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bruceveld

I am about to build 7 Thai shop houses. You have seen them everywhere. Big entrance, mezzanine, 2 additional floors. the standard.

I understand that building mateirals are way down at the moment. Does anyone have any idea how much these should cost? I am thinking of doing them step by step. begin with just the concrete superstructure, then brick in the walls later (when I have more money lol)

Suggestions?

Bruce

Loy Toy

Budget about 10,000 Baht per square metre but that doesn't include any tiles, fittings and especially built-in fixtures and furniture.

Labour would be included in the above price and as you are building 7 units make sure you buy in bulk and get a good discount and at least 30 days payment terms.

bruceveld

Is 10,000 just a rule of thumb for general construction? I am kind of hoping to have one of my Thai staff be the General Contractor of sorts, hiring each part of the project.

I have also been told that materials are way low at the moment...

Loy Toy

Mate it really depends on what happens with the economy in the future and in particular the cost of oil.

Prices are down at the moment but I really don't know for how long.

Generally you should allow about 2,500 baht for labour and 7,500.00 for the other materials.

Just a word of warning I got stung pretty bad and because of the inflation costs of building materials and your rule of thumb should remain about 10 grand a square metre. If things improve then it will be too your advantage, not your loss.

I don't know how good your nominated staff is but make sure you check the quotes and pay the accounts straight from your own pocket. Get at least 3 quotes for each job and you should do just fine.

They, the Thais do have a habit of loading each part of the job and to their financial advantage (with all due respects to your man).

I would also get all your building permission drawings and documents in order and then hand those drawings out too 3 or 4 building contractors and so as to compile prices based on a turn-key scenerio.

These builders should be able to source the materials at the best prices and as there isn't a lot of work around at the moment they will be dropping their pants to pick up your order.

Good luck mate.