Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Thinking about building your dream home or retiring in the Philippines? Finding a trustworthy, reliable contractor is one of the biggest challenges expats face. In this video, I sit down with Jeremiah Castillo from JLC Builders—the actual contractor who built my 115sqm bungalow right here in Tarlac.
Jeremiah opens up and shares the honest truth about the construction industry in the Philippines. We break down the biggest surprises foreigners face, how to protect your budget from hidden costs, and the exact materials you need to ensure your home survives tropical weather and heavy typhoons.
If you want to avoid getting ripped off and learn how to successfully work with a local building crew, this insider advice is an absolute must-watch before you break ground!
If you enjoyed this interview, please hit the LIKE button, SUBSCRIBE to the channel for more honest expat life content, and drop a comment below!
Connect With Us:
Subscribe for more Philippine Expat Life: Our Life In The Philippines
Contact JLC Builders: facebook.com/share/1TD1NioaBB/?mibextid=wwXIfr
[00:00] - Introduction: How Jason Found Jeremiah on Facebook Marketplace
[00:54] - Meet Jeremiah: Education, Background, and Becoming a Contractor
[02:09] - Q1: The Biggest Surprises for Foreigners Building in the Philippines
[03:13] - Choosing Quality Materials: Machine-Made CHB vs. Handmade Blocks
[04:23] - Handling Building Permits and Local Government Paperwork
[05:08] - Q2: How to Avoid Hidden Costs & Protect Your Building Budget
[07:20] - Adding Extras to the Contract: Perimeter Walls, Carports, and Driveways
[10:25] - The Foreigner "Skin Tax" and Avoiding Overpriced Square-Meter Quotes
[12:35] - Q3: Important Materials and Practices for Typhoon-Proof Homes
[13:45] - Dealing with Rainy Season Drainage and Quick Post-Build Adjustments
[15:44] - How to Find a Reliable Local Contractor
[17:07] - Q4: Working as a Team and Managing Project Timelines
[18:31] - Managing International Cash Flow & Sending Construction Payments via Remitly
[19:57] - Handling Design Changes and Trusting Local Contractor Advice
[21:03] - Q5: The Number One Piece of Advice Before Breaking Ground on Empty Land
[22:17] - Securing Power, Water, and Drilling a Well Before Construction Starts
[24:11] - The Importance of Clear English Communication & On-Site Monitoring
[26:16] - JLC Builders Service Areas (Manila, Pampanga, Pangasinan) and Smaller Projects
[28:12] - Offering Free Build Cost Consultations for Expats Across the Philippines
[28:57] - Outro & Wrapping Up
#OurLifeInThePhilippines #BuildingInThePhilippines #ExpatLifePhilippines #PhilippineHouseBuild #MovingToThePhilippines #RetireInThePhilippines #ConstructionPhilippines
Thinking about building your dream home or retiring in the Philippines? Finding a trustworthy, reliable contractor is one of the biggest challenges expats face. In this video, I sit down with Jeremiah Castillo from JLC Builders—the actual contractor who built my 115sqm bungalow right here in Tarlac.
Jeremiah opens up and shares the honest truth about the construction industry in the Philippines. We break down the biggest surprises foreigners face, how to protect your budget from hidden costs, and the exact materials you need to ensure your home survives tropical weather and heavy typhoons.
If you want to avoid getting ripped off and learn how to successfully work with a local building crew, this insider advice is an absolute must-watch before you break ground!
If you enjoyed this interview, please hit the LIKE button, SUBSCRIBE to the channel for more honest expat life content, and drop a comment below!
Connect With Us:
Subscribe for more Philippine Expat Life: Our Life In The Philippines
Contact JLC Builders: facebook.com/share/1TD1NioaBB/?mibextid=wwXIfr
[00:00] - Introduction: How Jason Found Jeremiah on Facebook Marketplace
[00:54] - Meet Jeremiah: Education, Background, and Becoming a Contractor
[02:09] - Q1: The Biggest Surprises for Foreigners Building in the Philippines
[03:13] - Choosing Quality Materials: Machine-Made CHB vs. Handmade Blocks
[04:23] - Handling Building Permits and Local Government Paperwork
[05:08] - Q2: How to Avoid Hidden Costs & Protect Your Building Budget
[07:20] - Adding Extras to the Contract: Perimeter Walls, Carports, and Driveways
[10:25] - The Foreigner "Skin Tax" and Avoiding Overpriced Square-Meter Quotes
[12:35] - Q3: Important Materials and Practices for Typhoon-Proof Homes
[13:45] - Dealing with Rainy Season Drainage and Quick Post-Build Adjustments
[15:44] - How to Find a Reliable Local Contractor
[17:07] - Q4: Working as a Team and Managing Project Timelines
[18:31] - Managing International Cash Flow & Sending Construction Payments via Remitly
[19:57] - Handling Design Changes and Trusting Local Contractor Advice
[21:03] - Q5: The Number One Piece of Advice Before Breaking Ground on Empty Land
[22:17] - Securing Power, Water, and Drilling a Well Before Construction Starts
[24:11] - The Importance of Clear English Communication & On-Site Monitoring
[26:16] - JLC Builders Service Areas (Manila, Pampanga, Pangasinan) and Smaller Projects
[28:12] - Offering Free Build Cost Consultations for Expats Across the Philippines
[28:57] - Outro & Wrapping Up
#OurLifeInThePhilippines #BuildingInThePhilippines #ExpatLifePhilippines #PhilippineHouseBuild #MovingToThePhilippines #RetireInThePhilippines #ConstructionPhilippines
