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

talosian

Feb 19, 2004, 10:51 AM

Post #1 of 11 (6747 views)

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Tri-Steel construction in Mexico?? Any thoughts?

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About 10 years ago I built a B&B in the Cayman Islands and used structural steel. It went up quickly and easily with local help. It was a very large building, 2 stories.

I'm now thinking of a home in Mexico using the same steel construction. I can build a great 2 story house, about 3,500 sq. ft. for very little in comparison to the U.S. I will need local labor (semi and un-skilled). Material will be brought in from the U.S. I will need water, electric and phone (Internet access a must).

I prefer someplace which has trees and a reasonable distance to a "town" as well as where there are some American expats.

You can email me direct at talosian70@hotmail.com in addition to posting here.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

David
"When all logical explanations have failed, we must look to the illogical for the answer.

D.G.

Feb 19, 2004, 11:45 AM

Post #2 of 11 (6733 views)

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Re: [talosian] Tri-Steel construction in Mexico?? Any thoughts?

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Just one thought. You sound like you are trying to be an importer since it is structural steel that you are bringing in in quantity. You should check into that. That might change your whole plan. Mexico is not the Cayman Islands.

Rolly / Moderator

Feb 19, 2004, 5:23 PM

Post #3 of 11 (6723 views)

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Re: [talosian] Tri-Steel construction in Mexico?? Any thoughts?

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Why would you want to import steel when you can buy all you need in Mexico? Mexico is a steel producing country. I see steel construction going on all the time.

Rolly Pirate

talosian

Feb 19, 2004, 7:53 PM

Post #4 of 11 (6714 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Tri-Steel construction in Mexico?? Any thoughts?

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Tri-Steel is actually a company where I can buy complete plans including plumbing, electric, foundation, etc. palns for a residence and everything I need to build it all pre-cut, drilled, etc. It's all delivered by truck/container. It's sort of a giant erector set. I'm only importing for one home and this is a very quick and easy way to go.
"When all logical explanations have failed, we must look to the illogical for the answer.

Esteban

Feb 21, 2004, 10:35 PM

Post #5 of 11 (6685 views)

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Re: [talosian] Tri-Steel construction in Mexico?? Any thoughts?

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I looked at Tri-Steel's webpage and my first concern would be how to get the package to Mexico and how much tax you'd have to pay. I've seen many steel buildings done here in Sinaloa. They were designed by local architects and use local materials....like Mexican steel, panel W's, and other materials familiar to local craftsmen. THat doesn't mean your Tri-Steel building won't be financially viable but I'd sure like to see some prices, including shipping to Mexico. The website does not provide a lot of detail such as exactly what is included in the "electrical" or plumbing package. I've yet to see an electrical or plumbing job that doesn't require one to go the hardware store to complete a job. If your system was something that needed parts that were only available in the US, you'd have problems from the get-go. Tell me more, please.

talosian

Feb 22, 2004, 11:22 AM

Post #6 of 11 (6672 views)

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Re: [Esteban] Tri-Steel construction in Mexico?? Any thoughts?

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What I did was have the Tri-steel shipped to Cayman and also bought almost everything else needed at Home Depot in Fl. and had that shipped also. I overbought stuff knowing it would cost twice as much locally but as you said, there are always some odds and ends needed locally.

I got everything in duty free since I was building something (a B&B) which would bring people into the island and I was building in an "underdeveloped" area. I'm sure it is easy to find import duty to Mexico and cost of shipping.

There are many other places which seel structural steel for homes.

I have several pictures of the place during construction and will see if I can scan them and post them for anyone to view. It worked pretty well w/local labor.

David
"When all logical explanations have failed, we must look to the illogical for the answer.

sandykayak

Mar 17, 2004, 8:42 AM

Post #7 of 11 (6604 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Tri-Steel construction in Mexico?? Any thoughts?

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Just a general comment on steel and current construction in San Antonio Tlayacapan.

The El Parque homes have increased in price. I was told that wiring costs have increased $15% since last October (when I put a deposit), concrete I don't remember how much, and steel between 30 and 35%.

Apparently, China is importing a lot of steel which is influencing the local law of supply and demand.
Sandy Kramer
Miami, Fla & El Parque

El Gringo Nuevo

Mar 18, 2004, 10:22 AM

Post #8 of 11 (6586 views)

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Re: [sandykayak] Tri-Steel construction in Mexico?? Any thoughts?

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Greetings Sandy, being of diminished capacity in the brain cell area I assumed that the more imports you had the lower local prices would drop because of increased supply. Of course, I'm assuming the demand hasn't increased to compensate for the increased supply. I'm teachable.

Rolly / Moderator

Mar 18, 2004, 11:22 AM

Post #9 of 11 (6582 views)

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Re: [El Gringo Nuevo] Tri-Steel construction in Mexico?? Any thoughts?

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I think what Sandy is saying is that because China is absorbing so much of the world's steel (and oil too) that prices are raising everywhere.

A few days ago I was talking with a friend in Manzanillo who is building a house. He was signing the blues because of the sudden, noticeable increase in the price of building materials. Since I have finished my projects (thank goodness), I don't know what is happening in Lerdo, but I bet prices have gone up here too.

Rolly Pirate

El Gringo Nuevo

Mar 18, 2004, 2:34 PM

Post #10 of 11 (6571 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Tri-Steel construction in Mexico?? Any thoughts?

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Well, it took a little bit but I finally got it. I must have been asleep in Economics 101 when they talked about the difference between importing and exporting. Or was I asleep during how to read class? Thanks to both of you.

Esteban

Mar 18, 2004, 5:59 PM

Post #11 of 11 (6561 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Tri-Steel construction in Mexico?? Any thoughts?

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I think we might also consider that the US dollar has lost value in the last year which would make the price of imported steel higher.