The contract itself went as follows-
1- 200K on signing of contract
2- 200K when earth works, foundation and structural poles done. This happened so quick (2 weeks), I sent mrs up there for a look see.
3- 200K when the roof structure (but not the tiling) was completed. Only 12 days later.
4- 200K when the walls & roof on, house painted and tiling being done. I went up to take a look at things at this stage.
5- Final 100K when job completed & inspected to our satisfaction. two months, pretty much to the day.
The guys were good- we were well satisfied with their work. Incidentally, if any of you go through a similar excercise in Isaan, I'd be happy to give you their contact details. Just PM me. You'll need your Tilaac though- the only English they know is "hello, how are you".