Finding and Building a Residence for Mr and Mrs MTSINTERNATIONAL

[BosseO]

Is this better?

[SEA Traveler]

Green for Khun BosseO on providing the enlargement to the floor plan.

[DrAndy]

Originally Posted by SEA Traveler

Doc,

Your question is a good one but not necessarily all that easy to answer, for multiple reasons, but mostly because of the exchange rate. But since you appear to be thinking Thai baht let me break it down as best I can rounding up or down to make things easy.

Drawings & misc permits = 80,000
misc & utility hook ups (some is a deposit) = 50,000
house with wall (minus air con) = 5,400,000


.

OK those are what I meant, the house costs

my estimated B4m was way under, so nearly B5.5m

mind you, when I saw how they were making the footings I expected a high cost! when mine were poured they just used the edges of the neatly cut hole as former for the concrete, no nice blocks.

should be a nice place

[SEA Traveler]

.[/quote]

OK those are what I meant, the house costs

my estimated B4m was way under, so nearly B5.5m

mind you, when I saw how they were making the footings I expected a high cost! when mine were poured they just used the edges of the neatly cut hole as former for the concrete, no nice blocks.

should be a nice place[/quote]

Thanks Doc. The builder is well aware of what my expectations are as it relates to doing things correctly. Your observation and comments of the column base preparation work and the use of cinder blocks reconfirm my thoughts on contractor wanting to do a good job and following through with that. More to come.

[SEA Traveler]

7 Feb 2008,

Date for beginnning the digging of the hole for the swimming pool has been moved up to 15 February 2008. Here is a diagram of the swimming pool.

[SEA Traveler]

10 February 2008: The number of workers at the site remains high and all the the workers seem to be gainfully employed. As a consequence, progress continues on schedule with the recent activity focused on the concrete pour for the columns.

Here are some updated pics of the progress being made:

[SEA Traveler]

Contractor advised me that if I desire the inclusion of a system to get ride termites now is the time to install the system.

Apparently the system includes the installation of some type of PVC pipe that has some holes in it, placed around the perimeter of the house and then has a influent hole with a cap in which a chemical can be placed to get ride of termites. I've got to contemplate this as I do not have all the needed info to make a decision...

[lom]

^Don't think that PVC is very expensive - do it!

[SEA Traveler]

Originally Posted by lom

^Don't think that PVC is very expensive - do it!

40K baht for the system installed is what I can get out of reading the Thai scripted e-mail. I'll need to get the wife to read and translate for me to get the full details. Apparently, the systems requires recharging annually and not sure of potential impact, if any, on ground water. I'm wondering if termites are infact an issue that hiring a termite exterminator on a one time deal might be the answer.

Still looking at and considering viable options.

[lom]

Originally Posted by SEA Traveler

I'm wondering if termites are infact an issue that hiring a termite exterminator on a one time deal might be the answer.

It is an option that I am using but my house is 1.5m over ground.
Termites living in the soil below a house will eventually come inside the house by building pathes on the concrete framework.
Looking at your photos, it seems there is not much space below your house so I think the pvc piping is the best option for you.

[SEA Traveler]

Originally Posted by lom

It is an option that I am using but my house is 1.5m over ground.
Termites living in the soil below a house will eventually come inside the house by building pathes on the concrete framework.
Looking at your photos, it seems there is not much space below your house so I think the pvc piping is the best option for you.

Khun Lom,

I do not take your recommendation lightly, have given consideration, and appreciate the candid thoughts provided... As it turns out, I have decided to go with a treatment is supposed to last for 5 years, that along with the fact that the floors will be approximately 1 meter or so off the ground, the doors in the house will be teak and are retardant to termite infestation, and the makha floors in 2 of the rooms are also resistant to termites should, although there is never 100% assurance, resolve any potential threats of termites. Additionally, remaining vigilant on my part to identification of the signs of any termite activity and taking prompt action will ensure the desired protection.

Thanks again for your thoughs on this matter.

[SEA Traveler]

Received cost estimate for my PVC Windows and Pool Patio French Doors yesterday. The estimates were actually within the budgetary allowance so will go with this company that offers steel lined PVC windows that are maintenance free, have tinted glass, will easily accept fly screening, and have secure locking devices.

The excavation for the pool was suposed to start on the 15th of February but have not had a report on that progress so I sent out an inquiry just a few moments ago and should be hearing back soon on status.

[dirtydog]

The termite control is worth it if you have loads of fitted furniture in your place, I think rent o kill charge like 5k baht per year, your furniture if it is made to fit will use pine batons, Thai termites think that is delicious.

[Driventowin]

Sea Traveler get the termite system installed another great thing about it is they can bait them and check periodically if you have some in the area and pre-empt any infestations you might have..

[SEA Traveler]

Originally Posted by dirtydog

The termite control is worth it if you have loads of fitted furniture in your place, I think rent o kill charge like 5k baht per year, your furniture if it is made to fit will use pine batons, Thai termites think that is delicious.

Grub a grub grub... Understand the word of caution. Sort of like insurance... have it and just hope you don't have to use it except in this case, it is preventive... like brushing your teeth.

What would a reasonable expense to have the complete system installed be? I'm figuring the perimeter around the house with all the corners and stuff might be close to 100 meters in length.

[dirtydog]

I really have no idea, maybe get a quote from rent o kill, I know on their yearly contract they come round the first time and drill loads of holes into the ground through your floor, then every month put poison down in it.

[DrAndy]

They drill holes all over your lovely floor and pump the poison in once a year. They come round once a month after to just spray the edges for cockroaches etc.

The next year they just open the holes again and pump more poison in.

Mine cost around B4000 a year for around 80 sq metres

It is worth it if you have lots of wood they like! My house in the city was completely rotten when we bought it, to the point of the workers putting a foot through the boards.

[SEA Traveler]

my contractor has advised that since my house sits up off the ground and has a crawl space of about 3/4 to 1 meter, at any future point I can the termite control chemical sprayed from under the house rather than having to put holes in the floor. Having the spray applied under the house seems a lot better than putting holes in the floor to do the spraying...

[Driventowin]

^Yep....Will they eradicate the Cobras too at that point?? Or is that extra??

[dirtydog]

Originally Posted by SEA Traveler

Contractor advised me that if I desire the inclusion of a system to get ride termites now is the time to install the system.

Originally Posted by SEA Traveler

my contractor has advised that since my house sits up off the ground and has a crawl space of about 3/4 to 1 meter, at any future point I can the termite control chemical sprayed from under the house rather than having to put holes in the floor.

Your contractor changes his mind a lot