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

talosian

Feb 20, 2004, 1:28 PM

Post #1 of 8 (6812 views)

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American style home OK?

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Are there any rules in Mexico about building style? I am considering building a California style larger home not of concrete but steel with possible T1-11 siding or stucco. Should I anticipate problems with Building and Safety for this style?

Thanks.

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

Rolly / Moderator

Feb 21, 2004, 10:20 AM

Post #2 of 8 (6788 views)

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Re: [talosian] American style home OK?

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That is a local issue. You should inquire in the place where you want to build. I can see the local folks objecting to an ultra modern house in a colonial neighborhood. If you put a wall around the property, you could build anything you like because nobody could see it.

My guess is that you will not have any problems.

Rolly Pirate

Esteban

Feb 22, 2004, 8:09 AM

Post #3 of 8 (6769 views)

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Re: [talosian] American style home OK?

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Even in California, you'll find the stucco Mexican flat-roof and the California Ranch style home. Siding will depend on where you are located. I've never seen T1-11 sold in Mazatlan and plywood is MUCH more expensive than most parts of the US. There are codes in certain areas of Mexico. Like Rolly said, "it's a local issue". Safety issues will be determined by your location...look at hurricanes, flooding, the local volcano, the humidity, earthquakes, the flora and fauna of your specific area. I've always been interested in "alternative" building ideas. However, some of these ideas end up costing much more than a locally conventionally built home. A lot depends on your "reason" for building. Are you looking at resale? Are you looking to be eco-friendly? Are you trying to save money? I'd like to hear more about your project.

talosian

Feb 22, 2004, 9:33 AM

Post #4 of 8 (6763 views)

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Re: [Esteban] American style home OK?

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Thinking about it, I'm simply familiar with the style and construction. In reality, after more consideration, I probably would go with whatever is the easiest to construct AND most economical. Since I plan on trying to do my own general work I thought it would be best to do a type of construction which I am familiar with. I can see now I will need some serious help from a bi-lingual Forman since I speak little Spanish. The thing is I know in the U.S. I have saved as much as 40% by being my own general. How much does anyone think a good bi-lungual Forman would run me? I still want to have control over what is happening.

I'm looking to build a primary rersidence in Mexico and can spend up to US$125,000 + or -.

Thanks,

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

Esteban

Feb 22, 2004, 10:21 AM

Post #5 of 8 (6754 views)

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Re: [talosian] American style home OK?

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After working on a few projects and after observing friends who have done projects, it is my opinion, it is not worth the effort to do the work yourself. However, it is VERY worth the effort to be the "general" on the job. This includes getting bids for specific parts of the job. Get several bids and take the time to research the people who will be building your home. Taking care of the governments requirements with health care etc, watching/counting the materials as they arrive and keeping good records will also be a part of your job. If you aren't fluent, you need to ask questions, draw pictures etc until you know EXACTLY what to expect or what you are getting for your money. As you pay out a certain percentage of your bid prices, get signatures etc. If you want control over expenses.....be your own forman and be there EVERY day.

talosian

Feb 22, 2004, 11:16 AM

Post #6 of 8 (6747 views)

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Re: [Esteban] American style home OK?

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I can be there each day and will need someone to do translation. I can also oversee PRN and I'm good with legalities/records (former attorney).

I would like to hear from people who actually live there as to not only what its like to do construction but to live there full-time (as an American). I'm not interested in books or magazines with stories, I want to hear from real people who have done it in real time and today.

This is a big potential move for me after 65 years in So. California and not looking at going to another country where I can't even speak the language. I want all the information I can get.

Thanks.

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

Esteban

Feb 24, 2004, 9:38 AM

Post #7 of 8 (6726 views)

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Re: [talosian] American style home OK?

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I have a friend here in Mazatlan, who speaks virtually no Spanish but he did have a lot of construction experience. He occasionally used a friend to translate but other than that, armed with a dictionary, patience and knowledge of building, he completed his home with no major problems. I wouldn't worry about knowing Spanish but I would learn as much as possible so you don't have to call on others to help you. It won't be a daily occurance because, let's face it, construction is visual. You can tell someone "no, that electrical box is in the wrong place" and all you need is rudimentary Spanish and a hand with fingers to point.

mkdutch

Feb 25, 2004, 8:19 AM

Post #8 of 8 (6705 views)

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Re: [Esteban] American style home OK?

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One of the hardest things for someone familiar with construction techniques to adjust to is how the process usually works in Mexico.

In the Lake Chapala area, for example, most walls are built of brick, with rebar-reinforced footings, headers and columns. Windows are often cut/knocked out from a wall after it is built. Similarly, surface "trenches" are cut into the wall to make way for electrical conduit and plumbing lines that run up the walls. Stone walls will often be built without a rebar-reinforced foundation - which leads to cracks later on.

I recommend you come on down, and spend time just observing how things are built (you will be welcome to watch at just about any site), and learn how they do things. Then you can decide whether it's acceptable to you, or if you will need to train the workers you hire on better techniques. But you need to be eternally vigilant - the minute you turn your back, the workers will usually revert to what they know and are familiar with...8^).

Buena suerte!..............Dutch