Building in Vanuatu

Are there builders in Vanuatu?

·     Local builders – licenced and excellent at local style coral homes, bamboo, timber, and brick. Very clever and experienced working in the environment.

·     Expat builders – can be sourced focusing on Australian style block & steel.

·     Commercial Builders – available locally and out of Port Villa

·     International Builders – Sourced your own & fly in (require work permit)

How do we know where our boundary is to build?

·     Cement Pegs - in the ground and a pole to show your boundary.

·     Fully fenced - marking the boundaries on some properties

·     Clearly marked - clearly marked with either fence posts or lot numbers.

·     Surveyors - are available if you require further confirmation.

How do I get power?

·     Solar – Very effective and easy to use and install, a wide selection from huge systems to small camping style setups.

·     Solar Appliances - TVs, fridges, freezers, lights, chargers etc all can be purchased with their own solar panel and set up.

·     Solar imports - ship one from Australia or your country of origin. 

·     Solar is installed by licences electricians.

How do you get water?

·     Water well Prices depend on depth 3 metres (approx.)

-     Unlined Beachfront simple depth ($1000)

-     Lined Beachfront basic (starting from $1200)

-     Fully lined Beachfront POS depends on depth and size.

-     Water driller POA + transport

·     Water tanks – large variety of sizes and easily available

·     Cement underground storage – can be built to store substantial amounts of water.

·     There is plenty of rainfall, water is pure fresh and clean that fill both wells and tanks.

How do you get running water?

·     Solar Water pump

·     Petrol water pump

·     Gravity fed from water tanks on towers.

·     Bucket from water tank into house

What are plumbing requirements?

·     Readymade septic (plastic) – available at the hardware store

·     Custom septic (Cement and filter system with soaker system) built onsite.

·     Bush septic (Cement top with soaker)

·     Plumbing plans are required for permanent houses and short-term rentals.

Are there any restrictions for building?

·     Vanuatu is very relaxed with building.

·      Permeant building and short term rentals the following is preferred.

·     Two stories in island areas are the limit.

·     2 main houses on each property of permanent nature

·     Cyclone proofing for permanent and short-term rentals

·     Preferred to use Colourbond roofing.

·     Enclosed septic systems

What are the building application costs?

·     Building permit for building of a permanent nature

·     Application – House plans, site plan, plumbing plan

·     Pay the application fee starting from 500vt psm

Can you build below the high tide mark?

·     Permit is required from the dept of environment.

·     Jetty’s are included in this application

Are there roads to each of the properties?

·     Yes, all properties have road access.

·     Dirt roads are common with sealed roads in built up areas.

·     Jungle properties have roads 4wd access only.

Who maintains the road?

·     Built up areas - properties town the province maintains the roads.

·     Rural Roads - maintained by the owner of the lease that faces the road.

Does the area flood?

·     No, the soil is volcanic the area does not flood.

·     Tsunami are extremely rare in Vanuatu due to the deep water surrounding the islands

Does the beachfront area go underwater?

·     High Tide Mark – during storms tides come to the high tide mark.

·     Storm surge zone – permanent structures must be built beyond this mark.

·     Tidal surge – patios and BBQ area can be built in this area.

How do you get furniture & fittings in Vanuatu?

·    Hardware store supplies the basics you would need.

·     Local made furniture with local timbers.

·     Designer furniture – Port villa

·     Import custom furniture.

How do you get supplies to island?

·     Water taxi – for small to large items like timber, water tanks

·     Barge – Large items like cars, buggies, big items

·     Private boat – for smaller items

How much does it cost to transport materials?

·     $20.00 for short trips in boat 2 – 5 km

·     $30.00 for long trips in boat 5 – 10km

·     $80.00 for long trips in boat 10 – 20km

·     $20.00 in Ute short trips 2- 5 km

·     $30.00 in Ute long trips 5 – 10km

·     Dependant on how many trips what you are carrying and who you get the above is a guideline.

·      Most boats can carry a ton of cement and 1 cubic metre of timber

Can you hire tools in Vanuatu?

·     Supply your own tools – it is standard you supply the tools for your job unless specialised tools are required, in this case you can hire them.

·     Building contractors come with tools at a rate set by them.

·     Solar and plumbing contractors come with some tools but ladders and some things they ask you to provide.

·     Labourers do not come with their own tools you must supply them.

·     Hire tools – occasionally you can ask the workers to bring tools, they all have their own rate.