Last time , we mainly talked about the circumstances surrounding the relocation of our office from Bangkok to Phra Khanong, but this time we would like to share some stories related to the interior construction work.
Searching for room for change
Office properties are available as "turnkey (where the interior work from the previous tenant remains)" or "skeleton rental (where only the basic structure is present, with no interior work such as ceilings or floors)." This time, I chose a "skeleton rental" property with exposed concrete and no interior work.
Monotai office before interior construction
We looked at properties including those with existing fixtures, but we thought it would be boring if there was no room for us to change things ourselves, and we also didn't want to feel like we were just sitting there and could move out at any time. So, even though we would have to pay the initial cost of interior construction work, we chose a property with a skeleton structure.
The property we were considering
Design and drawing creation
Designs and blueprints are necessary for interior construction. The designer who was contracted to work on the dance studio of the tenant next door also worked on the interior of the property owner's home, so he introduced me to him. I had meetings with several other design companies, both large and private, but I got the impression that the design team there was the most sympathetic, so I decided to ask them to handle everything from the interior design to the blueprints.
Although there were some differences in the nuances of words, at times it was difficult to convey our intentions, and there were also delays in the schedule due to our own revisions being returned, the process of creating the design and drawings proceeded smoothly.
30 pages of interior construction drawings
Choosing a construction company
Now it was time to select a construction company. I sent the plans to six companies, including Japanese companies and major construction companies recommended by my friend, and consulted with them, but in the end I decided on a local Thai construction company introduced by the designer. According to the designer, the quality of the company was about average among local construction companies.
They seemed to be a family business, and the husband and wife came to the meeting. The husband was a well-built man who looked like a construction worker, and the mother was a strong-willed treasurer. It was a very homey atmosphere, but I had vague worries about whether I could really leave it to them.
Some of the construction companies we requested estimates from were turned down because the construction schedule was too short. However, since the interior was supposed to be simple and minimal, we thought it could be completed in about three weeks, and the schedule that the couple submitted was in time for our desired date.
The main reason for choosing this local construction company was that they were the only one that met our expectations in terms of schedule and estimate, but ultimately, I thought I could work with them because of their personality. No matter who we chose, there would be some problems, and they had blueprints and designs, so I was sure it would be fine.
That's what I thought, but...
The battle for interior construction
Now, the interpreter, and the construction worker
When I went to check on the construction, the walls were already painted. I knew it was going to happen, but of course they didn't do any prep before painting. It's normal in Thailand. Well, I guess that's unavoidable. The couple's child, about 5 years old, was playing on the construction site. It must be dangerous, but it's peaceful.
When I went to check on the wiring under the floor, I found that they had dug up the concrete foundation to bury the wiring box. This is not a good idea. I don't think it will penetrate to the floor below, though.
The roughly dug base of the wiring under the floor
In addition, the drain pipe was fixed directly to the window frame sash, so we were careful not to damage the property itself.
Every time I look around, I see more and more things to fix. Things are starting to look a bit shaky...
One day, I went to the factory to see that the counter I had ordered was finished, and it had already been painted. Even though I had told them to wait until I had checked before painting it.
And the texture is...
I asked for the paint to be an oil finish, but the texture doesn't seem to be that.
I did my own research to explain that oil is different from lacquer or urethane, but...
The countertops were apparently painted with something other than oil.
"Isn't it lacquer?"
When asked, he replied, "It's oil."
I answer, "Yes."
"Then show me the can of oil."
The can that came out had the words " Matte Lacquer " written in large letters in English.
"Isn't it lacquer?"
"Huh? But it's the matte type."
"No, that's not the issue..."
In the end, they say, "You can't get oil in Thailand."
"I don't think that's the case, but you should have told me earlier."
When I looked it up on the spot, I found that it was teak oil, so I asked "Can I get this?" and they said "Yes, we have that," and brought it out from the back.
"There it is!!!"
I don't understand what's going on anymore, but this kind of exchange continues from halfway through.
Also, I thought the table seemed a bit thick, and the conference table was supposed to be 4cm thick but it was actually 7cm.
A conference table with thin legs that are a bit out of proportion
When we brought the furniture into the office, it didn't fit between the pillar and the window where the counter was supposed to be. The width of the counter was made 2cm wider than the blueprint. When we explained this and said, "Please cut down the bottom part so that the counter will fit," they ended up cutting down the concrete foundation instead of the counter.
I can't believe they would delete that one...
Sometimes drawers and doors are installed without considering that they will be next to each other, which can result in neither of them being able to be opened.
The counter is connected, but the door doesn't work.
There were so many things like this that I can't write them all down, but there were things happening all over the room that are unthinkable according to Japanese common sense. I seriously scolded the lady because she kept repeating the things I had warned her about. However, the construction family didn't mean any harm and I couldn't help but like the fact that they were doing it because they thought it was for the best.
Meeting with the construction company couple at the factory. On the left is designer X-san. In the foreground is our interpreter, Now.
But above all, I would like to thank the interpreting staff who persistently negotiated with us, even though we were always caught between our fussy and troublesome Japanese superiors and the unruly construction workers.
We overcame those days to get to where we are today. Every part of the office, from the ceiling to the floor, is carefully designed, and there have been episodes of compromises and redoing work.
And there were so many realizations and learnings.
Although our man-hours were cut, we gained enough knowledge to be able to act as a site supervisor for the interior design. We learned the importance of reporting, communicating, and consulting, as well as the differences in quality standards, which we think we can apply to our own work.
There are still many things that need to be purchased, such as plants and cabinets, but I hope to take it one step at a time and make this a better office. 
MIYAKAWA Takuya