Muhammed Nsereko, a construction engineer says it is possible to put up a storeyed building on a small plot of land, for instance, one measuring 40ft x 45ft. 

Within that small size of land, Nsereko says the building can have a compound, sewerage system and garage.

How to do it

After establishing the foundation (substructure), you have to set up concrete reinforced columns. Nsereko explains that the ground floor can stand on the columns. 

“The columns are fixed in the foundation to remain firm. The ground floor created can cater for the parking, compound and garage,” he explains. 

But a slab has to be built, after creating the ground floor. The first floor of the building sits on the slab. Nsereko says this can house the sitting and dining rooms. 

“You also need to build a slab before constructing the second floor. The second floor can be turned into bedrooms,” he says. 

He maintains that the columns should be established until the last floor of the building is completed.

Basements

Normally, such buildings have basements used as garages. But how do you create one? 

To have a basement for your building, Nsereko states that one must balance the ground. One way of doing it, Nsereko says, is to backfill the soil in sloppy areas. 

“Alternatively, if you can afford it, hire a grader to balance the ground; it will simplify the work,” he says.

Afterwards, construct a perimeter wall, depending on the slopping levels of the ground. And if the slopping levels are high, Nsereko advises that you construct a high perimeter wall. This is done to create a basement.

Other options

The basement can be below the ground level. If the soil backfill is too much, you can create space in the basement. 

This is done by constructing boundary walls and retaining walls. The space between the two walls is the garage. 

Nsereko explains that the retaining walls must be strong because they act as a barrier to the backfill soil. 

However, to come up with a well-designed plan, Nsereko says the owner of the building must hire competent technical people. 

“Not everyone can perfect this. They must have some technical knowledge since the space used is limited,” he notes. 

Also, the owner of the building should hire site engineers, who will interpret the plans for the lay builders.