Bang Saray House Build

[rchapstick]

By the way, is there a procedure for uploading pictures more than one at a time? This process is painful!!

[rchapstick]

For the roof, we used the SCG Top Hat system, that uses on onsite fabricated frame.

http://www.scgbuildingmaterials.com/th/Form-Survey/ContactForm_TOPHAT.aspx

We also used the "Cool Roof System", that provides and air gap for the tiles, and a ridge vent at the top of the roof. Here's a youtube video ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZB8x12UzQk

Sadly, my photos of the process are missing in action. All the work is done by an SCG crew.

My crew tiled the system room ceiling

We originally only had single phase electrical service, and assumed we would need to install our own transformers. We we put in a big-ass utility pole.

Shortly after, utility put in 3 phase electric. Oh well.....

[rchapstick]

Interior work, electric, windows, and finishing

[rchapstick]

Skipping ahead to the end of the build of the bungalow now. I recently realized that I did not have any photos of the finished bungalow before we did landscaping. So I'll ask you to imagine the place surrounded by dirt ....

[rchapstick]

So at this point, the plan was that we would continue to primarily stay in Bangkok, and use the Bang Saray bungalow on weekends. This plan lasted a good week. We both were really getting tired of the Bangkok traffic, and Mrs. Chapstick found she greatly preferred being in Bang Saray full time. I could either work in Bangkok or on the Eastern seaboard, so I was fine staying in Bang Saray.

At the end of the build, we also needed to add a gate. In addition, after adding all that dirt to the lot, our 2.5 meter wall no longer felt so high and secure. Mrs. BC is VERY security conscious. My first thought was to add an electric fence to the top, but the missus was convinced this will kill somebody. So we went with the stainless steel spikes.

We'll revisit this topic later .....

[rchapstick]

The bungalow was finished in 2014, and Mrs.Chapstick was living here full time. I still split my work between the US and Thailand, but was spending all my time in country in Bang Saray.

It was becoming more obvious that we should thing about doing the big house soon rather than later. While the bungalow was nice, it was feeling a bit cramped. And I was finding the dirt lot depressing.

We did a couple of additions to the plan in the next year. First, the missus wanted to add an outdoor bathroom. When we did have family or friends visit (frequently), the single bathroom was a strain. And I was repeated told that having an outdoor bathroom was a very Thai thing. it wasn't expensive, and in the name of domestic tranquility, I agree. We also a covered open sala 6m x 6m. We initially used it as a car park, with the idea we would use it later as an outdoor dining area.

[rchapstick]

Late 2015, we got serious about finishing the build. I'd had a good year financially, and had the liquidity to pay for the build without any debt. Talked to my builder, and he had time starting in January 2016.



go big or go home ......

[rchapstick]

[rchapstick]

[rchapstick]

[rchapstick]

Foundation done, now the first floor

[rchapstick]

[rchapstick]

Once the forms on the columns were removed, the columns were wrapped in plastic and allowed to cure. Meanwhile, the crew started building the forms for the second floor concrete. This was a lengthy and laborious process.

[rchapstick]

[rchapstick]