Does anyone know the going rate per square meter to build a house here in Chiang Mai ... I have heard things from 7500 to 12000 per square meter ....

Edited September 5, 201213 yr by BB1955

Yes, that's about right.

6 - 8k per m²: Learn Thai, employ a foreman, get your own sub-contractors, supervise job by attending daily. Basic quality finish and materials. Not for the inexperienced or faint hearted.

8 - 10k per m²: Cheaper end of the main contractor service - may get simple design included. Supervise job by attending daily. Basic quality finish and materials.

10 - 14k per m²: Should get you the services of a "farang friendly" contractor who will take on the whole job and provide some level of guarantee covering quality and completion schedule. Higher price buys you better materials, finish and, one would hope, attention to detail. Supervise job by attending every other day.

Items like interior woodwork, kitchen equipment, air conditioning and landscaping not included and will bump the price by at least 1500 baht a m² and decent furnishings don't come cheap either. Frustrating but ultimately rewarding exercise - unless you already have the land, better value can be got by buying secondhand from someone leaving the country.

Edited September 5, 201213 yr by Greenside