Username Taken wrote: ↑Wed Apr 17, 2019 9:19 pm

StroppyChops wrote: ↑Wed Apr 17, 2019 8:00 pm Original CEOers, who was it that did a build like this about 4 or 5 years ago and shared the progress photos as he went - paid about $6k for it?

MIght have been @Duncan . Sadly, all the photos have gone. general-chatter/another-new-house-t1423.html

A couple of photos of the finished product . Sadly the [ brother in law ] father of the 4 kids passed away about a year ago, so it was worth doing knowing that the kids have a roof over their heads. They sell a few things in the '' shop '' at the front.

Cambodian wife and I are nearing completion of our home construction in her home province.

Few things to be mindful of…

Contractors construction cost estimate; found out later that estimate only covered labor – not material. Big surprise… I thought that the estimate was very low. Nobody’s fault – language and cultural differences… They thought I knew and I thought when you get estimate was more inclusive.

Roof: rafters (steel) and tiles not included. Does include sub-roof: Cement poured on steel plates. Flat. Peaked exterior roof separate.

Electrical wiring not included – contracted with separate electrician.

Note about electricity; If you want to have A/C and refrigerator be sure ample wattage (amps) are available. In our village, I found out, each house is provided 10 amps. That will not run one A/C unit, I wanted two A/C, refrigerator etc… Had to get special connection from electric company for adequate wattage ($900 for connection fee) and then had to run line to property – 300 meters of 2X16mm cable– an extra several hundred dollars. (But that gives me 15kw of power – enough to run a house with full amenities.

Also, even apart from the current rotating power outages, service in the villages is undependable = $1,300 for diesel generator capable of handling A/C and refrig and freezer.

Labor for installation of doors, windows and security bars included – but not purchase of same.

Extended overhangs (awnings) on original diagram not included in original cost estimate. It did not occur to anyone to tell me that – add another $7,000

Original estimate was $85 m2. House will come in at about $350 per sq meter. Includes large sliding glass doors, oversize windows and electric roll-up doors on detached wood-working shop – splurged on myself and also putting a urinal in the shop ($45).

Living space is 72 m2 (sq meters). Breezeway for outdoor dining and outdoor cooking 30 m2 and work shop is 30 m2.

Other miscellaneous add-ons: Septic tank, patio slabs, floor tiles, kitchen counters and sinks, water tank… On and on and on….

Following the discussion with interest re stilts – cooling - but I am old so built at ground level – no stairs or steps, all ramps, for when I get even older… Home overlooks back water of ‘lagoon’ from Mekong so has good evening prevailing breeze.

Happy to discuss any details in detail.

Photos can tell the whole story and more ?

explorer wrote: ↑Wed Apr 17, 2019 3:21 pm Plant trees around where a house may be built in the future, so you have shade. Trees have a cooling effect.

First thing we plan to do. Her idea Even. What trees would you choose?

SternAAlbifrons wrote: ↑Wed Apr 17, 2019 3:20 pm Stilts for me.
Breeze, view, tree tops, no aircon needed. Birds not chickens.

But WHY did the Khmers build on stilts traditionally ??

Best three explanations I have heard;

1/ Breeze, view, tree tops, no aircon needed. Birds not chickens.
2/ Floods, and general rainy season wet feet.

** 3/ According to Garnier and Delaporte from the French Mekong Expedition of 1866 -68,
On stilts so as to be safe from the "pestilence of wild beasts - rhinoceros elephants tigers" etc.

The elevated houses are usually wood, right? I am pondering if wooden construction is now more expensive than Brick and Concrete. Also, to do it right is another thing. I have seen 2x3 'joists' 30 inches apart with heavy wide boards nailed to them, and that is called a floor.

Barang chgout wrote: ↑Wed Apr 17, 2019 5:57 pm

Username Taken wrote:@Barang chgout, care to post some pics of your house?

Try Aven's on fb or, ....really, I'm allowed back?

Sent from my SM-G570Y using Tapatalk

How clever and absolutely fantastic!