With a 1-million-baht budget, how many square metres of single-storey house can you build? How to allocate the budget without overrunning

Owning your first home on a budget of 1 million baht is a realistic goal in Thailand today, especially a single-storey house on your own land. But the question many people ask is how many square metres 1 million baht will get you, and whether it's enough for a small family to live in.

How many square metres of single-storey house does 1 million baht buy?

On average, the cost of building a standard-grade single-storey house in Thailand (labour and materials included) is about 10,000 - 14,000 baht per square metre depending on the area, construction, materials chosen and the cost of living in each province. So a budget of 1 million baht will build a house of roughly 70 - 90 square metres , which can comfortably fit 2 bedrooms, 1-2 bathrooms, 1 living room and 1 kitchen.

Checklist for allocating a 1-million-baht budget without overrunning

To finish the house within 1 million baht without running out of money halfway, split the budget into these parts:

• Structure and the house itself (70-75%): about 700,000 - 750,000 baht for foundations, columns, roof frame, walls and flooring
• Systems and sanitaryware (10-15%): about 100,000 - 150,000 baht for electrics, plumbing, sanitaryware and painting
• Emergency reserve (10-15%): about 100,000 baht set aside for land filling, a water tank, a water pump, or permit fees and applying for water and electricity meters

Money-saving tips and safety precautions

To keep the budget within 1 million baht, choose an uncomplicated house shape such as a simple modern box or a gable roof, use a metal-sheet roof with heat insulation, build the walls with AAC blocks to save time and labour, and choose standard-size granito tiles that are easy to maintain.

However, what you should never skimp on is the structure and the electrical work . Piling, reinforced-concrete work and tying the structural steel should be designed and properly signed off by an engineer, and the wiring and distribution board must be installed only by certified specialist tradespeople, for the long-term safety of your family's lives and property.