Can anyone recommend an architect/engineer with good English, who can do plans/amend existing ones/costings for a bungalow to farang expectations?
I think I'd prefer someone working for himself or small company rather than from one of these agencies and hopefully someone with whom i can liaise easily over options, explain choice of materials etc.
I have been in Thailand several years, funded and witnessed the building of a fairly good but typical house in Nongbualamphu for my ex's family(yeah, wet behind the ears then!) so reasonably familiar with how the Thai work(or not!). I have to say I'm very impressed with the group of men presently building a wall around my partner's land.
With the goodwill of members, I hope I might be able to view/get some advice from those of you who have/are building places.

Thanks.

I know a retired engineer in the Nong Khai area who has put together quiet a nice spread for himself along the Mekong River. I can check to see if he is doing work or can recommend someone. He is Thai, very well respected, and would not be inclined to add the farang increase to prices.

brian, what exactly are you looking for, and where. i may be in a position to help.

I recently moved into a house I designed and had built for me. There were many things the workers had never done before and they managed to do a reasonably good job of it.

The builder is an engineer and he modified my plans to make it easier and cheaper to build semi-Thai style. The man doesn't speak English unfortunately, but my wife assisted with interpretation and translation.

The house is beautiful in my not so humble opinion. If you'd like to learn more I'm up to helping as I'm able.

I think that Brian is only looking for an architect/Engineer, for planning/design.

[quote="RALPHCUSENS"]I think that Brian is only looking for an architect/Engineer, for planning/design.[/quote]

Well yes, initially, someone who can liaise with me so I grasp options, choice of materials etc, draw up full plans and realistic costings.

Subsequently, of course, I will need a capable, reliable builder. A problem there is that I'm sure most of you are in or nearby Udon. I'm 1Km from centre of Phen (east of Udon/Nong Khai road, but nearly 50K one way from Udon) so I can't imagine too many builders doing that on a daily basis - well not without gas money. Seems I'll have to get someone more local to Phen.

Several members have been messaged me and I'm grateful for that. I'm in contact with them.

My request starts 1 step back from Brian's. We have a small, awkward, triangular block near Nong Bua market on which we would like to build a house for student accommodation.

My question is,is there a reliable qualified person in Udon who could for a fee, first survey the block to make sure the boundaries, and then propose the most suitable design for such a house to fit on the block?

After that stage we will need to find a reliable builder.

We will greatly appreciate any advice.

survey the block to make sure the boundaries,

Miruku, From my experience, the Government Land Office will survey your land for a small fee, as these are the people who control the land registry etc, to me it makes sense to use them to avoid any disputes in the future. For each change of angle on your plot they will mark with a concrete stake and stamp with a number which will coincide with numbers on your site plan.

land office charge less than 4000baht. allow at least 3 weeks for them to come out after you go down there with the land deeds. very efficient service. if building in town you will also need proper structual drawings, which will also need to be signed off by the city engineers department on completion. as the property will be multi occupancy i would advise you to talk to the city engineers before you do drawings, as im not sure what fire regs there are here, if any.

Thanks very much for your advice, Franco and Saint. I'll hotfoot it down to the Land Office and the city engineers on my next trip to Udon accordingly.

View the thread by Aussie Boy on his house construction, well worth reading and im sure has saved others both time and baht !!

Hello mate! I know a great builder, but sadly he and his team live in London. Do you think they could build the bungalow on a 30 day visa, cos they are well up for it. Hope this helps a bit Brian!

[quote="PhilR"]Hello mate! I know a great builder, but sadly he and his team live in London. Do you think they could build the bungalow on a 30 day visa, cos they are well up for it. Hope this helps a bit Brian![/quote]

It's you! Thirty days might be pushing it a bit, unless I do it in cardboard. A far more realistic option is for you to get your rear out here asap and help to push the wheelbarrow. But on second thoughts the beer costs/bar fines? might be a concern.

(Other members please note that PhilR is a very good friend of mine, planning to move out here himself. I wasn't aware he'd joined the site.)