Renovating A House

[HDRIDER]

Hi

I am renovating a house in Kata, I am using a few different contractors and they have all been bad, I wonder if it’s me there have been unlucky, or is that the way it is, the “gate” guy is the worst, it took him 7 weeks to make up my gate, he told me 10 days, well he should finish today so let’s see. The kitchen I was told 3 weeks, it took 6 weeks the list goes on, now I know who not to use. None of the suppliers have been there on time, some even a few days late.

[chiang mai]

Hi

I am renovating a house in Kata, I am using a few different contractors and they have all been bad, I wonder if it’s me there have been unlucky, or is that the way it is, the “gate” guy is the worst, it took him 7 weeks to make up my gate, he told me 10 days, well he should finish today so let’s see. The kitchen I was told 3 weeks, it took 6 weeks the list goes on, now I know who not to use. None of the suppliers have been there on time, some even a few days late.

Welcome to the invigorating world of DIY in Thailand! That's the way it is I'm afraid and little changes no matter where you go in the country. I could list a series of renovation nightmares in Thailand but just about every poster who reads your post will be able to do the same and they become boring after a while. If I was to do it all again my rules would be:

1) one person/company per task until completed to my satisfaction, then we'll see about assigning additional work.

2) pay the absolute minimum up front and pay the balance on completion - difficult to do but it can be managed to some degree. Ditto for supplies that must be ordered.

3) use referrals where ever possible.

4) exercise daily to keep the blood pressure down.

Hang in there and good luck.

[HDRIDER]

1) one person/company per task until completed to my satisfaction, then we'll see about assigning additional work.

Believe me thats what i will do next time.

2) pay the absolute minimum up front and pay the balance on completion - difficult to do but it can be managed to some degree. Ditto for supplies that must be ordered.

I went wrong here, i was a good guy and did pay to much up front...

3) use referrals where ever possible.

Tried to ask a few but all said hhhmmm dont know any.

4) exercise daily to keep the blood pressure down.

To late already blown a gasket..

[LivinginKata]

We have built quite a number of apartments over the years and have had mostly good experiences with the various builders and suppliers. But it did take 3 different kitchen makers to get a good one and he has now built 19 custom kitchens for us in budget and on time. Took 2 metal workers to get a good one. Now use a guy in Chalong who makes up security screens and gates in just 3 days.

We prefer not to pay anything up front, althought most supplier need about 10% to buy the materials as these folks have little or no cash on hand. Never (NEVER) pay all the money in advance as it gives no incentive to do anything for you.

PM me if you want references for a specific service.

[HDRIDER]

Hi LK

I will PM you if i need anything be sure of that, right now i have to fight with the guys i already paid some money.

I was lying before, Index was there on time, but had the wrong chairs with them, ooohhhh but they look good sir. My girlfriend wanted them, so that was a good story.

The "gate" man came today, and went away today, without fixing my gate, i closed the doors and went home to Patong, when he called me 2 hours later i told him to <deleted>.k off i will not pay you any more,, the gate is ok and working now, just got the remote for it, so if any of you guys need a bad "gate" man i know one