Having read many of the house build stories here, I decided to register in order to try and glean some up to date information and general answers for building a low cost Thai single storey house / shop unit upcountry.

It's not being built for a farang, however there will be safe electrics and proper toilets, (so maybe not strictly 'Thai style').

I have a number of questions regarding the basic outline structure that I'd appreciate some help with.

1. The Design
I believe that ideally this should be based around concrete posts at 4m intervals so a 12m x 12m building would require 16 pillars.

2. The Supporting Pillars
Is it best to use precast pillars or have the columns poured onsite? If using precast pillars, approximately how much do they cost at the present time?

3. The Slab
What depth of concrete is required for the base slab? I've been told that 10cm is enough, but do not want to find too late that it's not enough. Is it best to get this delivered direct from Siam Cement or to have it mixed onsite? Again costs of material per cubic metre would be helpful.

4. The Roof
To keep the construction simple, I've been told that simple gable ends are easist and cheapest to build. Are there any recommendation as to what would be a suitable angle of pitch to use and what the difference is in cost for different roofing materials?

5. The Walls
For a basic structure, I believe that using Supablock for all walls will be sufficient, however some have told me that red brick is a better material even though it requires more labour to build.

Apologies for starting out with so many questions, but having read through many build stories and hearing advice from people that I'm not sure have any experience in the process of building in Thailand, only in Western world countries, feedback from those that have 'been there and done it' would be useful.