Materials & Specifications

Compare three finish directions across the surfaces, systems and details that affect daily use. Choose the appearance you like, then confirm the written specification.

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Authentic Nillasca portfolio photograph: bungalow kitchen and interiors in Sampaloc, Quezon.
Authentic Nillasca portfolio photograph: bungalow kitchen and interiors in Sampaloc, Quezon.

Structural adequacy, electrical safety and proper waterproofing are required at every finish level. Standard, Semi-Elegant and Elegant describe differences in material selections, aesthetics, detailing and agreed scope. They are not different levels of essential safety.

Choose a direction, then specify the details

The examples below are illustrative selection directions. They do not establish fixed brands, dimensions, warranties, allowances or package inclusions. Your approved proposal, drawings, specifications and contract define the actual selections.

Compare all 15 specification categories

Scroll the table horizontally on small screens. Open the matching category below for preparation, maintenance and project variables.

Illustrative finish directions — actual selections require written confirmation
CategoryStandardSemi-ElegantElegant
Walls and wall finishesSmooth prepared painted surfaces and practical accent areas.Selected textured or feature surfaces with more detailed transitions.More customized wall panels, cladding or feature detailing.
Interior and exterior paintA practical coordinated color schedule with suitable preparation.More selected colors and accent finishes.Specialty appearance or detailed feature finishes where agreed.
Flooring and tilesPractical tile or other floor selections within the agreed allowance.More selected textures, patterns or feature areas.More customized surfaces and setting-out details.
CeilingsSimple ceiling layouts and practical access provisions.Selected recesses, profiles and coordinated lighting details.More customized ceiling composition and specialist details.
Roofing and insulationA practical roofing system matched to the design and exposure.Selected profiles, soffit treatments or additional comfort provisions.More customized roof and soffit detailing where specified.
Doors, jambs and hardwarePractical door and hardware selections for each room.Selected finishes and upgraded hardware appearance.Customized profiles, finishes or special door applications where agreed.
Windows and glazingPractical window configurations and suitable glazing.Selected frame finishes, opening arrangements or larger glazed areas.More customized glazing compositions and details.
Kitchen cabinets and countertopsFunctional cabinet and counter arrangement within the written scope.Selected surface finishes, storage features or detailing.Customized cabinetry, surfaces and more tailored storage.
Bathroom fixtures and accessoriesFunctional fixtures and practical surface selections.Selected fixture designs, shower details or accessories.More customized fixture and surface coordination.
Plumbing and drainageThe specified functional piping, drainage and fixture connections.The same essential adequacy, with selected fixtures or comfort provisions.The same essential adequacy, with customized fixtures or additional agreed systems.
Electrical devices, lighting and panelsSuitable electrical provisions and practical device selections.Selected device finishes and coordinated lighting effects.Customized lighting composition and additional agreed controls.
Waterproofing systems and areasA properly specified system for all required wet and exposed areas.The same essential protection with finish interfaces coordinated.The same essential protection with more complex exposed details addressed.
Stairs and railingsPractical stair finishes and a suitable railing system.Selected tread, railing or lighting finishes.Customized appearance and detailing within the approved design.
Exterior finishesPractical weather-suitable coatings and limited accent areas.Selected cladding or facade features.More customized facade detailing and material composition.
Optional upgrades and exclusionsClarify the essential scope before choosing extras.Prioritize upgrades that improve everyday use.Coordinate custom features with both scope and maintenance.

Understand appearance, performance and care

Walls and wall finishes

Standard

Smooth prepared painted surfaces and practical accent areas.

Semi-Elegant

Selected textured or feature surfaces with more detailed transitions.

Elegant

More customized wall panels, cladding or feature detailing.

Practical considerations

Wall-system selection (including AAC or CHB where appropriate), structural detailing, moisture exposure, substrate preparation and installation requirements must be specified. A decorative surface is not a substitute for a correctly designed wall.

Maintenance

Clean with methods suitable for the coating; investigate moisture or cracks before repainting.

What varies by project

Wall material, grade, thickness, reinforcement, junctions, tolerances and finish areas.

Interior and exterior paint

Standard

A practical coordinated color schedule with suitable preparation.

Semi-Elegant

More selected colors and accent finishes.

Elegant

Specialty appearance or detailed feature finishes where agreed.

Practical considerations

Select coatings for the substrate and exposure. Surface cleaning, repairs, preparation and compatible primer and topcoats affect appearance and durability at every level.

Maintenance

Use compatible cleaning products. Exterior exposure and persistent dampness require attention; do not paint over an unresolved leak.

What varies by project

Preparation, paint system, number of coats, coverage, color changes and access.

Flooring and tiles

Standard

Practical tile or other floor selections within the agreed allowance.

Semi-Elegant

More selected textures, patterns or feature areas.

Elegant

More customized surfaces and setting-out details.

Practical considerations

Choose for wetness, wear, slip resistance, cleaning and local replacement availability. Coordinate levels, substrate, adhesive, grout, skirting and drainage transitions. Larger or more complex patterns can increase installation demands.

Maintenance

Follow the product care guidance and maintain grout and sealants. Some natural surfaces require additional care.

What varies by project

Tile sizes, brands, allowances, wastage, substrate work, pattern, skirting and wet-area performance.

Ceilings

Standard

Simple ceiling layouts and practical access provisions.

Semi-Elegant

Selected recesses, profiles and coordinated lighting details.

Elegant

More customized ceiling composition and specialist details.

Practical considerations

Coordinate framing, board suitability, service access, ventilation and lighting before closing the ceiling. Damp-prone areas require the correct system; complexity is an aesthetic decision rather than a safety level.

Maintenance

Investigate stains or sagging, keep access panels usable and avoid overloading the ceiling.

What varies by project

Rooms covered, framing, board type, moisture exposure, access panels and lighting interfaces.

Roofing and insulation

Standard

A practical roofing system matched to the design and exposure.

Semi-Elegant

Selected profiles, soffit treatments or additional comfort provisions.

Elegant

More customized roof and soffit detailing where specified.

Practical considerations

Weather protection, anchorage, compatible accessories, flashing, gutters and drainage are required at all levels. Insulation and ventilation should be considered together with the roof design and local heat and exposure.

Maintenance

Keep drainage routes clear and arrange safe inspections. Avoid walking on roof sheets or damaging protective finishes.

What varies by project

Roof system, slope, structure, insulation, ventilation, flashing, gutters, exposure and access.

Doors, jambs and hardware

Standard

Practical door and hardware selections for each room.

Semi-Elegant

Selected finishes and upgraded hardware appearance.

Elegant

Customized profiles, finishes or special door applications where agreed.

Practical considerations

Specify suitability for interior, exterior and wet-area locations, dimensions, frames, hardware and security requirements. Decorative choice does not replace necessary fire or other performance requirements.

Maintenance

Maintain hinges, seals and locks with suitable products; repair water entry at exposed thresholds.

What varies by project

Door schedule, material, frame, finish, hardware set, screens and applicable performance.

Windows and glazing

Standard

Practical window configurations and suitable glazing.

Semi-Elegant

Selected frame finishes, opening arrangements or larger glazed areas.

Elegant

More customized glazing compositions and details.

Practical considerations

Every option needs correctly designed frames, glazing, anchorage, water management and sealants. Larger openings can affect structure, heat gain, privacy and maintenance access.

Maintenance

Clean drainage paths and inspect seals. Use safe access methods and the product care instructions.

What varies by project

Sizes, frame system, glass performance, operability, screens, security and installation interfaces.

Kitchen cabinets and countertops

Standard

Functional cabinet and counter arrangement within the written scope.

Semi-Elegant

Selected surface finishes, storage features or detailing.

Elegant

Customized cabinetry, surfaces and more tailored storage.

Practical considerations

Confirm moisture exposure, substrate or carcass material, hardware, counter support, appliances and service clearances. Furniture shown in a render does not establish an appliance or cabinet inclusion.

Maintenance

Protect vulnerable joints from standing water, clean with compatible products and maintain hinges and runners.

What varies by project

Cabinet lengths and heights, carcass, finish, hardware, counter, backsplash, appliances and sinks.

Bathroom fixtures and accessories

Standard

Functional fixtures and practical surface selections.

Semi-Elegant

Selected fixture designs, shower details or accessories.

Elegant

More customized fixture and surface coordination.

Practical considerations

Confirm fixture compatibility, ventilation, drainage, access, wet-area safety and the agreed accessory schedule. Fixtures and tile are installed over a properly prepared and waterproofed substrate where required.

Maintenance

Clean with product-compatible methods, maintain seals and attend to leaks rather than covering them.

What varies by project

Fixture models, accessories, partitions, ventilation, hot-water needs and waterproofing scope.

Plumbing and drainage

Standard

The specified functional piping, drainage and fixture connections.

Semi-Elegant

The same essential adequacy, with selected fixtures or comfort provisions.

Elegant

The same essential adequacy, with customized fixtures or additional agreed systems.

Practical considerations

The appropriate professional determines pipe materials and sizing, slopes, vents, water supply, drainage disposal and testing. Higher finish levels do not justify undersized or untested services at another level.

Maintenance

Keep access and cleanouts available, watch for leaks and use qualified assistance for persistent drainage or pressure issues.

What varies by project

Pipe system, fixture schedule, pumps, tanks, treatment, external drainage and test requirements.

Electrical devices, lighting and panels

Standard

Suitable electrical provisions and practical device selections.

Semi-Elegant

Selected device finishes and coordinated lighting effects.

Elegant

Customized lighting composition and additional agreed controls.

Practical considerations

Electrical safety is essential for every finish. The applicable professional determines loads, circuits, protection, grounding, panel capacity and equipment requirements. Decorative lighting is considered after safe provisions are established.

Maintenance

Use compatible replacements and qualified help for electrical faults. Avoid improvised circuit additions or repeated breaker resets.

What varies by project

Device counts and locations, luminaires, panel provisions, equipment loads, protection and future provisions.

Waterproofing systems and areas

Standard

A properly specified system for all required wet and exposed areas.

Semi-Elegant

The same essential protection with finish interfaces coordinated.

Elegant

The same essential protection with more complex exposed details addressed.

Practical considerations

Assess bathrooms, balconies, roof decks, planters and other applicable wet or exposed areas. Prepare a sound substrate; detail corners, drains, penetrations and joints; apply the compatible specified system; allow required curing; perform the agreed inspection or test before covering. A tile finish or sealant alone is not a complete waterproofing system.

Maintenance

Keep drainage clear, inspect joints and investigate leaks early. Repairs should address the cause, continuity and adjacent details.

What varies by project

Areas, substrate condition, falls, system type, junctions, protection, curing and test procedure.

Stairs and railings

Standard

Practical stair finishes and a suitable railing system.

Semi-Elegant

Selected tread, railing or lighting finishes.

Elegant

Customized appearance and detailing within the approved design.

Practical considerations

Safe stair geometry, support, landings, guards and handrails are required at all levels. Confirm applicable dimensions and safety requirements with the responsible designer. An open or decorative concept still needs professional review.

Maintenance

Keep walking surfaces secure and inspect loose fittings, damaged finishes and slippery conditions.

What varies by project

Geometry, structure, tread finish, railing, handrail, lighting and installation details.

Exterior finishes

Standard

Practical weather-suitable coatings and limited accent areas.

Semi-Elegant

Selected cladding or facade features.

Elegant

More customized facade detailing and material composition.

Practical considerations

Match materials and fixing systems to weather exposure, moisture and maintenance access. Coastal and exposed sites may need different specifications; a finish label does not establish their suitability.

Maintenance

Inspect fixings, sealants and drainage interfaces through safe access; follow the product care guidance.

What varies by project

Facade areas, cladding systems, supports, fixings, protective treatments and access.

Optional upgrades and exclusions

Standard

Clarify the essential scope before choosing extras.

Semi-Elegant

Prioritize upgrades that improve everyday use.

Elegant

Coordinate custom features with both scope and maintenance.

Practical considerations

Pools, gates, fences, driveways, landscaping, solar, appliances, loose furniture and utility connections require explicit inclusion or separate assessment. A higher finish label does not automatically include these works.

Maintenance

Consider replacement parts, specialist servicing, operating cost and access before selecting an upgrade.

What varies by project

Quantities, performance, interfaces, separate pricing, exclusions and written approval.

Waterproofing deserves its own decision record

Illustrative workflow diagram, not a photograph of a Nillasca project.

Ask the team to mark all wet or exposed treatment areas on the drawings and identify the full compatible system. Verify the substrate, falls, corners, drain connections, penetrations and movement-joint details before application. Product thicknesses, coverage and curing conditions follow the specified manufacturer system and professional detailing; this page does not invent a universal method.

The agreed inspection or test should occur before protection and finishes hide the work. Record the result and any corrective work. A completed tile surface does not prove that the concealed waterproofing is continuous.

See the installation and checking stage

Real finish references from the existing portfolio

These are authentic project photographs, not Standard/Semi-Elegant/Elegant package certificates. Refer to the image when discussing a selection; confirm the actual product and scope separately.

Documented Los Baños apartment kitchenette and bathroom finishes.
Documented Los Baños apartment kitchenette and bathroom finishes.
Documented Sampaloc, Quezon bungalow kitchen cabinetry and interiors.
Documented Sampaloc, Quezon bungalow kitchen cabinetry and interiors.

Before approving your finish schedule

  • Identify the rooms and areas covered by each selection.
  • Confirm samples, product compatibility and installation details.
  • Record allowances, substitutions, exclusions and approval dates.
  • Confirm maintenance access and replacement availability.
  • Ask how an upgrade affects cost and schedule before approval.

Common finish questions

Can I mix finish levels between rooms?

Discuss a room-by-room selection schedule. Prioritize required concealed systems and moisture protection first, then allocate aesthetic upgrades to the spaces that matter most to you.

Does a higher finish level include a pool, solar or appliances?

Only when expressly included in your written proposal and contract. These and other optional works require a defined scope and separate assessment.

How do the published per-sqm guides relate to specifications?

They are early planning references, not an itemized quotation. Use the estimator to understand the published references, then confirm actual quantities, allowances, taxes, fees, inclusions and exclusions.

Can you confirm an exact waterproofing warranty from this page?

No fixed warranty is promised here. Confirm the specified system, workmanship scope, inspection records and applicable written terms in your project documents.

Discuss the finish direction you prefer

Bring images and priorities, then review the written material schedule. The selected finish button passes your preference directly into the quotation form.