Smart Electrical Upgrade and Renovation for a Multi-Unit Residential Complex in Lapu-Lapu City

Bahay Dalampasigan Residences is a mid-rise condominium complex in Lapu-Lapu City housing over 80 residential units. Built in the early 2000s, the property had seen minimal upgrades to its core infrastructure, and by 2023, the building's aging electrical system had become a persistent source of complaints, safety concerns, and rising utility costs for both management and tenants.

The Challenge

The property management team approached Novicio Construction and Power Solutions Inc. after a series of electrical faults caused two separate unit fires within a single quarter. An initial inspection revealed a deeply concerning picture:

• Outdated wiring throughout the building, with several sections still using aluminum conductors prone to overheating
• An overloaded main distribution panel unable to handle modern appliance loads
• No centralized metering system, making utility cost allocation inaccurate and contentious among tenants
• Crumbling common area finishes, including hallways, stairwells, and the lobby, that were deterring prospective tenants

The client needed a contractor capable of managing both the technical complexity of a live residential electrical overhaul and the physical renovation work — all while keeping tenant disruption to an absolute minimum.

Our Approach

Novicio's team conducted a comprehensive audit of the building's electrical load demands and structural condition before presenting a phased project plan designed to keep the majority of units operational throughout the work period.

Phase one focused on the critical electrical infrastructure. Our licensed electrical engineers designed a new main distribution system with properly rated circuit breakers, a dedicated sub-panel for each floor, and individual smart meters for every unit to enable accurate consumption tracking. All aluminum wiring in high-risk areas was replaced with copper conductors, and grounding systems were brought up to Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) standards.

Phase two addressed the common areas. Our construction team refinished all hallway walls and ceilings, replaced damaged floor tiles with durable ceramic alternatives, and installed energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the corridors and lobby. The main entrance lobby received a complete aesthetic overhaul, including new reception counters and improved ventilation.

Throughout both phases, our project managers coordinated daily with building administration to schedule unit-by-unit access, ensuring no floor lost power for more than four hours at a time and that residents received advance notice of all work schedules.

The Results

The project was completed within 14 weeks, on schedule and within the approved budget. Post-completion assessments and tenant feedback reflected dramatic improvements across the board:

• Zero electrical fault incidents reported in the 12 months following project completion
• Average unit electricity bills decreased by approximately 18% due to the elimination of energy losses from faulty wiring and the introduction of smart metering
• Building occupancy rate climbed from 74% to 96% within six months of project completion, attributed in part to the improved facilities
• The property successfully passed its Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) electrical safety inspection, clearing a compliance issue that had been pending for over two years

Novicio Construction and Power Solutions Inc. delivered a project that went beyond simple repairs — it gave Bahay Dalampasigan Residences a renewed foundation for safe, comfortable, and efficient residential living in Lapu-Lapu City.