HERE ARE SOME PICS OF THE COMPLETED SOI PAVING PROJECT...
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HERE ARE SOME PICS OF THE COMPLETED SOI PAVING PROJECT...
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_CIMG3495.JPG
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_CIMG3496.JPG
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When you say 'retractable' fly screens, do you mean the roller type ?
Did you use these for windows or doorways ?
Would be interested to see a price for them to compare to the company I used here in Bkk. We used the the roller screens throughout the house, I shall try to find a pic and post below.
Smaller window screens, retract into roller at top, so open and close vertically...but they can also be installed horizontally.
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...1/SANY0038.jpg
Sliding door screens
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Sliding doors
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Yes Khun Nawty to all of your above references to the fly screens. As I am away from the house and won'r be able to view until I return in a few days, I am unable to comment or take and provide pictures at this time. I will however upon my returen and give you a report on the roller/retractable fly screens. Ciao for now.
SEA Traveler, Just read your whole thread this morning, very impressive!
I have recently bought a Rai of land in Ban Chang and have started getting the plans drawn up by an Architec. Hoping to start building January. I was actually astonished just how much your house resembles alot of aspects of what i am designing.
Also i am interested to know who your builder is. Sounds by your last post that you only need to finish the pool and you will be free of you builder / Project Manager. The first thing i need done is land fill and perimeter wall.
Thanks tons Khun Skid. Send me an e-mail [at] mtsinternational[at]hotmail.com to discuss details about contractor. Ciao!Quote:
Originally Posted by skidley
The home and pool are now both completed and the Mrs and I have been residing in the new home since 14 September (except for my few weeks away while working in Kuwait). As with any new home once you actually live in it, there are a few little things that end up requiring the contractor to fix/repair or a few construction quirks that pop out at you that also require rework. My place was no different however, I do consider myself fortunate that all items are minor and the contractor has already initiated corrective actions. Here are the type of items I speak about:Kitchen: no shelves in lower Kitchen Cabinet, Kitchen: no door stops on the Kitchen Cabinet Double Doors, Master Bathroom: put the fan switch with the shower light, not the switch for the light above the mirror, Master Bedroom: what is the one switch for? Master Bathroom: screen for the Master Bathroom window. (can a screen for the guest bathroom be installed also?), Outside Water Faucet near Master Bedroom Window: Fix screw around faucet, Guest Bathroom: Hot Water hose from Hot Water Heater is crimped. Uncrimp, Guest Bathroom: Put a turn off valve for the cold water going into the hot water heater, Driveway: 1 tile cracked and grout in several areas is coming out. There was one other item that gave us a shock one evening.
There was a noise in the guest bathroom and when I went it to check it out at 0300 in the morning, there was a spray of water coming out of the hot water heater. I ended up turning off the water to the house and later that morning the contractor came to repair the connection of the water pipe to the hot water heater. Fixed and anticipate no other issues with this item.
The completion of the pool is another issue. After my initial pool contractor bailed out on me, my house contractor agreed to complete the pool. There was considerable rework that needed to be done and that was in fact completed with success. I’ll spare you the technical details but know that the pool was successfully completed and we have been swimming in it. Still need to get the Ph and chlorine in balance the way that I would like it but that is a work in progress item. All things are a go. The house party will not take place until sometime in early 2009 due to the fact that our household good and furnishings will not be there at the home until then. By then, the house will have already developed some character with scratches and other little dents and marks but that is all part of owning a house. The landscaping is another thing. We did some minor landscaping and will be doing some more along the way. It takes some time and we are in no big hurry.
In summary, the trust and confidence I put in Khun has paid off. He delivered an acceptable product to specification (many of which were Western type specs) and at a quality level I considerable better than what can normally be found in Thailand from a Thai contractor. Khun has helped tremendously along the way and I appreciate his acting in my behalf during the effort because we were away for most of the construction. Anyway, here are some of the final pictures of the place. It was a challenge and now it is done. Time to enjoy! I’d welcome the opportunity to address any questions about the way I did things. Know though that there are many ways to skin a cat and we all have our own preferences for what we want and the way we do things. Enjoy and happy construction in Thai.
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and more pics but before I forget, there were a few things that I did to assist in making the home more liveable. Little things like adding cushins inside the door to minimize the noise of wood on wood when the door is closed, and adding the same type cushins on the few table and chairs that we have in the house to avoid scratching the floor, etc. I'm sure there were other items but they escape me now.
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The place looks absolutely fantastic Khun Sea and what a difference a little grass and some plants make. I hope that you will both be very happy living there, for a long, long time.
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And so dear readers, there you have it. If there are any questions that I might be helpful in answering, feel free to address them to me at MTSINTERNATIONAL[at]HOTMAIL.COM. Thanks All for you comments and interest. It's been fun. Ciao!
Thanks Khun Loom for your kind words and support through the project. And right back at you about your lovely place as well. We shall have to try and make a rendezvous some time down the road.Quote:
Originally Posted by Loombucket
Same from me mate!Quote:
Originally Posted by Loombucket
Thanks Tons Khun Jizzy. We will try and abide by your wishes. Ciao!Quote:
Originally Posted by jizzybloke
The pool looks inviting. I think the wife and I will have to go take a plunge.
How much water left the pool on that cannon ball you did?
I know some of the struggles that were made but mostly it went pretty smooth and as you say Khun & Co. did a great job for you.
The place will keep you happy for a long time.
Thanks Mr & Mrs Hino. Trials and tribulations of building a home & pool were certainly recognized. Yea, the cannon ball... well someone had do be the first... ciao!Quote:
Originally Posted by HINO
congrats.....pool looks good.
Thanks Khun Nawty. and it is a real pleasure beng able to enjoy it now.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nawty
23 December 2008
I've got a U.S. house full of particially wrapped and packed stuff I'll be bringing to Thai in a few weeks/months. International Freight Forwarding company contracted to haul my stuff over in a 20' container. I'll attempt to someday after the holidays when I get some movement on this effort to post the particulars. Ciao for now.
Really wonderful Khun Sea and thanks so much for the time and effort you have put in and to share the build with us here on TD.
Glad to see you got your pool sorted out and it really does look beautiful.
Hope to come down and see you soon!
Again job well done and congratulations to you and Mrs Sea. :)
Thanks for the kind words Khun LT. The move is inevibtable as 3 Jan is the retirement date... Organization is bringing me back as a contractor consultant for between 30-90 days in the U.S. which means the house warming party will be held in abeyance pending my (our) arrival and the arrival of the hold baggage/household goods. In good time though. I'll provide the advisement when the keg is tapped. Good news is that after the initial 30-90 days of the contract consultant honeymoon thing, I'll be able to conduct the international equip delivery operations while being home based in Thai. Hooooa! Turning the page. A new Chapter and adventure.Quote:
Originally Posted by Loy Toy
10 Mar 09
OK! Back in the mix again. The 90 day contract thing after retirement is almot upon the wife and I. Managed to get called upon for 2 equipment delivery trips to Eurpoe. Poland and Romania specifically so a slight more delay to actually moving into the house but it will be in April... House hold good that will fit into a 20 foot container are wrapped and ready to be loaded. Lots of books, Bar-B-Q grill, quality bedroom furniture, and all those things that I have accumulated from travels else where around the world. Things will hopefully be a lot more simple when making this permenant move to Thailand but somehow I feel that may not be the case. In any event, wanted to get back into the mix of things. Oh yea, I've had a caretaker for the house and I've had more than just a few people hanging out at the house to make sure it was properly taken care of, family for the most part. Some just stopping by for a swim ocassionally but that is what I have the house for because without family and friends, where are we???? Ciao to all. Later.
18 Mar 2009
Word from the shipping company indicated household good arrival will be 18 May 2009. Something to look forward to.
Arrived about 2 weeks ago from America back to the new Thai house after being away for 6 months. Things generally in like new condition. Grass needed a little watering, there was a little cleaning up of bird and gecko, removal of some residual cement left on the roof that was restricting water flow off the roof, and the cosmetic repair of some minor cracks on the property wall rendering. The pool is functioning properly and when it isn't raining it is being enjoyed tremendously. Contact with the Thai agent for delivery of container with household goods is still scheduled for the end of the month so we are looking forward to that date. Further update reporting with pics to be provided after completion of the move in of household goods and furniture. Ciao for now.
ello mate,hope you and family are well, hope all goes well, cant wait for the pics and update
Glad you made it and now life begins. The first thing out of the container is the BBQ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by HINO
can't recall where in the container the Bar B Q Grills were placed but surely they will be one of the first to be unpacked and put to use. Looking forward to grilling some good old fashion grilling USA style.... and often also.
Ammended container arrival date is now some unknown time period in June. Container got hung up in Germany and apparently everyone forgot it was there because it was left in Germany for about 20 days. I'm told the container left Germany on 20 May and will arrive in Singapore with onward movement to Thailand. Thai agent is attempting to nail down the date when container will arrive and subsequent delivery to the house but nothing firm yet. In the time being we are finishing up the landscaping.Quote:
Originally Posted by SEA Traveler
Upon return back to the new house after being away for about 6 months, we had some landscaping voids that required immediate attention. So, we made the acquiring of some foliage and ground cover our number 1 priority.
Spouse and I both like the looks of the cocktail palm trees so we got some of those for around the interior perimeter. A few dwarf mango trees, a small papaya tree, a banana tree and some sort of Hawaiian flowing bush were added to the grounds. Additionally, in a large bare area near the pool and rear wall, we decided to split it up between a rock garden and some grass sod. To top it all off, we placed a “sala” near the pool as a place to provide some shade and have some afternoon refreshment.
Following are a few pictures of our accomplishments during the past 2 weeks. Not sure what might need to be done in the future but for now it is time to sit back and wait for the container… and some swimming in the pool while waiting.
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Looking very very nice mate.
Thanks Khun JJ. I'm posting some sala pictures to follow in a few moments.
Now, any one who thinks getting a “Sala” from the location purchased to the residence location is an easy task, they have got another thing commin. 1st of all, there are power and phone lines to consider, openings of the gate, having enough labor to maneuver the “Sala” into position, and most importantly of all, a means of transportation that can haul the “sala”….
Now this isn’t any old “Sala” I’m told. Yes, it is a new “Sala” but the wood is more than 100 years old. The 4 corner pillars came from the main support pillars of an old traditional Thai house. The benches and roof all came from other parts (wall panels, shutters, etc) of the same house. Parts are teak and other parts are some sort of other wood, I’m not sure at this time exactly what. There are some nails used here and there but there are also some wood stakes used as nails and some large screws holding this “sala” together. It is one heavy piece.
The following few pictures show the movement and placement of the sala into position at the residence. I am happy to report that there were no physical injuries, no broken lamps on the perimeter wall, no sala pieces broken, and no damage at all for that matter. There were some phone lines knocked down off the pole but they were quickly tied back into position by a Thai guy who climbed the pole like a monkey and did the one handed tie back of the wires. No harm no foal. Anyway, here are the pictures.
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That's me in the above picture... far left in yellow tank top T shirt. Had to make sure the job was done right the first time...
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will you put any shade over the pool mate?
Good question but I made a conscious decision about that and "Mi Chi" about the shade over the pool. The pool was meant to have sun into the early evening and I'd hate to have any shade trees blocking the warmth of the sun during the day. Besides, shade trees around the pool yield unwanted leaves into the water. There is enough shade under the patio as well as what the sala provide so, no additional shade for the water area of the pool.Quote:
Originally Posted by jandajoy
Just caught up with this. Lovely sala mate, we saw similar things for sale in Khorat. Just a bit too small and far too expensive. Garden is looking a treat. Well done
Very, very nice place.
Khun Loom, there are many places building and selling "salas" and there was a lot of looking around for me before the purchase was made. As for the size and cost of the "salas" up in Khorat, I'm sure they have some larger and less expensive ones that are available at a different maker/shop/road side location than what you might have stopped at and talked to. It is like anything else, your time will come. I figured I got a good price for the size we needed for the particular location we wnat to place it at. I'm sure you will find yours as well. Ciao.Quote:
Originally Posted by Loombucket
Thanks Fuzzy Bob. Much appreciated. It wasn't accomplished without a lot of ups and downs though. Ciao!Quote:
Originally Posted by Fuzzy Bob
Sawatdee Khrab Khun Sea T, Just finished reading your build story and I must say you have done an outstanding job. Hope all goes well with the final move-in.
Thanks BKKBILL. Stand by for the update with pics of the move in. I writting and posting pics of that event now. Ciao!
After almost 3 months from the date of packing and loading into the container from my US residence on the East coast in the States, the container arrived at my Thai residence in Ban Chang, Thailand. It was with some consternation on my part when I scouted the route that the truck would be taking into the soi to reach my residence and noticed the somewhat low hanging electrical and telephone wires. I took some measurements from the road surface to the height of the wires and converted them into cm. The distance was approximately 420 cm. Hummmm. So I advised the Thai agent that the driver of the truck carrying the container would need to be cautious when entering the soi and I requested him to also provide me with the height of the container on the truck. The response back was 435 cm or something close to that. The Thai moving agent indicated that they could place the container on a truck that when the container was on it would only reach a height of 380 cm or so. That was the best option and that is what we decided on.
At 0800 on the scheduled day last week, the truck with the container arrived ahead of the scheduled 0830 time and passed into the soi without any difficulty. Upon examination of the container, all looked well. OK, good start.
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At 0830, the Thai moving agent arrived and we discussed the final payment due. I paid the balance of the move due and it was the exact balance as the Stateside agent indicated it should be. I paid the additional port fees that were about 4500 baht and a customs charge of 340 baht or something like that. I asked the Thai agent what this was about and he indicated that the Thai customs officials indicated that the used bicycle was not considered to be a customs free personal item that the spouse was entitled to ship customs free. I was not about to question that small charge since I often heard of others paying considerable customs taxes or 10,000 baht to make the customs inspection just go away. I considered this small fee insignificant and was pleased to get away with that.
At 0830, the labor to move the contents of the container arrived. The container was opened and much to my satisfaction, there was no evidence that the container had been anything other than opened. Nothing had been moved as the bed mattress and box springs were still at the entrance of the container doors and the tie downs had not been unlashed. Additionally, the double plastic wrap of the mattresses and box springs had no rips in them and there was no mildew. Fantastic.
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The contents of the container were completely unloaded and the inventory of the boxes against the manifest was conducted. Everything present and accounted for.
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Those items requiring assembly such as bed, patio furniture, Bar-B-Q, book shelves, china cabinet, TV stand, coffee table, etc were place aside and all other boxes were taken either into the kitchen, the office, or the 2nd guest room as we directed them to based on contents. As we decided to do the unpacking ourselves this seemed like the best option. The larger pieces of furniture were placed in the location that we wanted them. Assembly of those items requiring to be put together was started and that took considerable time as there was a bunch of stuff to be assembled.
At 1700, they had completed the assembly, clean up of of boxes and packing materials, and were ready to go. Great, no damage to any of the shipped. Now the real work was to begin. Unpacking the contents of the 60 or so some odd boxes with books, kitchen stuff, cloths, personal items collected from our world travels and all the other stuff that people lug around with them selves. Believe me, we did a big purge of stuff prior to leaving the US and we kept a lot of things at our residence that we kept there. After about 4 days of unpacking and putting things away, about al we have left to do is hang a few pictures on the wall. We have identified the locations where we are going to put most of the pictures but just need to find a way to accomplish this effort in a way that we find acceptable. At first thought, drilling a hole, putting a plug into the drilled hole and then a screw into the plug to hold the picture just does not seem like the way I want to approach this endeavor. Not as the 1st option anyway. Some of the pictures we will be hanging have a nice brass hanger attached to the top of the picture frame and to hang that on a screw where the screw can be readily seen just does not sit well with me. For those pictures with a chain or string that hangs on the back that goes from one side are ok for placement on the screw. Anyway, I on the hunt for a viable solution.
In the time being, here are some pictures or the results of the move effort and the placement of the furniture into the new house. All in all, a good move and now it will be time to enjoy the simple life. The good life. And as so many back home accuse me of doing, “LIVING THE DREAM”. Hey Tee Lak, can you bring me another pitcher of Margaritas? Thanks.
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Above: entrance looking into living area (kitchen, dining, living room).
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Above: looking into dining room and living room.
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Above: living room and entrance.
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Above: Dining room and Kitchen.
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Above: Guest Room #1.
I'll have to figure out how to reduce the size of the pics. My appologies. HEre are the remaining pics.
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ABOVE: The Workshop.
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Above: The Workshop take 2.
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Above: The Office.
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Above: The Office take 2.