It took us 6 months and approximately US $65,000 to build this 400 square meter, 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 2 living room and central kitchen house in rural Isaan Thailand using local labor.
We built this house to US standards using steel frame, cement board walls, insulation, cement board siding and white metal roof for PU foam.
The house is sitting on 3.1 rai of land, with a pond in the back stretching the entire 3 rai.
It is a stressful challenge that requires everyday over-site to get exactly the way you want.
It is not impossible, and with an owner experienced in building, that can make things go much smoother.
We have 10 air conditioners, 5 hot water heaters and are adding a full solar system this week.
The end result should be a debt free life as the house is paid for and there will be no electric or water bills (3) 80m deep solar wells.
There is a lot of misinformation of Facebook build groups so you have to be very careful if you have no building experience and have to rely on others.
Identify your living requirements and have a plan for each requirement before you even get started.
We did purchase this land with a direct mountain few and the land cost was in addition to the house cost.
If you are foreigner, you can get a 30 year guaranteed land lease (MAY be extendable another 30) years and build your own house.
Do your research!