Lowes opening 150 Stores in Australia

[KHONDAHM]

Just a heads up for anyone planning construction. It is possible to order everything you need online/over the phone and Lowe's will load your order into a 20' container delivered to their lot and picked up by a freight forwarder. Think windows and doors especially as the selection available in Thailand is slim and of comparatively low quality and standards. Mediocre quality in Thailand costs far more than if you were to ship superior quality over yourself.

I.e. I was recently quoted over $11,000 USD for uPVC upgrades (aluminum was a HUGE mistake). Lowe's in the USA quoted me less than $3,000 for what I really want (standard US spec steel reinforced double pane low E windows with inert gas insulation and embeded security mesh and steel doors).

Stores begin opening 2011. If you are building a western quality home after rainy season, it may be worth the wait and effort.

[jackspratt]

Given the existence of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Oz and Thailand, this may offer some possibilities, with 2 pre-conditions:

1. are the building materials KD alludes to covered by the FTA?

2. will the totally corrupt Thai Customs recognise the FTA, even if 1. above is the case?

[wazza]

" What FTA " is the catch cry of Thai customs

[KHONDAHM]

Walking through Lowe's as I type this. Looking at selection. Choices - oh how I miss having choices. Prices for everything I need are a fraction of what I am quoted in Thailand and exactly what I want/need. Weeping inside...sharing my misery *sniff*...