SEA Traveler, I want to thank you for posting this thread on your adventures in constructing your home there in the Ban Chang, Rayong area. Your home and grounds are beautiful and you are to be congratulated in finding a competent builder and Project Manager to oversee the construction when you were not there to personally supervise. I know that it had to help your stress level knowing you were able to be in constant email contact and have progress pictures sent on a regular basis.
I am just recently retired and will be moving to Thailand sometime this year. I will start out in or around Pattaya and do some recce's to see what is around that area you are living in. I am single, so who know where I will eventually end up, but from what I have read and seen about Ban Chang and Rayong, I could be very happy there.
Anyhow, I wish you all the best and thanks once again for the time and effort to post your adventure.
JBG49