Quote Originally Posted by benlovesnuk
I know your not discussing your budget but are you paying per sqm, and does that mean your paying for 121m2 or for livable space (basically how did you get a total, without telling it to us)?
The price was a lump sum and agreed in a very short time. I had three alternative designs, all lifted from the same web site. With all the plans I sat down with Jan, Mom & Dad + a builder friend of Dads. After much deliberation everyone liked the current design, but with a few modifications. Builder went away and returned two days later with a lump sum price of 130% of the final agreed price. As this was way over Jan's budget, which was 80% of the agreed price he was sent packing. She then got three other prices of 210%, 160% and 140%.

At this stage, I concluded there was no way she could afford it and would have to have a small house and not the Thai style she wanted. This was received like a bad hangover so there was a big family meeting and half way through the builder friend was summoned to Dads house. After the meeting, it was announced that the house would be built for 100%, which was still 25% above her original budget. But this didn't appear to matter as Jan had a farang bf who could be called upon it times of emergency. A contract was prepared with the stage payment and works began.

Now Jan's biggest worry is that he will run out of money before its finished - she has already advanced money before the milestone was achieved. But I think it will be OK, even if it means using money from another project as it would be too much of a loss of face infront of Dad who helped him start up his business.


Quote Originally Posted by benlovesnuk
Sorry another question - will the wood paneling be flush with the concrete and does this mean that the structural pillars were set back slightly?
The front of the panelling will not be flush, but will slightly overlap the concrete to stop water seeping in. The edge of the structural columns are flush with the concrete walls. I think you can see this from the pics below.




Hey, benlovenuk, you are taking a keen interest in this build. Are you anywhere near Udon Thani? If so why not take a trip over there and have a look. This invitation goes to anyone else who is in the area as Jan loves to show off her new home!

Cheers