Thanks for the responses guys. I have read a lot of your build Maaka, and I am aware of the type of problems you speak of. And of rice farmers who become part time builders to make a quid on the side. About 12 months a new cottage started springing up opposite the M-i-L's place in the village (a local owner-builder). The roof had just gone on and, being inquisitive, I walked over the road to have a look. When I came back I asked the missus if the guy was a farmer. I picked it in one, and told her to make sure that he doesn't come anywhere near our place when we start to build. I am prepared for downtime at Songkran, harvest time, new year etc. and can accommodate that.

Barney, I have read all of your build over the past few weeks, following it with interest. My small block (732 sq m) is in the village of Ban Thueam (hwy 2021), probably only 15 kms as the crow flies, and 15-20 mins by road. Hi, neighbour. I have a permanently rented house in Udon, but work in Nonthaburi (yes, a teacher Maaka). I will be back in Udon for the first two (long) weekends in December. Barney, have read your PM and would like to catch up sooner rather than later. Although I have been an Udonmap member for five years, I have only just started posting, and with only 8 posts to my name, I can't respond by PM. By the way, how many posts do I need to be able to PM? Barney, if you could send me an email to johnmounsey at mail2web.com I would like to make contact and arrange a visit.

Like many farrang I like to get a house build.. but how to find a good contractor!!!

I live about 15 km from Phen, towards Laos.
The people I found till now..(local farmers who think they can build) . no good at all!

Budget is depending on quality.. max 1.5, 2 million
That is including the "extra" expenses..

About 8 x 12 meters, 2 floors.
No shade... isolation must be good..

I can not PM. Don't know why.. (already sent an email to udonmap.com)

All real help would be fantastic!

Regards,

Frank (from Holland!)

My Thai wife and I just bought 2 ngan on land in Ban Koh, about 15km north of Udon Thani on highway 2021. We're trying to locate a local contractor to excavate the property. Mostly just removing tree stumps and clearing / leveling the site for building. We'll probably need some fill dirt as well. Can anyone recommend someone who does good work and reasonably priced?

Hi everyone and happy everything!
Does anyone have direct experience with Udon-based 'ModernDE House'? They are home builders.

ajarnudon wrote: ↑

November 21, 2016, 8:13 pm

Well, this thread certainly died a natural death without even a whimper. Very regrettable from the viewpoint of those like myself who will soon be commencing a build. There are several members who have finished projects in the last 12-18 months (or less) who have a wealth of information on this topic. I know because I have been keenly reading your build posts. I guess once your own project is over, you kinda lose interest in the subject. Be a sport and give those about to start the benefit of your experience. And those who are building (or about to), get the ball rolling by asking some specifics. Let me kickoff. I want to start on a 80 metre retaining wall (3 sides) in about 10 days, and use the experience as a test run to see if the guys handle it well enough to do the concrete foundations, pillars, beams and slabs for the house. If anyone can help with this, please reply here or PM me. Thanks (hopefully) in advance, John

Hi. How did you go finding a quality builder? We are also planning a build around Phibunrak (40kms East). Keen to find a reliable and trustworthy builder.

Regards
Peter

Mudshark. any chance of a peek at your floor plan?

WILLIAMS PROPERTY advertises on this forum - try them.

Bonanza wrote: ↑

January 5, 2022, 10:30 pm

WILLIAMS PROPERTY advertises on this forum - try them.

Unfortunately they are temporarily closed and have some poor reviews also.

Hi Peter
Sorry, I haven't been active lately and have only seen your post just now. No, I didn't find a reliable builder - I decided to build it myself. I sacked the crew who were building the wall, keeping just one as my foreman. He was a great choice - reliable and covers all trades except electrical. The labour came from my wife's family. I paid on a daily basis. It was a slow process, taking from 2017 to 2020 - because I work in BKK and nothing was done on site if I wasn't there to show what I wanted done and to personally supervise. You can see what was done in my building blog on this site - "Johns budget build". Hope your build goes well. Best wishes, John

welcome to alan