I'm financing the construction of a house in Isan that my Wife's family will be living in. Her three brothers work in construction. They plan on hiring a contractor to do the roof. The rest of the work they will be doing them selfs with a few local workers. I know little about construction in America and nothing about it in Thailand.

Would 400,000 bt be sufficient to build a simple house? The family is very frugal and I know they won't waste money. They just want a decent home for her sisters two children and they never asked for my help.

I'm financing the construction of a house in Isan that my Wife's family will be living in. Her three brothers work in construction. They plan on hiring a contractor to do the roof. The rest of the work they will be doing them selfs with a few local workers. I know little about construction in America and nothing about it in Thailand.

Would 400,000 bt be sufficient to build a simple house? The family is very frugal and I know they won't waste money. They just want a decent home for her sisters two children and they never asked for my help.

Yes.

I hear about lots of people saying you need to spend a million baht and up... I don't agree. If they are doing lots of the work themselves, making an effort to source materials and getting local help, then 400,000 baht is plenty to build a simple house.

On the building forum are many peoples experiences, with pictures and first hand knowledge. It's very interesting so look at a few of those threads.

A close friend just had a quote for building a simple 15 x 18 metre 2 bedroom house with living area, bathroom, kitchen and verandah.

With a builder doing all the work they were quoted between 300,000 to 500,000 Baht depending on materials quality.

400,000 should build an acceptable house with the labor you described.

Thanks for sharing. I thought it might be enough, but I feel more comfortable now.

It is certainly better than having them all live in.