New Home Build "LET THE HEADACHES BEGIN"

Post by **Baht Man** » November 26, 2013, 8:23 am

After finishing my rough plans and quizing a number of builders I figured to pull the trigger on the construction. A couple of changes occurred while talking to the builder, but “no problem” seemed the standard response.

A few days prior to the start date, the workers set up their “resort”, ran a water and electric line and dug themselves a toilet and constructed a shower stall. During those few days, I had concerns about the trash being generated and utilities consumed. After all, no one was living on the land but the crews would be here for “150” days.
The Ms. had a talk with him and on the start day he showed up with a do’s and don’ts sign be posted on the site. He also told her that he would pay for the water and electric during the build.

He had also laid out the floor plan on the site with a lot of stakes and string, even though he knew I was going to shrink it down due to costs, but he was very eager to start a house unlike he’d built before.

He seemed genuinely concerned and willing to help whenever possible. I watched him build a house near the one I was renting the quality and finished product was quite nice. He had been building from age 15 with his father and although he had two others going on at the time, assured he he’d stay on top of things, which he has.

The plan was to get town and get the deposit required so he could start. By the time I got back, the worker bees were already hard at it and he’d already signed the contract acknowledging receipt of the funds. I’m building on the back piece of a chunk I own and told then the rest was available for them to forage, and hey waste little time in collecting meals from the land. (I’m not into frogs and bugs anyway)i

Hopefully, this build will go better and end in amicably unlike others I’ve heard and read about

Pics and progress reports to follow.

Post by **Sakhonnick** » November 26, 2013, 8:29 am

Good luck, I'm in my 3rd house in Thailand, by far the best though it is the smallest, the other 2 gave me so much problems, and sold both at a loss, so far this one is better, I've learned so much, my advice be there as much as you can, I've learned most Thais can't visualize an end result, or pre plan before concrete is poured etc

Post by **Baht Man** » November 26, 2013, 7:59 pm

Thanks
My guy seems pretty good at understanding my concept and I'm there every day so far.
Posts are set and footers poured. Pics follow as soon as I get the card reader from the Ms.
I don't plan on reselling so I'm not putting in an expensive kitchen.

Post by **nel123** » November 27, 2013, 6:47 am

Hi Bahtman

If you have time posting pics etc on your build, you might want to consider posting on coolthaihouse they like that sort of thing and you can get some great advice too.

Post by **Baht Man** » November 27, 2013, 8:09 am

Thanks for the reminder. I've been there a lot over the years and will post there as well.

Post by **Aardvark** » November 27, 2013, 10:36 am

Looking forward to watching your House grow

Post by **Baht Man** » November 28, 2013, 8:46 am

Before the build a few ground rules were set up by the Ms. and the builder.

Roughly translated:
Don’t: Take the ducks, geese and chickens, or their eggs. Don’t take the fish. Don’t fight or make loud noises and don’t go into his other buildings or take anything without asking.
Do: Pick up your trash and put it in the bin provided. Do only quality work.
Work hard and God will help you. If you don’t work hard and do a good job, no one can help you.

The rough layout was made

Two days, 6 diggers and 27 holes later.

Main support footers were 150 x 150 x 150.
Beam footers were 100 x 100 x 150

Post by **Baht Man** » December 3, 2013, 10:03 am

After the traditional blessings/offerings were made to posts were set in the holes.

The attachment IMG_4157 (800x533).jpg is no longer available

6 pc. DB 12mm SP 40 rebar on 50cm 240 mix cement.
Notice the satang for the spirits. (not the spirits I would have used them for)

After all the posts were raised, C-Pac did it's thing.

Post by **bluejets** » December 3, 2013, 5:44 pm

By the size of the holes those guys are standing in it looks like about maybe 10 to 15 story building is being setup.

Post by **Aardvark** » December 3, 2013, 6:11 pm

Better safe than sorry

Thanks for the Photo's Baht man ....

Post by **bluejets** » December 4, 2013, 5:43 am

I suppose you use tractor tyres on your car also..? better to be safe than sorry.
or perhaps 300mm square mains cable to your house electrics...better to be safe than sorry.

Post by **Aardvark** » December 4, 2013, 6:09 pm

bluejets wrote:I suppose you use tractor tyres on your car also..? better to be safe than sorry.
or perhaps 300mm square mains cable to your house electrics...better to be safe than sorry.

Now now, just a bit of gentle Humour

Post by **Baht Man** » December 12, 2013, 12:57 pm

Aardvark wrote:Better safe than sorry Thanks for the Photo's Baht man ....

I agree and the bigger holes and related steel make me feel a bit more relaxed.

And, occasionally I use truck tires on my car

Post by **Baht Man** » December 12, 2013, 1:30 pm

Holes were finished C-Pac did a pour and a light slab of cement was placed where the beams were to go and the cages were made.

Post by **Baht Man** » December 12, 2013, 1:37 pm

After the frames were installed, C-Pac was back out to pour the beams using up 15 cubes.
Due to the addition I added to the front, assess was not available to the far side and a crane/ bucket was used.
A bit easier than buckets I've seen in the past.

Now I know what the spacers made earlier were going to be used for.

Post by **maaka** » December 12, 2013, 1:47 pm

good to see it coming along Baht Man, and interesting to see the stages, just in case I find myself doing the same in the years ahead...keep the photos coming...

Post by **ronan01** » December 12, 2013, 3:53 pm

A question: what quality control is used to ensure concrete mix is consistent from pour to pour?

Post by **Drunk Monkey** » December 12, 2013, 4:55 pm

maaka wrote:good to see it coming along Baht Man, and interesting to see the stages, just in case I find myself doing the same in the years ahead...keep the photos coming...

YES great stuff BM .. keep the pics n posts coming im enjoying following this .

DM

Post by **Barney** » December 12, 2013, 5:21 pm

Hi Baht Man,

Good to see the progress in pictures.
Just out of interest did you use any outside help with your plans or as you mentioned or just finalised yourself and spoke and reviewed to the builder. Meaning did you have any architect or building consultant check the finer details ie: roof, walls, electrics, plumbing, drainage etc etc.

You may remember me from when i went to your land and looking to purchase.
When i finally get to Udon i will drop out to have a look and a chat if that's ok. I will be building through next year and I am sure you will have some good ideas. Most likely beginning of March now as I have a new job to go to in a not to far off land and my practicing for retirement period is over.Good while it lasted. Just confirming my fly in out roster.

Barney

Post by **Baht Man** » December 21, 2013, 1:29 pm

ronan01 wrote:A question: what quality control is used to ensure concrete mix is consistent from pour to pour?

A 240 mix was ordered from C-Pac and they provide slump test results with every truck.
(Of course that's all I had to go on as I didn't/couldn't do my own)
The mix was quite dry and of the proper consistancy.