Every December in Nigeria, building projects suddenly “wake up.” People travel home, family members visit, and everyone wants to show some progress on their land or construction. From Benin to Port Harcourt to Asaba, building sites that were quiet from January to November become active overnight. The pressure to impress or “show movement” before January makes many people rush decisions and those decisions often lead to expensive mistakes during December.

As a result of the holiday excitement, many Nigerians forget that building is not like buying Christmas clothes or hosting a party. Construction needs planning, patience, and good timing. But during the festive season, people spend without thinking, hire anyone available, and buy whatever materials they find.

These mistakes may look small in December but become problems by February when cracks, weak pillars, or cost overruns begin to show. To avoid these traps, here are the most common Christmas building mistakes and how to stay ahead.

Spending too much on flexing

December comes with outings, weddings, concerts, and shopping. Many people spend heavily on clothes, drinks, food, travel, and detty December trips and forget their building project until money finishes.

Set a Christmas spending limit. Keep your building money separate so holiday enjoyment doesn’t destroy your project budget.

Buying cheap or fake materials

During the festive rush, some suppliers in places like Lagos, Warri, and Onitsha sell substandard blocks, weak rods, or expired cement.
Instead, buy from your trusted supplier or get recommendations. Check cement expiry dates, rod markings, and block weight before paying.

Rushing the Work

People push artisans to “just do something” before January 1st. This leads to poor concrete mix, bad foundation levels, or walls that won’t last.
Try slow down. Set small, quality targets instead of trying to finish the entire building in two weeks.

Using the Wrong Workers

Skilled artisans usually travel home for Christmas. Many people then hire whoever is available, sometimes untrained workers and regret it later.
Try to secure your mason, carpenter, plumber, or electrician early. Ask for photos of previous work or referrals.

Starting without any plan

Some begin foundation without measurements, drawings, or a clear idea of what to achieve. This leads to mistakes that will later be broken down.
Fix: even a simple sketch, measurement, and materials list will guide the work.

Building on unsettled land

Many start foundation on family land or land they bought without proper verification. By January, land disputes start.
As a builder, try to confirm ownership, check documents, and avoid starting work until everything is legally settled.

Thinking you must have millions

Some people believe they must gather big money before starting anything. Meanwhile, small steps like clearing, digging, or buying a few blocks can move the project forward.

Try to break your building process into stages. Start small and build consistently.

Final Tips

Building during Christmas in Nigeria is possible but only if done smartly. Proper planning, good timing, and reliable hands make all the difference. For verified properties, trusted artisans, or suppliers, explore MyPlace.ng and stay ahead this season.

Also Read: The different ypes-of sands used in building in Nigeria and Why it matters