pierreYves

Top 15 stress busters - Keep cool, keep talking and keep it friendly

1) Do seek professional advice before buying land or building anything.

2) Do use a reputable architect and Engineering firm that understands your needs and know the INS and OUTS of building in Thailand. Try to be as specific as possible about your project. Help your architects to understand the look you are going for. Show them magazine pictures of similar projects.

3) Check references. A good contractor can make a huge difference, so it's important to check references. Blindly choosing a contractor is dangerous because some perform shoddy work, overcharge and miss deadlines. Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations.Do your research - a good professional will be happy to provide you with references.

4) Get the paperwork in order. Don’t start building before you have your building permit in hand.

5) Do use an independent construction management company that speaks your language to check the work of your builder.

6) Do not let your builder make any changes to the specs without your approval in writing especially if he keeps saying ”Mai pen Rai”.

7) Don't be too unique. Your uncommon tastes could work against you when it comes time to sell. Adding a tennis court in the backyard is great, but prepare to remove it if the next homeowner is a gardening aficionado.

8) Don't expect a return on every change. Be wary of fads such as rock gardens, ponds and waterfalls. "That's done for your pleasure, not resale value,".

Get involved but keep your cool when dealing with problems during construction.

9) Do make a proper Bill of Quantity (BOQ) before looking for a builder. You will know how much your project should cost.

10) Do not hire a builder that quotes your project below the BOQ.

11) Do draw up a written contract with your contractor, with an agreed timetable that both you and the builder are happy with. A contract is a 100% necessity on every job to prevent misunderstandings. You can always go back to a detailed contract and make sure the builder is in no doubts about what he agreed to!"

12) Don’t cut corner. You will end up spending more if you have to build it again.

13) Be practical. Some things works in Thailand some other don’t.

14) A professional builder should explain things clearly to ensure that there are no nasty surprises! If you're unhappy about the work, talk to your builder immediately. Most things can be amended before they are finished.

15) Do keep tabs on how the job is going, if it's complicated; arrange a regular half-hour with your builder on agreed days.

Please feel free to contact ton at Krabipost. www.KrabiPost.com