Luxury House Construction at Lakewood Golf Club (Design and Build) by Bangkok Builder

Bangkok Builder finished the construction of a luxury house, for a client at Lakewood Golf Club, Bangkok. The house was built with 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, living room/dining room, modern luxury kitchen, office/library, storage room, laundry room, maids accommodation, Thai kitchen and carport for 3 cars.  The master bedroom suite had a glass shower cubicle, with three types of showers, with a wall in a natural stone finish. There was also an external outside rain shower. Once it was all completed, as the chosen house builder, we then started the construction of the house. The home used some natural stone, sand stone and German standard wooden flooring. It had a main swimming pool and child’s pool, separated by a bridge, which went over to the Sala. There was also an individual heated Jacuzzi.  Our smart home systems expert installed automated lighting systems, automatic remote control gates and various smart home systems for the client.

Another main feature in the master bedroom, was a custom made, in ground heated spa bath, with exact temperature control and automated refill. It was in fact the first time a spa bath of this size, which filled in an incredibly fast amount of time, had ever been done in Thailand.  It was custom made for the client and the actual system too was specially created for the project. Special thanks to Pooltech who assisted with all technical details. Over head fans and air conditioning was used to keep the home cool, with plenty of good insulation in the roof.

The construction of this house in Bangkok, is an example of what we can do at Bangkok Builders, as a professional construction contractor. We love to build houses for clients, we love to design them and it is our primary goal to always finish with a happy customer. Building a house in Thailand, can be difficult if you do not know a professional construction contractor, so Bangkok Builder is here to assist you every step of the way. We have our own English speaking, experienced Thai architect, if you require architectural drawings and also offer the house building service too. If you already have architectural construction drawings, then we can provide a quotation for the construction of the house only. If you are looking to build a house in Bangkok, please do contact us.  We look forward to hearing from you.

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First Stage Structure Completed on House Construction, 3 weeks Ahead of Schedule; Bangkok Builders Client in Prachinburi

We have now completed piles, ground slab, first stage service pipes, termite system and first floor columns. 3 weeks ahead of schedule. Bangkok Builder are building this house for a customer in Prachinburi, Thailand. Customer is very happy.  Our architects designed the home too for our customer. The construction of the house is set to take 9 months. It is over 600 sq m and is a family home.

Ground Slab Work – Concrete Pour For Customers House Construction in Prachinburi

Here is the latest update for our customers house construction in Prachinburi, Thailand. We are happy to say the ground slab concrete pour is happening today. The customer is very happy, as we are now 3 weeks ahead of schedule. Bangkok Builder always tries to keep to the schedule provided, or if we can, be ahead of the schedule. Much depends on when one starts a construction project with regards to the seasons, which effect works. If there is very heavy rain, then this naturally slows progress. So it is a good diea to start a construction project at the right times. Currently the weather is dry and fine, as we started the house build in the dry season. Thank you for showing interest in Bangkok Builder’s updates and the construction project. We have a page which provides further information on building your house in Thailand with us.

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Bangkok Builder Latest News: Ground Beam Completed, Termite Spraying and System Installed at Customers New House in Prachinburi

Some of the latest update photographs of our new house construction project in Prachinburi. The Ground beam is completed. We have now sprayed for termites and installed the termite system to enable the client to have the termite service every few months. The main pipes for water and drainage has also started. Thank you to all the Bangkok build team for their hard work on building the house.

Bangkok Builders Construction of a Luxury Home at Lakewood Golf Club, Bangkok

Bangkok Builder was pleased to have completed the construction of a luxury, Thai house, for a client at Lakewood Golf Club, Bangkok. We worked closely with our architect and the client to design the property. Once it was all completed, as the chosen house builder, we then started the construction of the house. The home used some natural stone, sand stone and German standard wooden flooring. It had a main swimming pool and child’s pool, separated by a bridge, which went over to the Sala. There was also an individual heated Jacuzzi.  Our smart home systems expert installed automated lighting systems, automatic remote control gates and various smart home systems for the client.

The house was built with 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, living room/dining room, modern luxury kitchen, office/library, storage room, laundry room, maids accommodation, Thai kitchen and carport for 3 cars.  The master bedroom suite had a glass shower cubicle, with three types of showers, with a wall in a natural stone finish. There was also an external outside rain shower. Our carpenters installed and built walk in wardrobes and dressing room.

Another main feature in the master bedroom, was a custom made, in ground heated spa bath, with exact temperature control and automated refill. It was in fact the first time a spa bath of this size, which filled in an incredibly fast amount of time, had ever been done in Thailand.  It was custom made for the client and the actual system too was specially created for the project. Special thanks to Pooltech who assisted with all technical details. Over head fans and air conditioning was used to keep the home cool, with plenty of good insulation in the roof.

The construction of this house in Bangkok, is an example of what we can do at Bangkok Builders, as a professional construction contractor. We love to build houses for clients, we love to design them and it is our primary goal to always finish with a happy customer. Building a house in Thailand, can be difficult if you do not know a professional construction contractor, so Bangkok Builder is here to assist you every step of the way. We have our own English speaking, experienced Thai architect, if you require architectural drawings and also offer the house building service too. If you already have architectural construction drawings, then we can provide a quotation for the construction of the house only. If you are looking to build a house in Bangkok, please do contact us.  We look forward to hearing from you.

 

Thailand Construction Costs: How much does it cost to build a house ?

We often get asked how much does it cost to build a house in Thailand, or what are the construction costs in Thailand ? So we will try to offer some insight into what to expect and how to do it correctly.

A professional construction person if genuine, would not give you simply a figure without informing you, that construction costs vary according to the individual project, who is building it, the location and what they provide within their quotation. It is impossible to know accurate construction costs until you have finished architectural drawings, have knowledge of the specifications, size, site conditions, location and what materials are being used. Each house is different, as the architects drawings are different, the materials are different, location and site conditions could be different. Costs are calculated once all architects drawings are completed. A cost quotation can take 2-4 weeks depending on the size of house.

To know costs, the builder has to know from the architects drawings facts such as: what type of materials, product and manufacturer of each material and every aspect of the construction. This includes, windows, roof tiles, doors, electrical systems, sockets, light switches, insulation, wall material, pumps, bathroom finishes, tiles, floor coverings, light fittings, wood, steel, concrete, cement and all the other materials used within the construction. What size, what quantity, what product etc ? They need to know the details and information, then calculate quantities and amounts required to complete the construction. It is the only accurate way to know the construction cost. So to answer how much a house costs to build in Thailand, is a very difficult question to answer, as you can see, it varies according to each project.

What Bangkok Builder does, if our architect is designing the home, is to provide an approximate projected, construction cost, when our architect provides the architectural job description and fee proposal for architecture. It cannot be 100% accurate, as it will change during the design development stage and also we have no knowledge of the materials or specifications yet. But we try to give you an approximate projected guide. It is no guarantee of cost at all and is helpful information based on the architects experience in construction costs. But it gives you some idea for a starting point.

To do construction correctly and follow the correct process, you must work with the architect and have your architectural drawings completed first, before knowing accurate costs to build the house. You can discuss budgets with them and they can try their best to design a home within your budgets. But do remember that any changes or requests you make, during the architectural stage, alter that projected cost. So it is always a good idea if you are on a restrictive budget, to let the architect know in advance.

Approximate Information of House Construction Costs in Thailand: Remember construction costs can increase over time and because of market forces. But as of this date in 2018, we have seen the construction cost for houses in Bangkok to be any where from 25,000 baht per sq.m to 40,000 baht per sq.m, depending on everything we have mentioned in this article. It can be more if the house is high spec and a high end luxury house. But for a good, standard home in Bangkok and Thailand’s mainland provinces, maybe 25,000 to 35,000 baht per sq.m. Can it be less, yes of course. We have seen costs be as low as 20,000 Baht per sq.m for low end, small homes with lower specifications and material standards. Then again we have seen them be a lot higher if you are building on the islands of Koh Samui, or Phuket. As all materials have to be transported to the location. It is not usual to see construction costs of a luxury home on Koh Samui being 50,000 Baht per sq.m or more, for a full fit out. But as we say, it is important to understand that no one can know without a professional cost being done once all architectural drawings are completed.

This is not a cost quotation from us, as we do not have the required information yet, but it is merely a guide to be helpful to give you an approximate idea. But the only true way to know, is have your architectural drawings completed, all specifications and materials known. Then a professional cost quotation done by the construction contractor. It is too misleading to try and guess it without all of that accurate information.

If you would like Bangkok Builder to help you with construction costs, then please contact us. We do our best to help you restrict the costs as much as we can. But remember the only true way to know the cost of your house to build, is to have finished architects drawings. So it is best to start there and talk with our architect so we know what your expectations are and your approximate budget. Our advice is always follow the correct procedure, talk to our architect, talk to us and we can help you understand it more clearly. Do it correctly and you can have your house built to what you can afford, to a good standard. We are always happy to help and offer our best suggestions.

What windows to install when building a house in Thailand

When you are building a house in Thailand, you have many choices and decisions to make. One of the main ones is what windows you decide to have installed in the home. This is normally discussed and decided with the architect who is designing your property. We often get asked what types of windows we would suggest you install in your house. This is determined by various factors such as cost, the design style you are creating with the architect and what you wish to achieve, both from a practical level and also a design look.

The main three types available in Thailand are aluminum, wood and uPVC. All have their positive points and some are more desirable over others for different reasons. It would be wrong to say which type is the best, as so much is determined by budgets and design styles. They are your choices to make and without an understanding of the specific house, it would be misleading to state which is best. They all have a place in the property world.

But below we try to give you a general idea of what we think, have experienced over the years and information we have gathered. It is only meant as a basic guide and best to discuss with our architect and consider your budgets and what you are trying to achieve.

Wooden Windows: In many ways these are considered one of the more attractive types. A good quality wooden window can look amazing. Especially if building a tropical style home. It provides that natural look and seems to blend seamlessly with the tropical style. But one must remember, it is a natural product and prone to movement caused by weather conditions and how it reacts to it. If you are going to use wood also remember termites, so they should be a good quality hardwood and impregnated preferably with an anti termite chemical.

Wooden framed windows often swell, warp or rot over time. uPVC can be prone to expansion and contraction with heat. But, aluminum is chemically much more robust and stable.
Where this really stands out is large panels of moving glass, such as French doors or Bi-Fold doors. The aluminum frames withstand the elements to remain consistent from year to year, whatever the weather.

If you are going for wood, it is best to go for a good quality product from a reliable experienced manufacturer. You may also consider the seal, as often wooden windows leave small gaps and allow wind or insects to come in. Over time they can warp too. So go for good quality and if possible have rubber seals included around the edges to seal up any gaps. They will require more maintenance and need to be treated and taken care of.

In most cases, we advise clients to avoid wooden windows, based on our experience. If you are looking for a resort style and tropical villa style, then go for it. But do remember it is a natural product and prone to the various aspects that come with being natural.

Aluminum windows: This is the type of window; we as a house builder see most of. There are various grades and manufacturers and are used a lot in construction throughout the country. Some are made in Thailand and others are manufactured overseas. There are various qualities and a wide variety of colors. They provide a good seal and good lock systems. This is normally the type of window we suggest, as widely used, provides good weather protection, long lasting and come in a wide variety of qualities and colors. The great thing about aluminum is that it offers you, the homeowner, a greater choice when it comes to windows and doors.

uPVC windows: You see these used more now. They have become more popular but are probably the least used of the window types. They can be double glazed too. It can be more expensive, but a high quality double glazed uPVC does offer very good seal, good lock systems and security. They can also look good too. One has to be careful with the color fading in the sun, so best to check the manufacturer’s guarantees carefully and ask about this. Although uPVC windows have a long life, the frames may potentially degrade over the years. Aluminum is a much more robust compound and with proper care will stand the test of time without compromise.

The Importance of an Anti Termite System Under Your House in Thailand

Termites are a tiny insect that used to be called in English,  ‘wood ants’ or ‘white ants’. Do not underestimate them. They can be a severe problem in many parts of the world and Thailand is no exception. They can cause terrible damage to your house and cause you costly repairs.

They are capable of causing serious problems to the strength and safety of an infested structure. Damage by termites can in some circumstances, render structures uninhabitable without costly repairs being carried out. They also cause terrible damage and destroy all sorts of wooden made furniture and installations.

Houses constructed mainly of wood are not the only structures threatened by termite activity. Homes constructed from other types of materials can also host termite infestations, because they are capable of getting over plaster, metal sides and more. Termites will feed on wardrobes, cabinets, floors, tables, chairs, ceilings, doors, windows, kitchen units,  and wooden furniture within  your home. You can be shocked at how quickly they can destroy things.

So it is very important to have a ‘under house’ termite system installed, at the very early stages of construction. The system is fairly simple and a series of pipes that run under your home. The piping system in conjunction with the chemicals put through them, will provide a termite barrier around the foundations of the house. They are not 100% guaranteed full proof, as there are a variety of types of termites, but anyone building a house in Thailand, should have one. They are one of the best forms of protection against termites. There are plenty of pest control companies in Thailand who can provide the service. Using careful control of the chemical application, the pipe system helps to protect against invasion by termites. The pest control company will then advise how often they need to come and release the chemicals. Often it can be only every 3 to 6 months, but do seek the advice of the company.They may also advise spraying around the home too, but do seek the professional advice of the pest control company.

Bangkok Builder always recommends it and if our architect is doing the architectural drawings, advise you to have one. If you are working with an architect of your own, we recommend you instruct them to have one in the drawings. Don’t be a victim of termites.

The Importance of a Soil Test Survey in Thailand when Building a House

Building a house in Thailand: Soil Tests

It is Bangkok Builder’s experience that we recommend anyone building a house in Thailand, have a professional soil test survey carried out. This should be done before your architect and engineer start structural drawings, in the architectural stage. The information gathered from the soil test report, is vital for the engineer to know how deep piles should be bored down into the ground, to support the weight of the structure.

Not everyone is experienced in construction and a lot of people, when building a house in Thailand, have not been involved in construction before. So they are not 100% clear on the process, or the importance of the various stages. Unfortunately due to this, sometimes they can listen to the wrong person, or receive the wrong advice; which can in certain circumstances, cause them considerable problems later on and very costly repairs. To avoid this, Bangkok Builder gladly provides advice and hope it helps you understand more clearly.

The building foundations naturally require being on strong and stable soils. The soil consistency and strength varies according to the specific location of the land and the land site itself. If the soil information under a building is not clearly known, the foundation of the building could have future problems, crack, subside, or in the worse case, be dangerously unstable. This can dramatically effect your home. The engineer needs to know about the soil, to do his calculations and drawings correctly. The engineer requires the soil tests report to be able to do this.

It is very important to understand, that a house weighs a considerable amount. So the engineer needs to know what the soil consistency is below the ground, so he knows how deep piles need to go, to support the weight of the home. Subsidence does occur in construction and foundation problems do occur. If this happens it can be extremely costly to repair, or correct. In some instances it cannot be corrected.  Not having a soil test survey carried out is a matter of luck, if the engineer got it right. To take that risk, is simply not worth it, when spending a lot of money on your home, the structural integrity of the building and when considering the safety of the occupants. As a construction contractor we can not emphasise this enough and advise you have a soil test done and insist to your architect and engineer it is done.

For a relatively small amount of money compared to the huge costs you could incur, if the structure has problems, we highly recommend to all our clients and anyone building a house,  to have a soil test survey carried out. Do not be a victim of bad advice, or cost cutting. It is simply not a good idea in construction.

If you have a professional soil report already, please do provide it to us, if we are doing your architectural drawings. If you do not have one yet, we can organise this to be done. It takes 1 to a few days on site for the test samples to be taken and then 2-3 weeks for the report to come back from the laboratory. Please contact Bangkok Builder if you require a soil test survey.

Land Boundary Survey and Boundary Marker Post Check

If you are about to build a house in Thailand or carry out a construction project in Thailand, it is very important as the land owner, to have your land boundary lines and markers checked by the local government department.  It is inexpensive and well worth doing to avoid any potential issues that could arise if the land boundary lines and markers are not accurate, or not exactly the same as shown on the title deed.

The local land department office should be able to assist you, or direct you to the right persons to talk to. They will let you know when they can come to the land and do a survey to check boundaries and marker posts against your title deed.  Land owners should have one done; to avoid potential problems such as conflicts with neighbors, in regards their land boundary.

For example, if you build the garden wall and it infringes onto the neighbors land, then they could ask you to knock it down. Or your house when built may not be in the correct location according to regulations, so have a boundary survey check done. Bangkok Builder recommends anyone who owns land and is going to carry out construction in Thailand, or build a house, to have this done.  It is easy and not costly, but gives you a good degree of peace of mind.