We're currently looking to build a home there any ideas?

@Wcj

Is that Surigao or Siargao WCJ? The distinction is of import as one location requires a water crossing. On the naivety index how would you describe yourself from 1 - 10?

@Wcj

Welcome to the forum, Bill.

Not too familiar with Surigao, but I believe we have some members who live in that area. Might try a post with the city in the title.  Be aware that the Philippines has changed a lot in the past 40 years, not least being the population has more than doubled, which affects many things. But that area looks nice and peaceful.

Several of us have built homes - you can search for threads on the main page search window. Or give us more info.. do you already own a lot? How large a home? etc.. things to keep in mind are frequency of typhoons in your area, home orientation to the sun and local weather/views, local specifics (power, water, noise issues, proximity to services, etc.).

Go there first, many changes I'm sure and stay for a couple months. Building a home, well that depends on what you want, where you want, your budget. I suggest Lamudi to look at house styles and values. All are cement, but there are different building methods and all depend upon your budget

MY personal opinion is that you should only bulild a home from scratch if you have construction industry experience.  You need to be present 24 /7 to supervise the building procurement of supplies, etc.  A lot of the building supplies in the Philippines are Chinese made and subpar at best. My suggestion is if you do not have that experience and cannot be there around the clock to supervise, you may want to look at buying an existing home. if you buy an existing home, I would suggest doing so from a reliable developer  as you will have less issues with ownership.  If you do buy land or an existing structure from anyone I strongly suggest you hire an attorney who specializes in real estate law.  title issues can be very messy in the Philippines. Some  may disagree with my suggestions here however  I do have experience buying both property and structures here in the Philippines and I am speaking from personal experience 

    Go there first, many changes I'm sure and stay for a couple months. Building a home, well that depends on what you want, where you want, your budget. I suggest Lamudi to look at house styles and values. All are cement, but there are different building methods and all depend upon your budget
   
Lamudi is a estate agent, regional..?
    -@Filamretire

this my question, about Lamudi..

You are an US American so i will give only one advise. Just throw tens of thousands of dollar to somebody with a shovel to get a house and be so proud of you because you compare it with the cost in California and think  how amazing cheap everything is here.

Seems like a very cynical view?

Cheers, Steve.

Seems like a very cynical view?Cheers, Steve. -@bigpearl

Think Sgt Schultz