This post will be mostly photos with captions, assuming the photo upload link is working tonight!

There are lots of things I’ve noticed about the construction here and the “way things are done” compared how things are done in the States.  One major difference I’ve discovered here is that at home the majority of the cost of a construction project is labor, somewhere around 60 to 75% of a project depending on the level of finishes, difficulty, AHJ (Agency Having Jurisdiction), distance to a major city, availability of skilled labor, etc.  The major cost of construction here is material.  Labor is extremely inexpensive so what you’ll typically see when a project is starting to get behind schedule is the addition of labor.  I got to visit a project that was on an extremely accelerated schedule in Jeddah when I first got to the Kingdom.  I don’t have the exact numbers but the project at that time was contained on one floor and about 40 rooms.  For that portion of the project there were over 400 laborers!  Yet, work was being done!  I’m not sure how with an average of 10 workers per room!  That’s just how it works here.

ADA ramps are a bit different here!

ADA ramps are a bit different here!

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This is one of the stair treads in an Exit stair at the office....it's been on the "snag list", known here is the "punch list", since before the building was opened! The level of finish is high but the follow-through not so much!

This is one of the stair treads in an Exit stair at the office….it’s been on the “snag list”, known at home as the “punch list”, since before the building was opened! The level of finish is high but the follow-through not so much!

There are lots of little "details" that never seem to get completed or resolved.

There are lots of little “details” that never seem to get completed or resolved.

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I really didn't think you could buy these anymore!! I almost bought a bunch but then had to admit that I'd never use them.

I really didn’t think you could buy these anymore!! I almost bought a bunch but then had to admit that I’d never use them.

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The following is a series of different types of toilets and toilet type devices in the hotel I staying in originally when I got here. I think this is for foot washing prior to prayer.

The following is a series of different types of toilets and toilet type devices in the hotel I staying in originally when I got here. I think this is for foot washing prior to prayer.

This is a "bidet" style toilet it just happens to be basically a "hole-in-the-floor!

This is a “bidet” style toilet it just happens to be basically a “hole-in-the-floor!

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Just your “almost” average floor mounted toilet!  Did you notice the tile behind?  They look different.  Well this particular toilet has a tank mounted inside the wall!IMG_1083

A urinal with a lid!!

This is a shower in my apartment.....I still think it's the smallest shower I've ever seen!! What you can't see in this photos is the faucet.....one would almost have to be sitting on it to take a shower!!

This is a shower in my apartment…..I still think it’s the smallest shower I’ve ever seen!! What you can’t see in this photos is the faucet…..one would almost have to be sitting on it to take a shower!!

Goodnight!  Must get up at 5 tomorrow, Sunday, to start my new and short week!!  Going home this week and quite ready to do so!!