Gold2005

Yes I think you are right. Of course there are bad foreigners here. Does that mean we all are ? You guys too ? I hope we are not the only three honest people who like to do and ahave things done properly. Surely not ha haa. No I am not so pessamistic. I have had some great guys build me a house and they had twenty years of good professional experience. One had even worked on Royal homes in the UK. They were a godsend and I can not thank them enough. But you are right, there are also some real bad guys out there too both Thai and foreigner. Dishonesty is not a race issue but a personality problem. Same all over the world.

Yes I know them too. However I chose Kensington in the end due to their experience and the fact so many of my expat friends had used them. Very pleased with the results. Just type in chiang mai builders and their name comes up alot. Loads of recommendations and good articles about them. Enjoy

I always like the buffet at the Marriott on the river. Get the free boat from Saphan Thaksin pier. Old rice barge takes you to the hotel. Good value for what you get and worth every baht. Food is great and lovely setting. But not for the 100 baht meal seekers Take a couple of thousand baht with you. But lovely place and food variety is outstanding

Not 100% sure but there will be some. Many back side street motorbike and scooter mechanics. Try e-mailing going to www.thaivespashop.com

I do not knwo them so can not recommend but there site is very informative and its in Bangkok They look like the guys to talk to. Good luck.

SUPER MANA YORN SHOP

MR.PINID SAVETNAWIN

678 Mungkorn Rd,

Pomprab

Bangkok

10100

THAILAND

Tel: + 662-2242490 ,+ 662-2244617

Fax: + 662-6230362

Mo: + 6681-8465482 , + 6681-8274792

E-mail:[email protected]

www.thaivespashop.com

I was originally recommended to Kensington by a friend who had used them to buld his home in Chiang Mai. I found them excellent. They do small works such as wall builds, extensions, pools and things. Try going to www.chiangmaibuilders.net They are not the most expensive and not the cheapest. But they are the most honest and fair guys I know. Very helpful and kind. Good luck. Good workmanship saves you money in repairs later on. That I have learnt. Worth paying a bit extra sometimes.

Nice pool sir !

That is an extremely large pool. I would assume you own a hotel or a resort. if you a re adding algaecide to a pool that size every two weeks, then clearly there is a problem that could be rectified by some automated water hygiene system. The ROI on the equipment, particulrly as you are running a business, will will be very quick as algaecide costs a forutune if you buy it packaged as a pool product.

No, it's not hotel or resort... just my private home !!!

I put some algaecide for security... my UV system works very very well... so, normaly I don't need such product... but the cost of this product is not high...

Answer for David 006

Go on my website regarding the history of my house... you will see how I build my pool... http://muanglen.online.fr

Regarding the concrete, I order the same concret as the one they used for the landing runway of the airport in Chiang Mai... and after that, I put plaster with cement and SIKA..

Merci bien: Nice place..took a while hugh..where are you?... in the middle of rice field..seems you have a 'copter or for access..

enjoy

rgds

david

And don't forget that you have to make the baement/floor 1st...and after all the wall around IN ONE TIME !!!.. If your pool is big, you will need maybe 20 or 30 workers...

Phil'

I would look at www.thailandswimmingpools.com very nice web site and they were extremely helpful to me. I think they only cover the main areas of Pattaya, Bangkok, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Phuket but worth asking. Ask them for a rough guide price and I am sure they will let you know. Alot depends on the system you put in and who builds it. From my experience pools are not something best done by amateur builders. Use a pool company who know what they are doing. hoep it helps.

<font color='#000000'>I want too make a swimming pool by my house,with filter and pump ,water treatment etc. etc.(10mx5mx1,5m)Somebody knowe,s what it will cost?,or a website in thailand where i can find this.</font>

I would only ever deal with a construction company if there was a professional foreigner involved

As you advise, talk to lots of people. Most of them would say "if there was a professional foreigner involved" be extremely careful.

I guess you are "a professional foreigner"? It looks like a nice cut and paste job.

Thanks for the last 2 sentences relevant to the post anyway.

You got me. I wrote it in microsoft word I find the spell check easier and its what I am used to. I try to be professional in all I used to do for sure. Naturally I would agree you have to be careful of any company particularly when living outside of the comfort factor of your own country. I have always opted to pay a little bit more and get it done by reputable companies with recommendations and a track record. Its always saved me money and proven successful for me. Each to their own as everyone has their own personal preferences. Just thought it was good advice as it has worked well for me. Hope it helps as I hate to see people get into trouble or have such terrible problems. If everyone was honest with a desire to do a good job it wouldn't happen. But alas we seem not to live in a world like that. But there are the good guys out there. You just have to find them.

Oh no Kensington don't charge anymore than most normal companies. Value for service and quality is excellent. It's why one of their builds won the Conde Nast Award in May 2008 in Chiang Mai and last year Vanstones International voted then best house builders I believe in Asia....they must be doing something right Did a wonderful job of my home. I could not be happier. Its a magic combination of Thai and English skills. Their General manager at the time was a well known Thai Chiang Mai resident with a lovely family whose wife teaches at the Chiang Mai University in architecture. The Thai foreman was a super guy and I liked all their team. Good people indeed.

Thanks for the heads up. She is brilliant. Might go along to that

The probability of getting oneself into this position is reduced to nothing if only people listened to professional advice and acted as they would back in their own country. I am always shocked as to how many people go to any old builder and get homes built with no understanding of construction or checks in to who is building their home. I feel sorry for them but they should check and listen to intelligent people who have lived here and worked here in a professional capacity.

Here is the best advice I can give anyone wanting to build a house here:

Firstly the company should be a registered company and should insure its projects during the construction process. They should have a professional looking web site. If not, they are not serious. They should have an office you can visit. If not, they are not serious or professional. They should be able to show you atleast 2+ homes they have built and be able to let you talk to the owners, either by phone or e-mail. Or even face to face if possible. They should be able to provide references and recommendations. And provide a guarantee and a full legal construction contract that is at least 10 pages long (for house build). If not they are not serious or worth talking to. They should have at least one person with over 10 years experience in building. Preferably from Europe, USA or Australia etc and that experience is both in Thailand and abroad.

There are too many wannabe builders here. Many have never built anything before they came to Thailand. Then you have you local builders who are unlikely to speak good English and many do not understand our expectations of quality and standards. Its a nightmare waiting to happen. Building is a complex and detailed endeavour. Make sure you go to the right people. If not it will cost you alot more in the long run, in court cases, repairs, unfinished works and bad workmanship. Be warned. I have seen and heard about this sort of thing numerous times over many many years of living here. Play it safe and you will have a great experience. Try and be clever when your not and get cheapest quotes, listen to idiots and wannabe experts and you will only have hassles, problems and sleepless nights Do your homework and talk to professional companies.

There are some excellent building companies but naturally they are not going to be the cheapest. Cheap here is a disaster waiting to happen and it is normally where all the problems occur. Never make a decision for a house construction based on cost alone. Check and ask questions and get to know who you are dealing with. I would only ever deal with a construction company if there was a professional foreigner involved (not for any other reason than they know what foreigners expect, speak the same language and can help so much). They are only there to supervise and give advice. But it will help you so much. If you do a search on google and yahoo for Thailand builders or something like that, you will soon find professional companies who can help you. It is good if the architect works with them too. This saves money and keeps the architect in check.

As far as court and taking people to court. The legal system here is actually fair and pretty good. You can take someone to court fairly easily. But it is always worth checking to see if the person you are taking to court actually has assets or any property. If they have nothing then you can get nothing back You can take Thai people or Foreigners to court. But one has to know it is worth it. If you follow my advice above you will greatly reduce the chances of ever having to go to court and probably never have a problem. Use professional construction companies only. Going the cheapest route is a false economy here and you will end up spending more out in repairs and problems. Speak to experts only.

Best company I have used is Kensington in Sarapee. Web site www.chiangmaibuilders.net Good qaulity work and nice people.

I must check my spelling Quality Have a great day.

Just wanted to say hello and introduce myself.

I've been following this forum for some time and have received a lot of useful information from it.

I will be moving to Chiangmai on June 3rd, so I hope to be an active participant and look forward to meeting some of you.

Cheers from UK (yep, another whinging Brit)

Welcome to Thailand and have a safe trip. Chiang Mai is a fun pace and got alot to do. I am sure you will enjoy it. Any advice just drop us a e-mail. Good luck.

when transfering money from UK to Thai banks do the Thai banks make a standard charge ie if it is £100 or £1000

If you are using the Bangkok Bank there is no charge.

When you have money sent to Thailand, have your bank Telegraphic Transfer (TT) CASH, in my case to the Bangkok Bank as you get a better rate by TT CASH.

Stipulate to your home bank, not to convert to bart, TT cash only.

Hope this is a help.

Thats is very useful to know. Thanks. Good advice

First look at places that have done very well elsewhere in the world. Research their model of success and see how they do it. It is never one reason but a combination of many actions. In promotions and adverstising the point many do not see, is it is an art form and a career all unto itself. It is why companies pay experts hundreds of thousands of dollars to do PR and marketing. It works if it is done professionally. To get attention and to get people wanting to come: First you have to have something people want to see and experience. A product. Then you have to improve that product. Then you have to promote that product. Much of the private business is well promoted on the net but the public facilities are not. Web sites are not top notch when they should be and advertising is mediocre. Image is everything and if one wants interest you have to get out there and promote. I hear there is a new huge acquarium but where is it promoted ? And waht about the web site ? Is it world class ? If not it won't attract people. Business is very simple. In a recession one has to promote even more. Check out Malaysia's contast advertising. And they are good at it too. Chiang mai has alot to offer but needs PR and Marketing. They also need to think GREEN and eco friendly. This is the future of everything in the world and if a city wants to compete it has to think for the future. Stop allowing the burning of the fields and start to introduce green programs. It shows people one cares and is in with the modern times.

Chequers is fine. Depends who is in town and who you know. No girls pestering for drinks which is nice. Just a small local bar with local expats who know Thailand. Owner Nick is nice guy too. Can be a lot of fun sometimes. Just depends who is in that night. Get the right crowd and its a heap of fun. Great muisc selection too. If you are on your own it can be good too. Can be quiet sometimes. All depends on the night. Food is reasonable and well priced too.

The most talented guy musically in Bangkok and probably in Thailand is Tommy. He is a French guy, has his own band called Pestel and is about to tour the UK. hel_l of a character and a great performer, singer, songwriter and producer. He is a fantastic pianist too. Had hits in Europe and produces music too from his home studio. But also knows and works with all the best studios over here. Written songs for Grammy etc. He songwrites with another guy called Chris from the UK. Chris used to write songs, produce music out of Soul II Soul, studios in London. His ex partner had worked with everyone from Rod Stewart, The Specials, Gabriel, Elton John etc etc. Tommy might be interested in producing....if he has time. Might want paying of course. You can check him out on the internet under Tommy Donovan. Or Pestle on myspce.

There are units at the airport I think. Not sure on price. But drive around is a good idea. Also walk about town too.

To have a large acquarium is another good thing for Chiang Mai. It gives people something else to see.The web site just does nothing to make me want to go there. Photos are low quality...But I will go and see for sure. I love acquariums.

Hi,

I ll go in chiangmai next month and i m looking for a romantic spa for my honey and me. Does someone can recommend a nice spa. i would like to book before and make a good surprise for my love (Same Honeymoon ).

Thanks

If you have the money Mandarin Oriental is wonderful. But not cheap. But it is an incredible place.

Best company I have used is Kensington in Sarapee. Web site www.chiangmaibuilders.net Good qaulity work and nice people.

Some things seem to have gone up but some things down. In last 5-8 years I have noticed some items like cigerettes have gone up by as much as 45-50%. Thailand is not a cheap place anymore. Chiang Mai alot better than Bangkok but things seem more expensive everywhere. They need to discount to get business. Why would tourists come when they can go to other places and get cheaper deals and not ahve to fly 12 -16 hours. Hotels are too much now too. Shame as it was a wonderful place price wise before hence its growth. I love it here still though

Hi.....answers to your questions:

I met Kensington when looking for a decent company to build my home. I had been recommended by another expat who had used them. They built her home. Nice English guys running a decent company. They have a very good reputation both in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Nothing is ever too much trouble and they were very giving of their time . Very helpful and very knowledgeable. One of them has been building for around 20 years so knows his stuff very well indeed. My friend in Chiang Mai introduced me to Mac. Infact the guys at Kensington knew Mac and had worked with him before. They also said good things about him. He is their chosen architect of preference, I think is what they said. But like most architects and builders naturally they know each other. Apparently if they get a customer who is looking for an architect Mac works with them. Albeit they do work with others. From my experience I can not fault the lads. They were a breath of fresh air and gave me the confidence to know things would be done properly and any problems they would resolve. It was also good to have someone who knew what they were doing working with the architect as he kept control and made productive suggestions when needed. Personally I would always work with a foreigner and Thai. If you are looking for quality one needs that re-assurance from experienced construction guy back home project managing for you and checking works. They have all their own workers, foremen and crafts people. Good team.

I can only speak as I find and the guys were great. Price was reasonable. Not cheapest but not the most expensive either. But from my mind worth every baht as I did not fall victim like so many here, to all the terrible problems, hassles and bad construction quality, so many do. I was not here in Thailand for the majority of the build and I could leave them to get on with it. I gave them complete trust and they respected it. Try them if you are looking for help. It costs you nothing to meet and talk. good luck.

Yes the UK is very expensive to transfer money. The bank charges alot considering it is just a few keyboard types Banks here do charge even if the person transferring in UK ticks the box that says, they will pay all charges both ends. But it is not a huge amount. Less normally than 300 baht. Albeit why they should charge for money coming into their bank which they earn interest from...is anybodies guess But banks are banks as we all know anywhere in the world. I find Kasikorn good and HSBC. But I think it is down to personal experience.

Alot depends on what you are wanting to have designed. Yes there are some excellent architects in Chiang Mai and have designed some beautiful homes and buildings. Their way may be different to Europe or the USA but they still produce good results. National architects association fees is around 7% here. Some charge 10% as I mentioned in a previous thread. 5% is fair and most expats are happy to pay this. If of course they are serious and they are looking for someone professional. The Cheap charlies and tyre kickers just waste everybodies time here including the architects. Idiots trying to get it for 50,000 baht or 2%. If you go that route you will only get bad design and problems. No one of any calibre will do it for that. I would and have paid 5%. Got good results too. 2 houses later can't be bad.

Some builders have architects on board which can be good as you get the architect controlled by someone who knows the construction industry here. But you don't have to go that route but often saves money. It is essential to use a professional builder or you will have nothing but headaches and distaster after disaster. Read the horror stories on the net. From my exprience best builders in Chiang Mai are Kensington by a long shot. Their web site is chiangmaibuilders.com Good honest guys who know the construction industry very well both here and in Europe. They will end up saving you money and so much hassle and problems. I used them and they did a great job for me.

As for architects you could try Mac who advertises in the classified section of this web site. I used him two times and he was dead straight, friendly and did a very good job for me at a fair price.

Thats my a tips from living here along time and having built several homes. If you are looking for cheap cheap cheap, then in my experience you will get exactly that and all the problems associated with it. The above people are fair, reasonably priced and honest.

Hope it helps you. Remember you are under no obligation if you check these guys out anyways. So try and see. I know alot of successful expats and professional people use Kensington. Mac is okay too and nice person. Alot depends on what you want designed....house, commercial, residential etc ? Good luck with your business.

I am looking to start an innovative business here in Chiang Mai that is in need of good architects for the building. Does anyone know of a firm that is reliable and professional with a respectable portfolio, not just a bunch of haw paks preferably? If you do have any info, do you have price info as well? I'm sure most of it is case by case, but thought I would ask.