Builder required for Yasothon area

[Dave8237]

Not sure if this is the correct forum for this info, but will give it a go.

We are going to be building a house just outside Loeng Nok Tha, which is 60km from Yasothon and 45km from Mukdahan. Land has had it's first clearence, land is in my wife's name ( I know about the importance of the 30 year lease ) .

But we need, obviously , to speak to a builder, design ect. Has anyone used an particular builder in this area??

[beachproperty]

I'm building presently in Rayong....so have no specific knowledge of your area.

That being said I'll tell you what we did.

My wife went to the local building dept. (where you get your plans approved) and talked to one of the inspector's (if you can call them that...I believe they just review the plans in the office and put the OK stamp on them). Point is...he did our plans (of which I provided a rough sketch of what I wanted) and the engineering specs. The whole process of getting the plans done, engineering, and approval was a grand total of 15,000 baht! A plus in all this, is that we now have a friend in the building dept. ....made many changes to the exterior (they don't really seem to care about interior changes) of which he (the building dept inspector) finally said "when your done building let me know and I will draw up new plans that reflect all your changes". Really can't believe how helpfull he's been but the experience of doing it this way has been very pleasant to say the least.

As for a builder ....good luck. Some builders take the initial monies, do a little work then disappear. This will be your most difficult task ...finding a builder. Good luck.....I hope you have some basic knowledge because you have to watch them like a hawk! Cost for me has been about 10,000 baht a sq meter which includes double walls with 2 inch foam inside, double insulated windows (12mm glass) AND built in kitchens. I've built before in the states and here in Thailand but the key is I have had trusted people who have worked for me and haven't minded when I put in my two cents (some builders, being Thai, might take offense and walk off the job).

Hope this has been of some help ...sorry, couldn't be specific about your area

Again good luck!

Edited September 28, 2014 by beachproperty

[Dave8237]

Thanks beachproperty, all info is helpful.

I have a builder in mind who works in the area, I just wondering if his name cropped up. He's been mentioned on here.

Great info on the building inspector, we have a contact in the local area, who,is well positioned, and can guide us ( this is not a back hander job!!!!! ). It's a mine field for me but I have lots of time, and we are moving into a very cheap house rental

Cheers!

[beachproperty]

Thanks beachproperty, all info is helpful.

I have a builder in mind who works in the area, I just wondering if his name cropped up. He's been mentioned on here.

Great info on the building inspector, we have a contact in the local area, who,is well positioned, and can guide us ( this is not a back hander job!!!!! ). It's a mine field for me but I have lots of time, and we are moving into a very cheap house rental

Cheers!

I'm not sure I understand......"( this is not a back hander job!!!!! )"....unless you mean that some bribing is going on ....which isn't the case!

I did not mean to imply that there are some "under the table" payments made to the guy in the building dept.....He did a job for us (Architectual drawings, Engineering etc.) and we paid him. Period. He just happens to also work in the building dept. (I guess they are allowed to do side jobs as his boss (the head of the building dept) knows, .....who we have become friends with him TOO.

In any event ....sounds like you have things covered and under control....

Good luck!

[Dave8237]

No never thought anything would be under the table, bribe. My/Our contact on the council, or what ever its called, is hopefully going to help us get through the paper work, eg house number, ect, with all the correct things I need to show.

I was just saying to those who read posts and like to say that everyone who wants to help in Thailand wants under the table payments, in this case there isn't, in my 2 years of living here have never come across it.

The property is been built on my wife's father's land, we will be out in the sticks, but there are other houses and farms in view, but not close.

We will be quite close to the build site, and will be able to keep an eye on things, I will have the cavity walls, windows not sure if UPVC or aluminium, and many other things to consider.

I think the price you paid for your plans ect is excellent.

Thanks for your input

[Robert24]

Not know any builder in your area. But from my experience I'd recommend to find an agreement with your builder that you purchase the material yourself. This way you can ensure you only use high quality material. Builders tend to get most of their profit from using low quality material which like me not being an expert is difficult to see. So when we built our apartment building, we bought the material ourselves and the builder basically just built according to the architect's plan. With regards to payments, don't pay too much upfront and keep at least 10% of the contract that you only pay when your house is completed to your liking.

[Dave8237]

Thanks Robert good advice on materials. Have no intention of paying too much up front, and the same with the final payment.