Builders, plumbers, electricians etc

[scubascuba3]

I'm toying with buying an older condo and getting it renovated. Hardly anyone advertises on Facebook or bahtsold. Where can you find skilled trades people? they must be somewhere? is it only word of mouth?

 

Ideally I'd like someone who can manage all the work and definitely know more than i do but it's looking futile

 

I'm in the Pattaya area

[bankruatsteve]

Even if you get a manager, you will want to have a really good idea of what you want done before you engage.  Word of mouth is likely the best way to find.  Otherwise, you can check out the major builders/renovators for quote (and then ask employee if they know anyone who works on the side).

 

This is one that came to the top of Google search:  https://www.conciergepattaya.com/maintenance/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA9dDwBRC9ARIsABbedBPSUY14MtEljQV1oSPS_ofRkUmQKsYaYGZR6JCno4qfc0K2RuwstcUaAqOEEALw_wcB

[scubascuba3]

4 hours ago, bankruatsteve said:

Even if you get a manager, you will want to have a really good idea of what you want done before you engage.  Word of mouth is likely the best way to find.  Otherwise, you can check out the major builders/renovators for quote (and then ask employee if they know anyone who works on the side).

 

This is one that came to the top of Google search:  https://www.conciergepattaya.com/maintenance/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA9dDwBRC9ARIsABbedBPSUY14MtEljQV1oSPS_ofRkUmQKsYaYGZR6JCno4qfc0K2RuwstcUaAqOEEALw_wcB

The concierge one is probably the best looking one i saved, weird that in a town with tens of thousands of condos its difficult to find adverts from tradesman or companies that do it, Thailand i guess.

 

Even on Facebook people over the last few years have asked for recommendations with little response

[bankruatsteve]

You can also look for construction sites, try to determine how things are being done, and if OK, try to find out who is the boss and see if he will talk to you.  If you have patience, you will eventually find someone.  Another thought... check out the local Wat(s).  Sometimes good for a recomendation.

[CharlieH]

I noticed there are boards advertising various trades in Thaiwatsadu.(behind the checkout)

They pin their business cards etc under various categories.

 

This may vary by location.

[Chazar]

6 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

but it's looking futile

It  is........I  do  it  all myself after seeing the half  assed way many of them "work" I  could  do it  better at 85 yrs  old than they can now

[scubascuba3]

1 hour ago, Chazar said:

It  is........I  do  it  all myself after seeing the half  assed way many of them "work" I  could  do it  better at 85 yrs  old than they can now

i reckon a lot can get lost in translation also. One of the situations a girlfriend would be useful

[cheeryble]

It is also difficult working to condo rules about noise hours.

You must expect to pay more to compensate, and be fair to other residents by planning the work properly so no time is wasted.

Realise that good renovation can easily cost more than new building a house.

 

Older condos however have some advantages

Usually have some larger units unlike the modern shoeboxes.

Best locations.

Fees counterintuitively are usually a lot lower than new.

They still tend to be lower priced per sqm despite things that need up grading usually have been by now e.g. repiping common areas.

Usually have wider corridors etc.

They are fully sold unlike some new ones. This can be a prob when the farang % is full but the Thai units don't get sold

as fees don't get paid and this stage the developer may have financial probs which means probs for the other owners.

 

[lukasnz]

We had renovations done in our apartment and retail business using the same guy, a British guy that lives here in Thailand (He runs the jobs as a project manager with the help of his Thai wife, whilst using local workers). I'd recommend him, helps A LOT having someone who completely understands everything you're wanting and the standard you want it done to. If you would like his number give me a message - I know he's based in Bangkok but I do recall him speaking about jobs outside of Bangkok, he likes a good chat.