Frequently Asked Questions
The questions we are asked most often, answered as directly as we can.
What exactly does COREN do?
We are a multidisciplinary engineering firm covering engineering design, construction, project management and technical consultancy, for residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects.
That runs across nine services, from preparing complete plans for a building permit through to construction support. All nine are set out on the Services page.
Do you only design, or do you build as well?
Both, and you can engage us for either.
Some clients come to us for plans and calculations and take those to their own contractor. Others want the whole thing — design, permitting, construction and supervision through to turnover. Handling both ends means design decisions are made by people who know what it takes to build them.
Can you prepare the plans for my building permit?
Yes. That is service 01, and it is one of the most common reasons people come to us.
We prepare complete, code-compliant construction plans for permit application — architectural, structural, plumbing, electrical and the supporting documents — coordinated with each other so the application does not stall on inconsistencies between drawings.
What areas do you serve?
We are based in Calbayog City and work across Samar. Our completed and on-going projects are in Brgy. Dagum, Brgy. East Awang, Brgy. Trinidad, Brgy. Gadgaran and Brgy. Alibaba.
Projects further afield are possible — mobilisation and travel simply become part of the estimate.
What kinds of projects do you take on?
Residential houses, apartment buildings, commercial and industrial buildings, sports facilities, land development and water infrastructure.
Our completed work includes a 200 sq.m two-storey residence, a two-storey building with three apartment units, and an on-going covered pickleball court on an optimised steel truss structure. You can see them on the Projects page.
Are you licensed and registered?
Yes. Projects are led by a Civil Engineer licensed by the Professional Regulation Commission.
The business is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (Business Name No. 6047917), with the Bureau of Internal Revenue under RDO 087 Calbayog City, and holds a current Calbayog City business permit. We will provide these details for your permit application or due diligence on request.
How much will my project cost?
We cannot answer that honestly without knowing the site and the scope — and you should be wary of anyone who gives you a figure before they know either.
What we can do is prepare a detailed cost estimate and technical specifications covering material quantities, labour and equipment costs, so the number you work with reflects your actual project rather than a rule of thumb.
What does a cost estimate include?
Material quantities, labour, equipment costs and the technical requirements the work must satisfy.
The point is that you can make an informed decision before construction begins, and compare like with like if you are getting other prices.
Do you handle renovations and extensions, or only new builds?
Both. Service 06 covers new construction, renovation and expansion.
We also carry out structural retrofitting and structural investigation, which is often what is actually needed when an existing building has developed a problem.
Can you handle water supply and drainage?
Yes, and it is a genuine specialisation rather than an afterthought.
We design water supply systems, distribution networks, drainage, stormwater management and hydraulic systems. Our founder spent part of his career in the water utility industry as a Network Maintenance Manager and Territory Manager, working on treatment systems, transmission and distribution networks and non-revenue water management.
Who will actually be working on my project?
Projects are led by Engr. Cristofer M. Francisco, CE, SO2, Chief Engineer, working with a professional mechanical engineer, an architectural designer, an architectural apprentice and administrative staff. The team is on the About page.
How do I get started?
Book a consultation at a time that suits you. Bring whatever you have — a lot title, a sketch, a permit deadline, or just an idea.
The Help Center sets out what happens from there.