Trying to Build Home in Issan, on a Slab! What a Nightmare!

[Guitar God]

Kamslabob2- Great info in both of those last two posts, thanks.

But unfortunately, I see it also means I'm going to need to pay ฿150 to get our house inspected.

Where am I goiing to come up with that kind of money ? 555

[Senechal]

This is why it's never a good idea to build in your wife's home town. If your wife is from Udon, build in Ubon, etc.

It cannot be understated that the opinion of her family is *already* that you are building a house for the family -- not for you. They really cannot imagine that this will not be "their" house. And if you think there are traces of this sentiment floating around already... Just wait. As the project bears completion you will find the general respect level towards you begins to plummet. You will be the guy that "bought the family a house" forever. But you will not be the man of the house unless you rule with an iron fist... And from your post it looks like that's not the case.

You're far better off renting a home in another city. Then you will wear the pants.

If you're thinking that after this initial disagreement, things will be easier... No. You're already seeing a very important dynamic. Pay attention to it.

Yawn... really? Why would your Udon wife want to move to Ubon? Just to be further away from her family, friends, and where she grew up, to a new area where she does'nt know anybody. That makes real sense Big Boy, i'm sure she will be very happy and forever grateful.

"Iron fist" blah blah. I rest my case re my earlier post. Wan#kers.

Ha! Well then I guess you're a generous man. In which case you should do whatever it is that makes your wife "happiest". But you're the one whining on a forum about problems that are the direct result of having low testicular fortitude. Good luck, and on behalf of your wife's family: Thanks for the sweet digs

Edited May 2, 2014 by Senechal

[cdmtdm]

i also just completed a build on my own design, using Thai labour incl pool ... 5 mill ,100 km from Nong Khai , it was tough but came up well and on schedule ... the best advice i can offer , respect the Thais customs , make sure your wife is 100% behind u and do not lower your standards ... i came from the same background as you did in oz .... the 50k give him 5k and go ahead and build anyway ... bring labour from other villages not yours ... pm me if you need a sounding board ,,,

[johninbkk71]

Buy a caravan (mobile home). Then you can just move. Sounds easier than building.

[falkan]

hahah they will take over your house! divorce and move on..

[bangkoklasse]

i also just completed a build on my own design, using Thai labour incl pool ... 5 mill ,100 km from Nong Khai , it was tough but came up well and on schedule ... the best advice i can offer , respect the Thais customs , make sure your wife is 100% behind u and do not lower your standards ... i came from the same background as you did in oz .... the 50k give him 5k and go ahead and build anyway ... bring labour from other villages not yours ... pm me if you need a sounding board ,,,

Why give him 5K? Especially when he tried to scam him for 50K...

[MichaelJohn]

You must remember that you should build something that they know how to build. Try to get them to build something they have no experience with will result in problems. To save face no one will ever admit in advance they don't know how to do it; you will be the one to suffer.

If you're to build in Isaan then do it the Isaan way ....... don't like that way, then build somewhere else!

I've built in Isaan and have a lovely house so it can be done.

Don't pay the village head; not necessary but, of course, don't fall out with him either as you have to live with him and he can make that difficult.

[isaanpaul]

Dave ,are you sure that your thai family do not mean the first pole,the first pole is always for good luck.

they drap this pole with flowers,in Thailand all the new buildings start with this.

Good luck,and do not pay to the puya ban give a bottle of whisky

Isaanpaul

[djayz]

There are many countries as hot if not hotter then Thailand, Vietnam for instance, here thay build many houses on slab, but as I have also pointed out they have been occupied by Ferang, French Belgian USA etc so have learnt other ways of many things, Thailand has not had this advantage, and I have told them in no uncertain terms, as I am paying WILL be my way, but still the Blank Stare!

I was told this morning that I will not find a builder in Issan who will build for me, but have found one in Buriram, who not only reads plans but has email also! Bonus.

But the Village Boss says I must have his approval and pay him 50,000Bt, is this normal?

Ignore those on here who know nothing about Isaan village life. The village boss IS the boss. You can cross him if you want, but it will never be forgotten, and it might well come back to bite your ass a long time later.

Good point, but that's no reason for the OP to simply hand over Baht 50,000 to the village head... I admit I have no experience dealing with the village head, but surely 50,000 is WAY too much...

[djayz]

Perhaps you haven't been around TV long enough to read the tales of woe from farangs that built a house and the wife/ GF kicks them out. Sad tale but common as the sunrise in LOS.

I'm sure many foreigners have lost their land, homes, money, etc. here, but I'm also sure there are many blokes from the West who are still living with their Thai spouses in their "homes" here. They (the Thais) aren't all bad... A lot depends on "WHERE" you meet your missus.

[djayz]

have just completed quite a large aussie queenslander house on slab at village, 100 ks from udon, in the bush, was the hardest and most frustrating project after 50 years as a builder, but it has come up really good, i am a perfectionist and rate the job at 90%, have a huge open plan with 8mtre by 8mtre area in the middle, made all the steel trusses on site, only posts to corners, not a post showing, every one was amazed but it can be done, if you are close you are welcome to have a look, still have the plans i drew up, i was the only one to use them, thai builders have inspected, but all say to hard for them as they do not know how to do, also double insulated the roof, have not had air con on yet, house is all steel , super block and concrete as white ants are in plauge proportions out here, will project manage for you if you need help, it can be done bobs

Would you mind positing photos and or floor plan here? If you don't want to, no problem, I understand and respect that. Best regards

[thaibeachlovers]

Perhaps you haven't been around TV long enough to read the tales of woe from farangs that built a house and the wife/ GF kicks them out. Sad tale but common as the sunrise in LOS.

I'm sure many foreigners have lost their land, homes, money, etc. here, but I'm also sure there are many blokes from the West who are still living with their Thai spouses in their "homes" here. They (the Thais) aren't all bad... A lot depends on "WHERE" you meet your missus.

<A lot depends on "WHERE" you meet your missus.>

Sorry, but that's BS. I met my western ex nowhere near a bar, and she still took me for everything I had.

In LOS, the only way to be sure the "perfect" woman you met isn't only in it for the money is to not give her a lot/ build her a house/ buy her a car/ give the family money ( would you give a western woman's family money? ).

Anyway, OTY, but don't say you didn't know, if it all turns to tears.

[DavoTheGun]

have just completed quite a large aussie queenslander house on slab at village, 100 ks from udon, in the bush, was the hardest and most frustrating project after 50 years as a builder, but it has come up really good, i am a perfectionist and rate the job at 90%, have a huge open plan with 8mtre by 8mtre area in the middle, made all the steel trusses on site, only posts to corners, not a post showing, every one was amazed but it can be done, if you are close you are welcome to have a look, still have the plans i drew up, i was the only one to use them, thai builders have inspected, but all say to hard for them as they do not know how to do, also double insulated the roof, have not had air con on yet, house is all steel , super block and concrete as white ants are in plauge proportions out here, will project manage for you if you need help, it can be done bobs

Would you mind positing photos and or floor plan here? If you don't want to, no problem, I understand and respect that. Best regards

I have decided to compromise, I am going with a Slab and Poles, it will be a very strong single story hous! but all seems to be happy now, will post new plan later today. For Comment hopefully without the usual cynics!

[ableguy]

There are many countries as hot if not hotter then Thailand, Vietnam for instance, here thay build many houses on slab, but as I have also pointed out they have been occupied by Ferang, French Belgian USA etc so have learnt other ways of many things, Thailand has not had this advantage, and I have told them in no uncertain terms, as I am paying WILL be my way, but still the Blank Stare!

I was told this morning that I will not find a builder in Issan who will build for me, but have found one in Buriram, who not only reads plans but has email also! Bonus.

But the Village Boss says I must have his approval and pay him 50,000Bt, is this normal?

You must be joking.

[Showbags]

have just completed quite a large aussie queenslander house on slab at village, 100 ks from udon, in the bush, was the hardest and most frustrating project after 50 years as a builder, but it has come up really good, i am a perfectionist and rate the job at 90%, have a huge open plan with 8mtre by 8mtre area in the middle, made all the steel trusses on site, only posts to corners, not a post showing, every one was amazed but it can be done, if you are close you are welcome to have a look, still have the plans i drew up, i was the only one to use them, thai builders have inspected, but all say to hard for them as they do not know how to do, also double insulated the roof, have not had air con on yet, house is all steel , super block and concrete as white ants are in plauge proportions out here, will project manage for you if you need help, it can be done bobs

Would you mind positing photos and or floor plan here? If you don't want to, no problem, I understand and respect that. Best regards

I have decided to compromise, I am going with a Slab and Poles, it will be a very strong single story hous! but all seems to be happy now, will post new plan later today. For Comment hopefully without the usual cynics!

So in other words...you gave in.

Paid the 50k yet ?

[nathan blake]

My advice is to stick to your guns, good footings etc. do it all properly show them you mean business and will not be told differently. My wife's house is a lot higher than the neighbours but is off a modern design not on stilts. He complaines like hell when it rains hard all the excess runs into his land. Plus it near on impossible to think about building a nice wall around the property because of the level differences. We are in Ban Mak Ya, where are you?

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[noitom]

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From their perspective, you are building the house for them so they probably don't understand why you are so opinionated.

Everything for them is Thai.

[KonaRain]

As our Aussie friend says.. Slab.. good for the Winds.. but my pier and post managed a 6.7 earthquake.. 2 story!

Though in loam soil its like a sheet of foil.. big rumble, more damage.. (Thailand, California) Hawaiian rocks are more [solid?] in quakes.. Alohz boys, stay safe..

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[kamalabob2]

re: post #151 But unfortunately, I see it also means I'm going to need to pay ฿150 to get our house inspected.

In our case, they never came to the actual house, we paid for the permit to build, and they do not issue the permit until they read the house building plans. Now the actual on site home builders following the plan to a "T", that is a different story. But certainly a fools errand to do it without a plan in Thai. It was a good "point reference" and saved any shouting matches. They could save face, when I smiled and pointed out the "slight" differences from the physical work and the approved plans. All that said a couple of doors and windows in different places did not matter one bit 7 years later.

[MobileContent]

Looks to me that the OP in-laws have some debts with the PYB or the family gets 75% back.

[krisb]

I am planning to build a soil house (baan din).

Check this out:

Chiang Mai

www.pupunthailand.org

081.470.1461

http://www.punpunthailand.org/?page_id=887

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0FkwRux7rw

Cool. Make sure you let us know how it all goes please.

[GinBoy2]

I live in Isaan, built house slab on grade no problems. I think you are just battling the wifes desire for house on poles

[sirineou]

I live in Isaan, built house slab on grade no problems. I think you are just battling the wifes desire for house on poles

Are we all talking about the same thing?

Slab= raft slab, where the slab forms also the foundation, then you can have columns for load bearing, or load bearing walls.

column and beam=footings are dug, usually about one meter deep, footing columns rise to the surface, beams connect the footing columns, a slab is supported by the beams.

Then you can have either load bearing columns or bearings.

[GinBoy2]

I live in Isaan, built house slab on grade no problems. I think you are just battling the wifes desire for house on poles

Are we all talking about the same thing?

Slab= raft slab, where the slab forms also the foundation, then you can have columns for load bearing, or load bearing walls.

column and beam=footings are dug, usually about one meter deep, footing columns rise to the surface, beams connect the footing columns, a slab is supported by the beams.

Then you can have either load bearing columns or bearings.

I think so. I have load bearing columns at the appropriate points that support the structure, but the house is flat on the slab. Here's a picture of my living room, and you can see the one supporting column that's exposed.

Maybe we're talking different things?

[sirineou]

I live in Isaan, built house slab on grade no problems. I think you are just battling the wifes desire for house on poles

Are we all talking about the same thing?

Slab= raft slab, where the slab forms also the foundation, then you can have columns for load bearing, or load bearing walls.

column and beam=footings are dug, usually about one meter deep, footing columns rise to the surface, beams connect the footing columns, a slab is supported by the beams.

Then you can have either load bearing columns or bearings.

I think so. I have load bearing columns at the appropriate points that support the structure, but the house is flat on the slab. Here's a picture of my living room, and you can see the one supporting column that's exposed.

Maybe we're talking different things?

No , then we are talking of the same thing

It looks nice, you did a nice job with your house.

the technique you build your home with is called a Raft Slab, and it is perfectly adequate for some soil conditions.

My home in Florida USA is build on a raft slab, as is most homes there , it is now 11 years old and I never had a problem with cracking. But the soil in my area is mostly sandy.

I don't know what the soil in your area is, it could be perfectly adequate, as it is in my Florida home. But in Thailand in many areas the spoil is mostly clay.

Clay does not drain well, it is composed by very fine sediment particles, when wet it expands considerably, conversely when dry it shrinks,

I will not bore you with the specific terminologies and values, if interested , please see included links

http://web.mst.edu/~rogersda/expansive_soils/DAMAGE%20TO%20FOUNDATIONS%20FROM%20EXPANSIVE%20SOILS.pdf

http://pubs.usgs.gov/info/clays/

When building driveways or walkways where you don't have a deep foundation, to compensate not only for the expansion of the concrete but also for heaving and settling. you install expansion slots

In Home foundations you do not want heaving and settling for obvious reasons, , and there are different ways to deal with that.

One way would be to make the raft slab thick enough, and include enough rebar in it to resist the expansion and contraction forces.or if it does move to do so in a monolithic fashion.

The other would be to dig footings below grade and to a depth of undisturbed and stable soil. Usually about one meter below grade. Some areas piers have to be sank in to the ground for several meters to achieve stability via friction.

As I said earlier the choice depends on soil types and economics.

The economics are , which one will provide the most protection for the least cost, In Thailand the answer is , 1m x 1m footings at a depth of about one meter. one could build a raft slab that is strong enough and take a chance that years down the line,one will not have a problem, but why would one want to do that where a proven, easy, inexpensive solution already exists?

I hope this did not sound too didactic, it was not meant to be, simply an attempt to pass along some information attained from years of experience as a concrete form specialist in the high-rise construction in New York City.

[GinBoy2]

In my experience they generally truck in dirt that forms the base for the slab for the very reason you mention, drainage. This is then allowed to settle before they sink the footings for the supports and pour the cement. I'd probably say 90% on new construction in Isaan is like this, at least in my neck o' the woods.

So I think you're back to original question of why does the wife want an elevated house on poles?

[krisb]

Thais are convinced raft and colums is better. Which in a way it is.

[IMHO]

Nearly all houses in Isaan are built on a slab - they way outnumber those built using beam supported floors.

Surely you've all seen houses that look like this....

And if you've spent enough time in Thailand, you've also seen that most of them have serious structural problems within 10-20 years too (not just because they were built on a slab though).

[IMHO]

Thais are convinced raft and colums is better. Which in a way it is.

In what way isn't it better?

I can only assume price?

Note: serious Q, not baiting.

Edited May 12, 2014 by IMHO

[sean in udon]

Practicing my Thai language skills with my host family. Told them about the 50k payment to village head, they asked me to repeat, then they repeated, then I told them in English and finally I wrote it down as they still weren't sure we were talking the right figure.

Mixed response of crazy, why? and is this a joke?

I think the consensus was, 50k is a little excessive

My little joke - the actual consensus was 'why is he paying the village head anything?'

That's the reaction in Kut Chap, Issan

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