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

CampbellTD

Jun 24, 2004, 12:54 PM

Post #1 of 14 (6638 views)

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Central Vacuum Systems

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Hi -
To those of you who are builders or who have recently build homes in the Lakeside area: Are central vacuum systems customary, practical, and affordable options for new homes at this time?
Thanks!
Jane

Rolly / Moderator

Jun 24, 2004, 1:26 PM

Post #2 of 14 (6637 views)

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Re: [j s oliver] Central Vacuum Systems

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Since almost all homes have ceramic tile floors (carpet is quite uncommon), I wonder about the usefulness of a vacuum system. It seems to me that a damp mop would be a lot more useful than a vacuum. Where I live, I don't know anyone who owns a vacuum.

My building experience in Mexico leads me to believe that installing a central system would be a difficult chore. Solid masonry construction is very different from the stick-frame construction common in the USA and Canada.

Rolly Pirate

CampbellTD

Jun 24, 2004, 2:33 PM

Post #3 of 14 (6630 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Central Vacuum Systems

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Hi Rolly,

Sigh. Oh well. I've never had a central vac system; I was just hoping. . . .

The masonry point is pretty much what I feared. The ceramic tile thing hasn't made a lot of difference here in Phoenix because we also have rugs and furniture that need to be vacuumed. But on the other hand, I guess there's a lot less humidity here, so we have to contend with pounds and pounds of dust. I hope you don't.

There's a good reason I wanted to hear from ya'll. I contacted a distributor of these things this week who opined that (1) it would be easy to install them in Mexico, (2) they would be care-free, and (3) if they weren't, he'd be right there to help. From San Diego. Could send parts right away. Etc.

Somehow I doubt it.

Thanks for your reply.
Jane

Rolly / Moderator

Jun 24, 2004, 2:51 PM

Post #4 of 14 (6629 views)

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Re: [j s oliver] Central Vacuum Systems

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"We have to contend with pounds and pounds of dust. I hope you don't. "

Smile

I live on the desert with sand storms and two large dogs that live in the house much of the time. I need a shovel more than a vac.

I have a Black&Decker hand-held vac for funiture, etc. But a broom and mop serve well on the floors.

Rolly Pirate

esperanza

Jun 24, 2004, 3:11 PM

Post #5 of 14 (6623 views)

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Re: [j s oliver] Central Vacuum Systems

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Did he also mention that bridge in Brooklyn that he has for sale?

Gosh, it would be interesting to see how fast he'd get himself on a plane for Morelia, San Miguel, Guadalajara, Mexico City, or the Yucatán when the thing needed a quick repair!

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

Esteban

Jun 24, 2004, 3:57 PM

Post #6 of 14 (6621 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Central Vacuum Systems

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I totally agree. Those tubes in the wall could also become good homes for cockroaches, snakes and other animals that like that kind of space. Not something I'd spend money on. If you want to spend extra money, try putting it into good infrastructure like a good pressure water system, a good water storage system, a water filtration system, maybe a solar water heater (gas in Mexico is rising practically every month). Build with passive energy saving designs and with a good grounded electrical system. You could develop a rain water collection system...and the list goes on. A vacuum system...pretty much a joke.

CampbellTD

Jun 24, 2004, 4:11 PM

Post #7 of 14 (6618 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Central Vacuum Systems

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Hi Rolly,
OK, shows what I know! But I yield to no man on the dust thing, and neither does my dawg.
<smiles>
Jane

CampbellTD

Jun 24, 2004, 4:14 PM

Post #8 of 14 (6616 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Central Vacuum Systems

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Hi Esperanza,

Yep, I laughed out loud.

Jane

CampbellTD

Jun 24, 2004, 4:26 PM

Post #9 of 14 (6611 views)

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Re: [Esteban] Central Vacuum Systems

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Hi Esteban,

Thanks for the heads-up.

We're definitely going to do water and energy conservation design. Right now we don't know nearly enough about building in Mexico to know the options, much less the ones that make the most sense. (I heard "aljibe" for the first time just a couple of weeks ago, so you can see where I am on the learning curve.) But we want to learn as much as possible. The list you provided is a big help because it's practical and it provides a good, solid place to start the lessons. Thanks.

Jane

Rolly / Moderator

Jun 24, 2004, 4:36 PM

Post #10 of 14 (6607 views)

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Re: [j s oliver] Central Vacuum Systems

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Hi Again,

If you want a brick-by-brick look at building a house in Mexico, go here: http://rollybrook.com/building_directory.htm

Best wishes on your project.

Rolly Pirate

Esteban

Jun 24, 2004, 4:41 PM

Post #11 of 14 (6605 views)

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Re: [j s oliver] Central Vacuum Systems

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The biggest mistakes I've seen, with new home construction and remodelling, in Mexico, have been with infrastructure. The lack of it. People want a "pretty" house without regard to stuff that is important. Water is lifegiving. Why scrimp? Just to name one factor.

(This post was edited by Esteban on Jun 24, 2004, 6:25 PM)

Rolly / Moderator

Jun 24, 2004, 4:56 PM

Post #12 of 14 (6604 views)

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Re: [Esteban] Central Vacuum Systems

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And inadequate electrical service. The typical home has two 15 amp circuits. Not nearly enough.

I go for over kill. In my projects I put each room on a separate 15 amp circuit. 20 amps for the kitchen.

Rolly Pirate

(This post was edited by Rolly on Jun 24, 2004, 4:58 PM)

CampbellTD

Jun 24, 2004, 5:56 PM

Post #13 of 14 (6597 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Central Vacuum Systems

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Hi Rolly and Esteban,

Excellent advice. If it isn't well built, it isn't pretty at all.

We live in a 40-yr old house in Phoenix. The guy who built it took some shortcuts that have taught me a lot -- like making sure there are enough outlets in every room AND in the hallways. Thanks for the pointer on the circuitry.

Regards,
Jane

jennifer rose

Jun 24, 2004, 6:29 PM

Post #14 of 14 (6593 views)

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Re: [Esteban] Central Vacuum Systems

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Esteban's given you good advice. You can't have enough water storage, and the whole-house water filtration system is a must for any new construction. I'm always blown away when I see an expensive house with lots of details, fine cantera, vigas, and yet the owners are still depending upon bottled water because they spent all their money on items which show.

And while you're building, do install plenty of circuits. My house has five breaker boxes (OK, it's overkill and a rambling dwelling). There's a real tendency here to put the entire house on two circuits. If you're running a refrigerator, it's nice to be able to use the dishwasher and toaster oven at the same time. You can't have enough circuits.

Now, about the vacuum cleaner. You'll still need one for carpeted areas, rugs, and furniture. Get one which will accomodate a reusable fabric bag to eliminate the problem of your maid trying to re-use the paper one. An electric broom also comes in handy in vacuuming tile and other hard-surfaced floors.