step is for individuals to assess how much they can save in a year. He said financing should always determine the type of house one can start with.
“Why doesn’t this person build an expandable home? Start from one bedroom. Because this person already lives in one bedroom. Elevating to move into one bedroom doesn’t change anything. What it changes is that now you own it, you’re not paying anyone,” he advised.
He further encouraged homeowners to use the rent money they would have paid to a landlord to continue improving their houses.
“Every year the rent you’re supposed to be paying, save it, put it in T-bills, cash out, add one more room,” he suggested.
According to him, this method requires patience and discipline, but within three to five years, a modest but complete home can be achieved.
“You build one room, call it your master bedroom. The next level you move, you don’t have a kitchen yet, but you can create a small space for basic cooking.
“Later, you expand to a kitchen and then another bedroom. Depending on how diligent you are with saving and investing, you would have gotten somewhere,” he explained.
As Ghanaians grapple with the rising cost of living, the Joy Sustainability Month, a timely and impactful campaign this August, aims at unpacking the root causes of everyday challenges and offering practical, sustainable solutions for real lives.
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