Finding and Building a Residence for Mr and Mrs MTSINTERNATIONAL

[BosseO]

We scrapped the concrete frames that they build in as standard in the house. Then, 'all' kitchen cabinets we saw were supposed to be built into the concrete. We have to find a builder that can build a framework and cabinets in the same kind of wood, preferable teak. Sure, a lot of laminate around but that's not what we want.

[SEA Traveler]

Originally Posted by BosseO

We scrapped the concrete frames that they build in as standard in the house. Then, 'all' kitchen cabinets we saw were supposed to be built into the concrete. We have to find a builder that can build a framework and cabinets in the same kind of wood, preferable teak. Sure, a lot of laminate around but that's not what we want.

Agree, solid and inlayed panals is probably the preferred method.

[Whiteshiva]

Originally Posted by BosseO

"look at tiles, wood flooring as well as to get an idea of the type and price of counter tops, kitchen cabinets, door hardware, sinks, mirrors, towel racks, toilets, cooking range, etc.'

We did that run when we were in LoS last time, still couldn't find a supplier that could build a kitchen as we want it to be.

If you try the more upmarket shopping centers, you may find what you are looking for. There is (was?) a shop in the Emporium that had a rather impressive selection of kitchen "stuff". European imports, most of it, and expensive as hell.....

[BosseO]

How much is expensive as hell.....
Might have to scrap my plans of a Volvo XC90 and go for wifeys choice of a Chevy Captiva.

[Loombucket]

Starting to look very good, ST. It's good that you went for the earth straight away as now you can start to build for real. Our soil has to settle awhile so we won't be building for a few months yet. Nice wall, by the way.

[SEA Traveler]

Originally Posted by Loombucket

Starting to look very good, ST. It's good that you went for the earth straight away as now you can start to build for real. Our soil has to settle awhile so we won't be building for a few months yet. Nice wall, by the way.

I appreciate the kind and encouraging words LB. It should start getting interesting during our January trip with the ground breaking construction beginning. Yo have any information on the background, meaning, and what should be done with the construction ceremony?

[Loombucket]

Quote by SEA Traveler " About the ceremony"


Umm... That's a hard one. I know that there is a blessing ceremony, with a monk. There is also something about putting money at the bottom of the first pillar or the first hole. If you look at some of the more established members threads: Dr. Andys or Hillbily's (from contruction famous threads) I think it goes into some detail with pictures. Failing that, there are a number of knowledgable folks on this forum and they will be able to put you right.

[SEA Traveler]

Originally Posted by Loombucket

Umm... That's a hard one. I know that there is a blessing ceremony, with a monk. There is also something about putting money at the bottom of the first pillar or the first hole. If you look at some of the more established members threads: Dr. Andys or Hillbily's (from contruction famous threads) I think it goes into some detail with pictures. Failing that, there are a number of knowledgable folks on this forum and they will be able to put you right.

Got it LB. Thanks. I'll look where recommended...

[Marmite the Dog]

Originally Posted by BosseO

We did that run when we were in LoS last time, still couldn't find a supplier that could build a kitchen as we want it to be.

http://www.acmen.com/

[Marmite the Dog]

Originally Posted by El Gibbon

Check out any boatyard that specializes in 'service'/repair. I know of a couple in Pattaya and at least two or three in Phuket. Boat builders are another source but they generally tie up the good ones on a salary basis.

Any in Chiang Mai?

[El Gibbon]

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Any in Chiang Mai?

Prolly not, you could build a tin shack and hire one on contract for a few days. The cost of transporting/living arrangements will be minuscule if you end up with the cabinets you want.

E. G.

[SEA Traveler]

December 2007,

Stoped in at a local (USA) swimming pool contractors shop last evening. I explained to him my circumstances of building a house and pool in Thailand and that I was basically just looking for an education on swimming pool equipment. He was a nice enough guy and sat back to listen. As they don't make pools the same way here in the North East of good old USA, I kept him on track to explain the equipment and he did run through the equipment functions and the various pit falls to avoid. The pool contractor pretty much used exclusive Hayward pump, filter and components and gave me a lot to think about. More than what I really needed and after departing, realized that I still had some unswered questions, most of which were a result of not knowing for sure what pool equipment was available in Thailand as I did want to stick with what was readily available there where there would most likely be repair parts and the know how to repair were present.

[SEA Traveler]

18 Dec 07

Conducting lots of research, contacting suppliers in the U.S., and putting out feelers on this forum for good solid info on swimming pool equipment. I've pretty much narrowed it down and during my January sojourn to Thai will discuss with pool contractor and others. I am considering ordering the selected filter, pump, and Jandy Never Lube Valves upon return to the States and hand carry them back to Thai in March. Any considerations for the power requirements (110 vs 220) that I need to be aware of? Any one have any insight to suppliers and installers in Thai for the adding of a saltwater chlorination system to the overall pool filtering system? Lots to consider but I'm sure things will gel and be worked out as a result of mid January visit.

[WhiteLotusLane]

Great topic, great read! Thanks SEA Traveller for posting it all.

So what's the size of the plot? Is it indeed 100 square wa or is it actually a rai? I'm a bit lost in strange units like square feet or meters. I noted that you said someone was correct in highlighting that the units to match up but then you didn't say which it was, if the sq. meter number was incorrect or the Thai unit?

Secondly: That's a major wall! My question is: Why? Is this going to be a gated, managed development, or is it pretty much open in that the owner divided up some plots, is selling them and will end his involvement there? I think the wall is very high and I'm not quite sure why it's needed.. please enlighten me, it's one of the few things I don't yet 'get' in Thailand.

In my development all plots have a concrete lining around them that's less than a foot high, with posts every x meters to put lights or flower pots or whatever, and then metal fencing that's still not very high, about a meter I guess. As a result the whole area looks very open friendly. ( Then of course on the OUTSIDE perimiter wall of the gated community there's fortress walls, a crocodile infested moat, gun turrets and all that jazz. )

One advantage that I could see to a proper wall like you have is that it would keep cats out... But then you're looking at this concrete wall all the time so I'm not sure I wouldn't rather have the occasional cat-visit.

[SEA Traveler]

Originally Posted by WhiteLotusLane

Great topic, great read! Thanks SEA Traveller for posting it all.

So what's the size of the plot? Is it indeed 100 square wa or is it actually a rai? I'm a bit lost in strange units like square feet or meters. I noted that you said someone was correct in highlighting that the units to match up but then you didn't say which it was, if the sq. meter number was incorrect or the Thai unit?

Secondly: That's a major wall! My question is: Why? Is this going to be a gated, managed development, or is it pretty much open in that the owner divided up some plots, is selling them and will end his involvement there? I think the wall is very high and I'm not quite sure why it's needed.. please enlighten me, it's one of the few things I don't yet 'get' in Thailand.

In my development all plots have a concrete lining around them that's less than a foot high, with posts every x meters to put lights or flower pots or whatever, and then metal fencing that's still not very high, about a meter I guess. As a result the whole area looks very open friendly. ( Then of course on the OUTSIDE perimiter wall of the gated community there's fortress walls, a crocodile infested moat, gun turrets and all that jazz. )

One advantage that I could see to a proper wall like you have is that it would keep cats out... But then you're looking at this concrete wall all the time so I'm not sure I wouldn't rather have the occasional cat-visit.

White Lotus: The plot is 1 Rai = to 400 sq wah = to 1,722 sq ft = to 4 Ngan = to .40 acre = to .16 hectare... Yes, the wall... It is not yet complete as it will need to have a 2nd coat of milrew resistant paint applied and then the final coat. That will be completed after construction of the house. It will be somewhat attractive when it is completed. I had the wall built so that it could easily have electric run through the pvc conduit I had put in the wall. Realizing that if someone wants to intrude, they will find a way but I did not want to make it easy. There is the probability that I will also be putting a decorator railing at the top of the wall to retard the ease of any intrusion. But "why the wall?" you ask. Well, the 1 Rai is not exactly a small lot and the wall will provide some privacy of which I enjoy. When the landscaping is completed, it will complement the perimeter wall and additionally, the wall will mitigate the ease of small kids from wandering in to and possibly falling into the pool that is to be installed.

As far as the wall keeping the cats out, I guess that is possible but not the primary intent and certainly I won't be looking at the wall all the time. the garden and landscapping will complement the wall and there will be enough area inside that the wall is not intrusive at all while at the same time will provide the desired privacy.

This is no fortress wall around the community and as it stands now, their is no management oversight. I have however discussed the possibility with my beloved spouse, about getting the neighbors together to set up some type of structure to our area. We shall see how that piece goes. So, the wall thing is pretty up to each individual. In fact there were two developments in that same area where we bought that were gated and managed communities that I liked tremendously but when asked if I might be able to do something with making the wall around the perimeter of the property higher, I was in formed that I could not do so. I ruled these communities with wall height restrictions not for me. And although we have met, talked to, and like all the neighbors we have met who have just built their homes in our little community, their walls are not as high but they do have walls. In fact, their walls are probably closer to 1 meter in height. I don't feel that the height of a wall around one's property is necessarily directly related to the degree of friendliness. I do however feel that the manner of the interaction between neighbors is a direct reflection on the degree of friendliness. Wright, wrong, or indifferent, to each thier own. Anyway, I'll keep all posted as progress is made.

[farmerfloyd]

Do they have dry powder paint that goes in the concrete mix and is trowled on in the last lawer of mortor? You never haft to paint, doesnt come off. I did a 4-plex with that a soft biege which I owned 23 years, total maintance free. Could bring over color from home if they dont have t. They paint concrete here in Florida, always repainting or sandblasting trying to get the paint to stay on. What a waste. Idaho is where we got the color to put in mortor. Good luck farmerfloyd

[dirtydog]

The colorant is iron oxide and is available here.

[DrAndy]

There are lots of other pigments that can be used in cement, but they are never the same density as paint. If you like the effect, then it is a good way to go; you can always paint over when you get fed up with it

[SEA Traveler]

January 2008

“Ground Breaking” for the future residence of MTSINTERNATIONAL and wife was set for the 18th of January 2008. Since our last visit to Thailand in October 2007 when we addressed the final changes to the house drawings and the time line for the house construction, we stayed in contact with the contractor and continued on with our planning process. We had been advised by our contractor that in preparation for the construction, he had arranged for any and all building permits, made the temporary electric hook ups and had the meter installed, made the temporary water hook up, and finished the construction of temporary housing for his workers. He sent me some pictures of efforts in advance of our planned mid January arrival in Thailand.





All efforts had been coordinated and all was on track.

[SEA Traveler]

We arrived in Bangkok from the States on the 13 January and for 2 days took care of some banking and family business before heading to Ban Chang where our house was to be built. We contacted our trusted contractor upon arrival and headed out to the land/house construction site. To my pleasant amazement, the contractor had initiated all the necessary preliminary efforts to begin construction. He had already rented a back hoe and had no less than 28 holes of approximately 1 meter square and 1.75 meters deep dug.








The contractor had an assortment of rebar, cement, stone, sand, concrete mixer, cinder blocks, super blocks, and steel already on site and his workers were all proceeding with their assigned duties. A real professional operation.





















The contractor took me around and introduced me to the engineer, the site supervisor, and the rest of the workers. Oh yea, the beginning of a great project.