Finding and Building a Residence for Mr and Mrs MTSINTERNATIONAL

[SEA Traveler]

but my "Box Brownie" is a little too old fashioned - a bit like me![/COLOR]

YUP! I agree w Khun Boozer on this one.

[SEA Traveler]

1 Aug 2008:

I title this submission “THE GOOD – THE BAD – and THE UGLY” for good reason as you will see from the pictures.

“THE GOOD”: Kitchen granite counter to installation has begun. The black granite with white specs in it looks as nice on the counter top as it did hanging on the wall, even without being cleaned up and shinny it still gives off a very sharp reflection. I like the contrast or the black counter top with that the dark cherry colored cabinets. Come the weekend, the counter top, sink, and cooking surface installation should all be completed.

The granite counter top is also being installed in the 2 bathrooms. Although a totally different color than what is in the kitchen, the dark cherry red with black specs in it complements the color of the cabinets quite well. Interesting thing about the sink that will be going in the counter top. No one can find the water faucet. I let Khun wonder about it for a day until I wrote him back ad advised that we had not yet purchased the faucet but only identified it by company code number. It was a relief for Khun. So, since neither Khun or my wife the note keeper no longer had the model code for the faucet, I, from the US, did some surfing of faucets on the internet and sent Khun some pictures of 2 styles of acceptable faucets from which he could look around the various Thai construction supply stores to find one that looked similar. I know that some brands are probably better than other so if anyone has some insight as to what makes one faucet better than another and wanted to offer this information, it would be appreciated. Anyway, I did advise Khun to make sure that the faucet should not come more than ½ way into the front of the sink. I don’t particularly want to be spitting tooth paste onto the faucet when brushing my teeth in the morning when trying to spit in the sink. Here is a picture of the faucet design I’m looking for. I’ll report more on the faucet once it is installed.



“THE BAD”: The face of the side of the front door has a lip on it so I realize that putting the lock on the door could be tricky. However, one does not have to look too hard to see that the dead bolt lock on the front door is not flush with the face of the side of the door. This not only looks bad but it could scratch someone or tear someone’s cloths. Anyway, when I pointed this out to Khun via e-mail and pictures, he had already identified it and had called his carpenters back to make the appropriate adjustment. I’m not sure what that adjustment will look like but I’ll show you an after an adjustment picture later when it has been completed.

“THE UGLY”: Like the “BAD”, “THE UGLY” needs no clarification. In this case, in an effort to save me a few baht, scarp tiles left over from the job were used for the Thai Kitchen outside patio. Now I know everyone’s intentions were good and they were trying to save me a few baht but give me a break. The effort just did not look good. It looked “UGLY”. Khun has purchased new tiles identical to those on the Thai Kitchen outside stress and to those used on the driveway. I suspect they will be installed before the weekend is over.

So, all in all, things are looking good and I’m content that Khun has both identified those things that were just not right but has taken action to correct and when he is done, I’m sure it will be “ALL GOOD”..

Here for your entertainment pleasure are the pictures, (complement of Khun Hino and wife) of “THE GOOD” – “THE BAD” – and “THE UGLY”:

"THE GOOD"

Above Picture: Kitchen Counter Top with black with white specked granite.


Above Picture: Master Bathroom dark cherry red with black specked granite counter top.

"THE BAD"

Above Picture: Front door dead bolt lock that just doesn't look just right. But keen Khun had already identified it and had called his carpenters back to adjust.


"THE UGLY"

Above Picture: Thai Kitchen outside patio... need anything else be said? UGLY. But it it is in the process of being fixed along with the steel rebar handle that will be recessed into the cover. Would have hated to take a fall on that some late evening.

CIAO!

[SEA Traveler]

problems with the post. not sure of problem. will try again later.

[SEA Traveler]

2 Aug 08:

“THE GOOD – THE BAD – and THE UGLY” revisited to see the corrected action. Much better as you can see from the below picture where the adjustments was made.

[Loombucket]

what makes one faucet better than another?

I think that it is the thickness of the chrome and the quality of the 'bits' inside. Tap washers are pretty much the same, but the screw mechanisms can vairy quite a bit. I am no Plumber, but I have changed a few taps over the years.

[DrAndy]

The ones with a ceramic washer are the best, and easiest to use

[SEA Traveler]

what makes one faucet better than another?

I think that it is the thickness of the chrome and the quality of the 'bits' inside. Tap washers are pretty much the same, but the screw mechanisms can vairy quite a bit. I am no Plumber, but I have changed a few taps over the years.

Thanks Khun Loom for the insight. As with all us happy home owners, we have gained experience from "DIY" and "Honey Do" projects. Besides, it is enjoyable handling all the associated "man tools" for completion of the projects.

[SEA Traveler]

The ones with a ceramic washer are the best, and easiest to use

Thanks for the advisement Khun Andy. Do you know if the ceremic washers be purchased seperatly and used to replace a non ceramic washer to increase performance?

[SEA Traveler]

4 Aug 2008:

Wrapping up the posts on the rework and correction of the “BAD and the UGLY” efforts pointed out in previous posts, pictures of the front door dead bolt lock and the guest bathroom shower hardware after correction are posted below. Thanks Khun Hino for the fine pictures of final days of construction effort.


above picture: front door dead bolt and lock reworked.


above picture: guest bedroom shower hardware made straight.

New effort in the finalizing of the details on the house include the installation of the Western kitchen sink, installation of the Western kitchen wall splash tile, installation of the cooking surface, and installation of the Thai kitchen wall splash tile and sink.


above picture: Western kitchen sink installed.


above picture: Western kitchen granite counter top, sink and splash tile installed.


above picture: cooking surface and splash tile installed.


above picture: Western kitchen cooking surface, granite counter top, wall splash tile, and portable island installed.


above picture: Western Kitchen.


above picture: Thai kitchen granite counter top, wall splash tile and sink installed.

Additionally grass sod has been delivered and will be placed and watered on Tuesday.


above picture: delivered grass sod that willneed to be layed and watered.

[sunsetter]

looking damn fine my man!! cant wait to see the garden

[Nawty]

Also there are diferent grades of stainless steel.

For example you need the highest grade in seaside areas and on boats.

But you can get away with a lower grade inland.

Also in los some unscrupulous....rare I know...people sell chrome as stainless to the unwary.

Other things are the smoothness of the moving parts. Go turn some Grohe taps and then go turn some of the cheap brands such as toto or moderno or whatever it is called, similar.

[SEA Traveler]

5 Aug 2008:

After the larger stones and rocks had been picked up and off the dirt yard, the grass fairy came around and soaked the ground with water and carefully placed the grass sod on the ground. With that completed, a cement roller was run over the area where the grass sod was placed and another good watering of the grass was done. The freshly layed sod will require daily watering and in a few weeks it will have sprouted roots down into the dirt.

It really is beginning to look like a yard now. We have a few trees ordered and we will place those within the next month or so and then we can really begin to layout more precisely how we want the garden set up. I suspect we will have to relocate some of the grass sod is seen placed in these below pictures to another location to make room for the vegetable garden. But plenty of time to work those details out over the next several months…


above picture: grass sod over most of the back side yard. Either a miscalculation or limited capacity in the delivery truck resulted in a delivery slightly less than what is needed. I'm advised that Khun is working to fix this issue.


above picture: sod covering most of the yard.


above picture: here is the grass guy walking the roller over the freshly layed sod. Tree planing and layout out both the vegetable, herb and flower gardens are next. Should be lots of fun.

[sunsetter]

been waiting for the gardening part nice one sea, take your time with the garden, cant wait to see it coming on,green and greener!

[SEA Traveler]

Also there are diferent grades of stainless steel.

For example you need the highest grade in seaside areas and on boats.

But you can get away with a lower grade inland.

Also in los some unscrupulous....rare I know...people sell chrome as stainless to the unwary.

Other things are the smoothness of the moving parts. Go turn some Grohe taps and then go turn some of the cheap brands such as toto or moderno or whatever it is called, similar.

Thanks Khun Nawty. Yup, I agree, smooth moving parts with well lubricated, limited friction movement is always a welcomed sight in fine equipment. It is so apparent when there is a craftman at work, everything just runs a lot smoother and lasts a lot longer.

[SEA Traveler]

been waiting for the gardening part nice one sea, take your time with the garden, cant wait to see it coming on,green and greener!

Yup, should be a good time planning the actual garden out. Is laying out a garden your forte or something you enjoy doing? You are correct, it will take some time.

[SEA Traveler]

I have Khun Hino to be thankful to for providing the grass sod pictures above. Well done and Thanks KKhun Hino!!!

I have a new house perspective that can be seen in the below few pictures. "New" perspective in that a wind angle lens was used and were taken by a BKK friend.

Ciao!

[Panthip]

ST.
Your place looks enormous on the photos, how many square meters is the house?

And it looks very, very nice.

[SEA Traveler]

ST.
Your place looks enormous on the photos, how many square meters is the house?

And it looks very, very nice.

Panthip, it's the lense used for the pics that make it look enormous as you say. In reality, it is nice, made to spec with quality workmanship for Thai, and is comfortable but not all that big. Thanks for the kid words though.

[Propagator]

5 Aug 2008:

After the larger stones and rocks had been picked up and off the dirt yard, the grass fairy came around and soaked the ground with water and carefully placed the grass sod on the ground. With that completed, a cement roller was run over the area where the grass sod was placed and another good watering of the grass was done. The freshly layed sod will require daily watering and in a few weeks it will have sprouted roots down into the dirt.

It really is beginning to look like a yard now. We have a few trees ordered and we will place those within the next month or so and then we can really begin to layout more precisely how we want the garden set up. I suspect we will have to relocate some of the grass sod is seen placed in these below pictures to another location to make room for the vegetable garden. But plenty of time to work those details out over the next several months…




Hmmm Khun SEA that soil looks very very sandy, was a covering of decent soil put over it as it does not look like it to me. In all my years of laying turf I have never used a roller afterwards just 'planked' it as it tends to stretch the sods.

Tip from an old hand - when you start putting the beds etc in try to make them contoured as this will takethe eye away from the squareness

[Loombucket]

Tip from an old hand - when you start putting the beds etc in try to make them contoured as this will take the eye away from the squareness

A very good point Props. I like a lot of different radius bends, myself, and don't be afraid to layer the beds. Think of it as a window display, some bits up, some bits down. Lots of great plants to choose from in LOS. Good luck.

[SEA Traveler]

Hmmm Khun SEA that soil looks very very sandy, was a covering of decent soil put over it as it does not look like it to me. In all my years of laying turf I have never used a roller afterwards just 'planked' it as it tends to stretch the sods.

Tip from an old hand - when you start putting the beds etc in try to make them contoured as this will takethe eye away from the squareness

Khun Prop, I have not had the soil tested to determine the exact composition and the dirt may very well look more sandy than it actually is because of all the good soaking but I would suspect that the truckloads of after construction soil that was brought in were specific to the needs of the grass sod placed. I'm guessing time will tell and if the grass takes hold, growss, and stays green, it will be called a success. As for the contoured cut when putting in the garden beds, I like that concept and will consider seriously when getting to that point. But I'll need to be in country to do that as that will be a more hands on and personal project. Thanks for the advisement. Ciao!

[SEA Traveler]

I appreciate the upfront/beforehand advisement offers men as they pretty much support and compliment what it is I want to accomplish once I'm boots on the ground and can add some more of personal touches in this case, with the landscapping. I may even go as far as to add some slightly rolling terrain and I need to keep some room so I can put in a small pond and waterfall in the far NW corner. Lots of time for all this once I'm again in country. Ciao!

[sunsetter]

been waiting for the gardening part nice one sea, take your time with the garden, cant wait to see it coming on,green and greener!

Yup, should be a good time planning the actual garden out. Is laying out a garden your forte or something you enjoy doing? You are correct, it will take some time.

yep i do landscaping mate, so if you need any advice pm me

[SEA Traveler]

been waiting for the gardening part nice one sea, take your time with the garden, cant wait to see it coming on,green and greener!

Yup, should be a good time planning the actual garden out. Is laying out a garden your forte or something you enjoy doing? You are correct, it will take some time.

yep i do landscaping mate, so if you need any advice pm me

Appreciate the advisement Khun Sun. I will be contacting you when the time is right. Out of ammo now, catch me next time... In the mean time, don't take any wooden nickles. Ciao!

[Deck Ape]

Khun Sea Traveler,

I enjoyed your thread immensly. Your dedication to this project is reflected in the result. Talking here about your home, but the same could be said for your long and entertaining thread. Keep up the good work.

DA