Using Government Designed Housing Plans

[KRS1]

Has anyone ever used the house blueprints provided free of charge by the government? Does the estimated cost match actual cost?

In reality do the designs feel 'homey' enough or just like another shoebox thrown together minimalist style?

Also, has anyone ever constructed a row of shophouses?

thanks !

ps...if you have a list of good builders you've used in the past please send them via PM

[WinnieTheKhwai]

I think the cost is just for the bare-bones structure. When actually building something the cost tends to go up and up when using anything but the cheapest materials. Most people end up making changes to the design to, but they're still a useful starting point, probably. And then you start adding proper windows, a kicthen, bathroom and so on and chances are you will spend at least 50% over the base price, as a best-case scenario.

Of course shophouses are just about the easiest to build; just about every building will have experience with those. And it's also unlikely to build in a lot of higher-end stuff, so perhaps for a shophouse block you stay a bit closer to the estimated cost.

Edited January 12, 2012 by WinnieTheKhwai

[bobl]

The BOQ for something that's been built over and over again should be reasonably accurate. When I'm working on a quote I usually add 15% to the bottom line for contingency - which is either 15% extra profit or 15% available for overspend - and the build-outs usually fall somewhere inbetween. There's *always* something you overspend on...

(I'm not a civil engineer or quantity surveyor - we build mobile towers - but the principal for dealing with a BOQ is the same)

[highonthai]

KRS1,

Do you have a link to the the Goverment Drawings?(if there is one)

I'd like to take a look at them.

Thanks

[KRS1]

Here's a few links, the first one isn't the actual site but has listed some houses with pics unlike the Thai Gov site, but is not complete.

Summary http://www.crossy.co.uk/Thai_House_Plans/

Plans http://www.dpt.go.th/download/PW/house_model/doc_house.html

Cost http://www.dpt.go.th/download/PW/house_model/tabledetail.html

[KRS1]

WTK & BobL thanks for your input.

[highonthai]

KSR1,

Thanks for the links, I've been thinking about building some rental units and the plans there are a good start.