As tourist numbers have steadily increased, so has the amount of investment into Koh Samui’s residential property sector. This prompted something of a building frenzy with new residential areas developing fast as developments and individually owned properties sprang up at a seemingly unstoppable pace. International buyers still see Samui as an appealing investment opportunity but this has had both a favourable and damaging impact on the landscape.

It’s fair to say that most buildings on Samui are designed to blend in with and suit the tropical surroundings, but others are less appropriate to the location and were not planned or constructed to ensure what can be quite a punishing climate. When the market first enjoyed an influx of capital, the gold rush mentality meant some construction firms cut corners, taking advantage of limited building codes to keep costs down and finish projects quickly to make fast profits. The effects of this are now being seen with renovations and refits required by professional home builders that follow international standards and employ skilled builders

When it comes to new properties on Koh Samui, construction companies like RS Built that offer skilled teams of builders and also take into account the island’s geography and natural features, generally attract more customers. The global economic slowdown has forced less reputable firms out of the market, leaving the more professional and experienced players to offer high standards and quality finishing. The local government is also gradually introducing stricter laws, with regular inspections to ensure that new projects are planned and executed correctly and do not infringe on the natural beauty of the island. As a result, building companies are now more accountable to their clients, which has improved reliability in a number of areas. The overall quality of building work has improve significantly, and firms are now expected to meet completion deadlines and follow plans and pre-agreed designs more closely.

Reputable building companies on Samui such as RS Built not only follow national requirements but also impose their own quality standards, offering investors a full breakdown of the costs and explaining the various stages of construction before they begin a particular job. As the market has matured, customers have become more discerning and a longer term view means building firms now increasingly rely on their reputation to guarantee new clients.

Every new building provides a benchmark for the next new home, demonstrating the quality and reliability that customers expect. Professionally managed construction companies such as RS Built understand this, and therefore work hard to match the expectations of their customers, with professionalism and attention to detail applied throughout the construction process. Those firms that adhere to the highest standards and offer a proven record of successful projects not only attract ever more sophisticated buyers, but also help the island’s building industry develop and diversify.