Finding and Building a Residence for Mr and Mrs MTSINTERNATIONAL

[SEA Traveler]

(Approximately 1 year later)
October 2007

It has been a year since we were in Thailand and were anxious to see the completed wall and area near our planned house construction site. On our drive from North Pattaya to the future residence of MTSINTERNATIONAL in Ban Chang, Rayong province, we stopped and picked up about 50 bamboo stakes ¾ meter in length and some colored ribbon. I had my plan to use the stakes and ribbon to layout the floor plan of the house on the land site. Upon arrival at the site of the future residence of MTSINTERNATIONAL, we examined the wall and noticed no irregularities. Khun had cleared away the small amount of brush that had grown on the dirt placed there a year earlier and all looked well at the site.

The construction of the Auusie’s house 50 meters down the road had progressed and resembled a house now but still had a way to go. One thing that I did notice about the Aussie’s house was that he had vinyl framed windows installed. Although I had planned on also using vinyl framed windows, the style was somewhat different than what was being used in the Aussie’s house. Anyway, it was good to see that some progress was being made in the neighborhood.

For the past year we had be corresponding with Khun our contractor about our tweaking of the floor plan but it wasn’t until we layed out the floor plan with the bamboo stakes and ribbon that we were able to make our final adjustments. Both the wife and I were pleased with being able to see and walk the actual layout in true dimension and Khun was good enough to hear what we had to offer about the final resulting floor plan modifications. OK, no more changes right??? Don’t bet the farm. Until it’s done there is always the opportunity to make changes.

Here I am staking out the floor plan on the land.







After walking the house floor plan layout, we made an initial trip into Rayong city to look at and price tiles and wood flooring. The next day and for the following few days we went to Home Pro and several of the other local Pattaya home supply stores to again look at tiles, wood flooring as well as to get an idea of the type and price of counter tops, kitchen cabinets, door hardware, sinks, mirrors, towel racks, toilets, cooking range, etc. For any one who has done this before, you know that it isn’t that difficult to come out more confused than when you went in. Anyway, we had a good idea of the style, colors, and prices of items and although we were not yet ready to make a decision, this information provided the basis for our planning process to continue.

We then proceeded back up to Bangkok to the teak wood door capitol of Thailand to look at the various styles and prices of teak wood doors. There was much commonality to the styles and pricing and I found it a matter of whom was able to best provide good solid information on their product, the process for making the doors, describing the various wood finishes offered and whether or not delivery to Ban Chang was included in the price. We found 1 shop where a manager or possibly the owner spoke English and was able to describe his products and the door making process with profound knowledge. He allowed us to take some pictures of the various style doors that we liked and he priced these doors for us.

Here is a picture of the double teak wood door that we selected as a very possible choice for our front door. It comes framed, each door is 90 x 200 cm, and has a finish of A/B.



The other exterior doors and interior doors are all 80 x 200 cm and will have an A or A/B finish as we specify. Here is a picture of the other door (at this point the picture displays an unfinished door) that we selected as a strong candidate for use.



The teak door for my office will be paned with glass and we have not yet picked that door out. Additionally, I have French doors and side windows planned for the exit to the patio where the pool will be located so they have not been identified here either.

I’m getting one heck of an education here though and I’m sure it will continue into the construction process and thereafter.

With progress on the house planning process well on it’s way, we decided to focus our attention on the swimming pool. If not for anything else, we decided on having on overflow pool system, set the dimensions for the swimming pool set at 5 x 9 meters with a ¾ circle spa at one end, 3 meter wide steps leading into the pool from one of the long sides, and a seating area along submerged 50cm under the water line on the same wall that the steps are on. Equipment type and manufacturer are still being reviewed with some insight being provided from both sources here in the USA as well as resident expats in LOS. Again, I’m getting a lesson, this time as it relates to swimming pool equipment and maintenance. Understanding that I still want to make a few adjustments, several of which I will mention here and note that the drawing swimming pool drawing below has yet to be updated. 1) the light at the bottom of the steps will be relocated to be inside the spa area. 2) the depth of the deep end of the pool will be reduced from 2.5 meter to 2 meters. 3) steps or some type of walk out to be included at deep end of pool. 4) I’m not totally satisfied with the steps on the long side of the pool so I’m looking at making some type of adjustment there. Anyway, I'll include a copy of the draft pool drawings in the next post:

So, from October 2007 until now, we have continuously reviewed the plans and housing supply, appliance, fixture, and paint brochures, made some minor adjustments and selections of appliances and paint colors we want, and have consulted with our project manager, contractor, pool contractor and interested professionals on this project. We have our plane tickets for a trip to Thailand in mid January and will have the ground breaking for construction of the house on 18 January 2008. As things proceed, I’ll continue with this posting but in the meantime, any helpful suggestions that reflect a professional’s experience in this matter will be accepted. Thanks in advance for all who offer good positive and professional comments offered in layman’s terms.

Until the next post….