I have no idea of the cost of things apart from the workers are on about 400 baht a day, family, so really I am paying a good rate but that is OK with me. Most of the crew I know and they are doing a good job and are looking out for my wife and myself.
The less I ask of the contractor the more I get in return, he is still learning the business and is putting in a solid effort as far as I can see.
700000 baht should bring the house up to lock-up stage and we will take things from there.
Fon is managing well also, she has a lot on her plate at the moment, raising 12 pigs, looking after the fish ponds, marketing the fish and not to mention a 21 month old baby to raise on her own. All things considered I would have to say that I am rather happy with the outcome.
The actual cost of materials does not differ greatly from Australian prices but we have had no administration costs such as Local Government fees for permits, no costs regarding work place health and safety, stamp duty etc, etc it just goes on and on. As an aside I live on a rural property of 400 acres with my closest neighbor 1.5 klm's away, the boss has to pay $1200.00 for the septic system to be inspected per year, now that's just taking the piss.