Forums > Specific Focus > Home, Garden & Construction in Mexico

visualjohn

Jul 10, 2007, 7:06 AM

Post #1 of 12 (2822 views)

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How necessary is having an architect vs. a builder?

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This is my first posting on Mexconnect....be kind! My partner and I are beginning the process of building a home in Cerritos. We have home plans that
we like and want to modify. We have met some architects that we were not that impressed with as well as contractors that we were extremely impressed by.
I understand that the contractors will form a plan after consulting with mexican engineers to review all load bearings etc.

We want to cross our "T's" and dot our "I's"....any suggestions? We received an estimate for plans only from an architect....it seemed extreamly high

considering we had already provided the floor plan we wanted.

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http://www.johnandbrianbuildinmexico.com

Rolly / Moderator

Jul 10, 2007, 7:33 AM

Post #2 of 12 (2815 views)

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Re: [visualjohn] How necessary is having an architect vs. a builder?

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First, you need to find out who will submit the plans for a building permit. In many (most?) cities, the plans must conform to a certain format and have an architect's stamp. You may need an architect for that chore (I did on my project where I was the contractor). Or your contractor may have an arrangement with an architect to take care of the permit plans. Check that out before you commit to not having an architect.

Second, it is quite common to work with a contractor without an architect.

Third, it is vitally important for you, or someone you trust, to be at the job site regularly. It is quite common for contractors to take exception to the plans and do things their own way; or they may simply not be careful with measurements, getting electrical outlets in the right place, doors that swing in the right direction, etc. You need to be there daily to watch the workers.

Fourth, you need to have an understanding with the contractor regarding who will pay the monthly IMSS bills. For a better understanding of this obscure, but real, problem read here: http://rollybrook.com/employee-pay.htm Scroll down the page a bit until you come to the part about building contractors. This is really important.

You can follow my building adventures here: http://rollybrook.com/building_directory.htm

Good luck on your new adventure.

Rolly Pirate

(This post was edited by Rolly on Jul 10, 2007, 7:40 AM)

visualjohn

Jul 10, 2007, 7:58 AM

Post #3 of 12 (2808 views)

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Re: [Rolly] How necessary is having an architect vs. a builder?

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Thanks Rolly,

Great advice....some of which we have heard from many of the contractors,realtors, friends here. Luckily for us, my second cousin lives in the area an will be keeping an eye on the build as it unfolds. I will read up on IMSS
bills as well....actually I bookmarked your site last night as well. It looks like a treasure trove of information.
Most that we have talked to have told us that even with plans....we would still be paying to have those plans re-done anyway by mexican engineers for them to sign off on. Is this correct?

Visit my site, bookmark it and leave a comment!

http://www.johnandbrianbuildinmexico.com

Rolly / Moderator

Jul 10, 2007, 8:53 AM

Post #4 of 12 (2797 views)

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Re: [visualjohn] How necessary is having an architect vs. a builder?

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Yes, you are going to pay someone to prepare "official" plans for the building permit. You may pay directly to the architect/engineer or indirectly through your contractor.

Rolly Pirate

Judy in Ags

Jul 10, 2007, 3:40 PM

Post #5 of 12 (2777 views)

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Re: [Rolly] How necessary is having an architect vs. a builder?

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I'd say Amen to Rolly's post (as usual).

Aside from that I would add that a lot of people we have talked to feel that to have an architect in charge of the project is overkill, as they charge so much and may not be hands-on at all.

One concern I have for you is the oversight by your cousin. IMHO, this is not enough, unless he has had this experience before and can be there daily. We are overseeing my brother-in-law's house construction, and it is a huge, time-consuming, stressful responsibility--and his house is right across the street from us so we can see the workers arriving daily, etc. I don't know what kind of relationship you have with this second cousin, but I would NEVER ask a relative to be responsible for that task. It is HUGE!

I might add that we have been almost completely through the process of acting as general contractor for our own house, so we know the ropes, the terminology, etc. It's very exhausting. Am I correct, Rolly?

Rolly / Moderator

Jul 10, 2007, 4:01 PM

Post #6 of 12 (2776 views)

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Re: [Judy in Ags] How necessary is having an architect vs. a builder?

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Not only is it exhausting, but it can also badly strain a marriage or friendship. My friend Enrique, whom I consider my son, was the co-boss with me on my big project. By the time it was over, our relationship was badly injured -- so much so that he refused to co-boss the remodel of his mother's house. (I'm happy to report that that's all past, and we are closer than every now.) But it speaks to Judy's warning about expecting a relative to be really attentive.

Rolly Pirate

Judy in Ags

Jul 10, 2007, 4:06 PM

Post #7 of 12 (2773 views)

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Re: [Rolly] How necessary is having an architect vs. a builder?

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Very well spoken, Rolly, as usual. John and I are struggling with trying to finish our own house--now in the 5th year and the additional responsibility is very hard on both of us. I don't think John will allow it damage his relationship with this brother, but it is tough.

Rolly / Moderator

Jul 10, 2007, 4:28 PM

Post #8 of 12 (2769 views)

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Re: [Judy in Ags] How necessary is having an architect vs. a builder?

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BTW Judy, nice to see you back online, haven't seen you 'round campus lately.

Rolly Pirate

Judy in Ags

Jul 10, 2007, 4:37 PM

Post #9 of 12 (2768 views)

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Re: [Rolly] How necessary is having an architect vs. a builder?

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Thanks, Rolly. Since John recuperated from his surgery which he had in February, we've been a practically a dead run trying to get things done around here. We just finished up the second guest room so we could have company with four children this last weekend. We've gotten most of the dangling electrical projects done, including the phone extensions, intercom, lots of outlets and switches finished and light fixtures installed. We also got the house painted (WOW!) We're resting today after the weekend company, so I had a chance to write a little.

And how are you doing physically? I think about you often and wonder about that.

Rolly / Moderator

Jul 10, 2007, 5:04 PM

Post #10 of 12 (2764 views)

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Re: [Judy in Ags] How necessary is having an architect vs. a builder?

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I'm well recovered from my heart thing and am doing nicely. I managed to loose about 40 pounds during my sick spell. Now the battle is to keep it off. Fat chance of that. Excuse the pun. I'm back to my old habit of dropping by Doña Martha's house to sponge lunch. Chiles rellenos today. I'm still so full I hurt.

Rolly Pirate

Rolly / Moderator

Jul 10, 2007, 5:06 PM

Post #11 of 12 (2761 views)

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Re: [Rolly] How necessary is having an architect vs. a builder?

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As moderator of this forum, I must ask you guys to get back to the original intent of this thread. Smile

Rolly

visualjohn

Jul 10, 2007, 8:41 PM

Post #12 of 12 (2748 views)

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Re: [Judy in Ags] How necessary is having an architect vs. a builder?

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I know it's a huge undertaking Judy....actually he volunteered to stop by....He built the addition on his home 15 minutes away in Todos Santos.

I plan on flying back and forth as well....I wish I could be there for the whole construction....I'm a bit of a control freak. :)

Visit my site, bookmark it and leave a comment!

http://www.johnandbrianbuildinmexico.com