Ghost Month and Building Construction: What Homeowners Should Know

Every culture has its beliefs that shape the way people live, work, and build. In the Philippines, one of the most observed traditions is Ghost Month, a time when many homeowners and developers pause before starting major activities—especially construction. As architects, we often get asked: “Should we avoid starting a project during Ghost Month?” Let’s talk about what this means, and how you can approach it with both respect and practicality.

What is Ghost Month?

Ghost Month follows the 7th lunar month in the Chinese calendar. In 2025, it runs from August 23 to September 21. According to tradition, this is when the “Gates of the Underworld” open, allowing spirits to roam the human world.

Many Filipino-Chinese families and even some Filipino households observe practices such as:

• Avoiding weddings, business launches, and new ventures.

  
  

• Holding off on big financial decisions.

  
  

• Pausing groundbreaking and major construction starts.

Ghost Month and Construction Beliefs

In the world of architecture and real estate, Ghost Month has a unique impact:

1. Groundbreaking Ceremonies – Many clients prefer to delay the start of excavation or construction until after Ghost Month, believing it’s bad luck to “disturb the ground” during this time.

   
   

2. Contracts and Signings – Some avoid signing construction contracts or property deeds within this period, thinking it might lead to disputes or unfinished projects.

   
   

3. Building Occupancy – Moving into a new home is often postponed, as families want to avoid inviting spirits into their fresh spaces.

   
   

As an architect, I’ve learned that whether you believe in these traditions or not, they are deeply tied to family values, respect for culture, and peace of mind.

Balancing Tradition and Practicality

At KDA Design + Architecture, we believe every project is both a design journey and a cultural journey. Here’s how we guide homeowners during Ghost Month:

• Respect the Belief: If clients are observing, we schedule groundbreaking after Ghost Month but continue with behind-the-scenes work such as design finalization, permits, and budgeting.

  
  

• Maximize the Pause: Instead of seeing Ghost Month as a delay, use it as an opportunity to refine design concepts, review construction documents, or secure approvals—so the project starts strong once the period ends.

  
  

• Client-Centered Approach: At the end of the day, building a home isn’t just about walls and roofs—it’s about creating a space that feels right, safe, and aligned with what matters most to you.

Final Thoughts

Ghost Month may affect the calendar of construction, but it doesn’t have to stall your dream home. Think of it as a planning window—a moment to reflect, prepare, and align your vision with your family’s traditions.

At KDA Design + Architecture, we build with both respect and purpose: “Built with vision. Designed with purpose.”

👉 Curious about how cultural beliefs can affect your building project? Visit our blog at www.kdadesignarch.com for more insights and practical tips on design and construction in the Philippines.