Building Contract at Nhong Yao

[wil_he]

Hi guys,
I am now on the verge of signing the contract for construction of a house on my property at Na Yang Pethburi.First time builder here in LOS and am a bit apprehensive because of stories of people doing a “runner”when under duress..
What can I expect from the contractor,regarding payment?I have built in Aus and am familiar with payment times e.g. at slab,roof on,and turn key.However,I am sort of lost here,and would like to know what to expect.
This should all come down late next week,so any shared wisdom would be very much appreciated. Wil

[Dannie Boy]

As you've already begun, be very cautious about the stage payments, you should as much as possible ensure that the payments are linked to the value of the work done. Although it is fraught with potential problems, it's a good idea (more like essential) to get a reputable lawyer to ensure your contract is as watertight as possible. But before all of that, I would invest a lot of time in checking out the contractor and previous work he has done - if he's legit he should have no problems in you seeing and talking to owners of other properties he has built. There are good contractors out there, but there are also a fair number of guys happy to rip you off.

[wil_he]

Thanks for the advice,Dannie Boy.Will follow up.I am also using the engineer at the local council office who is drawing up the house plan.He will also check work completed before we make any payment. Will keep you guys updated as I go along.BTW the contractor is from BKK and they advertise work completed on Facebook.

[Big Boy]

wil_he, I'm you have checked your man out properly, but is not unknown for unscrupulous developers to post work that they haven't actually done.

[hhfarang]

The developer I used was a leading businessman in Hua Hin well known in political and charity circles. He was from Europe and had one of those winning, outgoing, personalities that inspire trust. He proceeded to rip of more people in Hua Hin that any other builder taking as much as 12 million from some and not even attempting to build the house. He got away with it for over ten years starting five developments. None were ever finished and some are ghost towns with 4 or 5 homes and 40 or 50 overgrown vacant lots. He was the worst of many cowboy builders from Europe who came to Hua Hin during it's early growth years. Just be careful and be on site to watch the progress and quality.

[Khundon1975]

Thanks for the advice,Dannie Boy.Will follow up.I am also using the engineer at the local council office who is drawing up the house plan.He will also check work completed before we make any payment. Will keep you guys updated as I go along.BTW the contractor is from BKK and they advertise work completed on Facebook.

wil_he
The problem is not checking the work when completed, it is checking the work as it progresses.
It's to bloody late, when it is up and painted, as you won't have a clue as to what corners he has cut and covered over with some shiny paint!

Do due diligence, or get ripped off. It is that simple.

If he cannot show you a house or houses he has built in Hua Hin, then walk away.

Remember, you will have no guarantee like NHBC or the like. Once he has been paid, he sure as hell won't be back to correct defects. Also, these so called builders, use some of your money for other building work they are involved in. When they go tits up, your money is gone.
Just my humble opinion.

Good luck, sounds like you will need it.

[russ]

will you must ask to see houses he has built . before we built our builder took us too 3 houses he built in hua hin we spoke to the people they were all happy with our builders work .

he then built us a lovely house and not one problem during the build he has become a friend now we had a small leak in the roof 2 years after the build he came and fixed the problem free no charge .

he then went on to build smart village 1 and 2 so there is some good thai builders out there just got to do your homework before building


russ

[Bluesky]

I will be quite interested to know how you have fared with this process as I m still considering the option of building. Whilst confident of the applicable standards in OZ I am not sure how this quite works in thailand.

[wil_he]

Thanks for all these helpful suggestions. I have made note of every one and will keep you advised as we go along. Builders will be inspecting the site on Friday and hopefully we may be able to get started in a couple of weeks. Cheers, Wil

[JimmyGreaves]

I will be quite interested to know how you have fared with this process as I m still considering the option of building. Whilst confident of the applicable standards in OZ I am not sure how this quite works in thailand.

Standards - You must be joking!

[wil_he]

Attention Bluesky,
My home is now finished and a true Australian 3 bedder it is.Workmanship is extremely good and I am happy to recommend my builder.Don't worry,he will not"do a runner" as he has a senior position in the local council.The house is located on Nhong Yao bypass road and is highly visible as it sits on an upraised area in the middle of a 2 rai patch.Builder will welcome local interest.my number is 0894887743.

[Dannie Boy]

Attention Bluesky,
My home is now finished and a true Australian 3 bedder it is.Workmanship is extremely good and I am happy to recommend my builder.Don't worry,he will not"do a runner" as he has a senior position in the local council.The house is located on Nhong Yao bypass road and is highly visible as it sits on an upraised area in the middle of a 2 rai patch.Builder will welcome local interest.my number is 0894887743.

Could you post a few photos of the finished building?

[Bluesky]

Thanks kindly, I will be in contact as we are considering building at this time. Look forward to hear how the process went for you.

[wil_he]

Awaiting the rain before laying 600 sq.m. Of lawn (on Poo Yai's advice)

[christopher1]

I've just 'cricked' me neck looking at those photo's!

BTW, I pass your house almost every day.