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

brabramowitz

May 27, 2005, 8:19 AM

Post #1 of 12 (3994 views)

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house plan websites

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I was wondering if anybody knew of any house plan websites for "Mexican" style homes??
I have been searching in some I found online here and can't seem to find any with inner patio areas or anything that looks interesting. I am new at all this so possibly I just don't know enough to search properly.
thanks so much for your help.
bev

NEOhio

May 27, 2005, 8:32 AM

Post #2 of 12 (3990 views)

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Re: [brabramowitz] house plan websites

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I've been doing this for months now. Best I have found is to google the massive plan sites, then look at ranch, courtyard, southwestern, mediterranean, contemporary and spanish plans. You can also do all the plans, just look for 1st floor master suites.

It takes a little imagination to imagine the northern style fronts changed to mexican, but it happens automatically after a while.

Its been a lot of fun.

Esteban

May 27, 2005, 11:50 AM

Post #3 of 12 (3970 views)

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Re: [brabramowitz] house plan websites

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There are many well trained architects in Mexico and their fees, if you shop around are NOTHING compared to the US. You'll probably need one anyway to get your plans drawn up and submitted. Another idea is to look in your area for a design you like. Take notes and copy it. All you are talking about is a basic floor plan because the rest of the stuff won't translate into normal Mexican standards, building techniques and available materials.

brabramowitz

May 27, 2005, 12:04 PM

Post #4 of 12 (3968 views)

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Re: [NEOhio] house plan websites

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Thank you. Thank you.

I need to work on my imagination anyway.
And, you're so right about how fun this is...!
Bev

patricio_lintz

May 27, 2005, 2:15 PM

Post #5 of 12 (3959 views)

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Re: [Esteban] house plan websites

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I concur with Esteban. My house plans cost only $6000 pesos and are much simpler than plans drawn to US standards.

A lot is left to the imagination and to a skilled albanil (bricklayer) in Mexico. After you start construction, you decide wiring socket locations, plumbing installations, etc.

Only plans drawn by a certified Mexican architect and approved by a local certified Mexican engineer can be filed in your locality for a permit. Most architects will have a file of house designs.

Good luck with your projects.

abq

May 27, 2005, 2:20 PM

Post #6 of 12 (3957 views)

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Re: [brabramowitz] house plan websites

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I bought a Southwest houseplan book but all the homes were too wide for our narrow lots in San Miguel. I just got on Amazon and searched southwest house plans

NEOhio

May 27, 2005, 2:54 PM

Post #7 of 12 (3954 views)

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Re: [abq] house plan websites

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Most plan sites will let you search by width and length. These plan sites are only good for getting layout and size ideas. I didn't find much in the way of exteriors. I have 3 favorites to take to a construction company for rough estimates for building. Then the Mexican architect.

brabramowitz

May 27, 2005, 6:31 PM

Post #8 of 12 (3938 views)

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Re: [brabramowitz] house plan websites

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Thank you so much for your thoughts.
I am in the process of buying a little piece of land (heaven) in La Paz, Baja Sur.
I met with an engineer when I was down there a couple of weeks ago and told him what I wanted--more or less. He is going to fax me some possibilities.
I was just looking for some ideas of my own to help with the final plan.
Bev

morgaine7

Jun 3, 2005, 11:07 PM

Post #9 of 12 (3864 views)

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Re: [brabramowitz] house plan websites

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Bev, I was just in La Paz (agree, heaven!) in late April/early May and looked around at homes. No idea which neighborhood you're in or what surrounds your land, but you probably noticed that lots tend to be small and walled, with houses designed to fill the space. If you want outdoor breathing room, be sure to specify that to your engineer/architect.

As Esteban and others suggested, gather ideas from the area and collect photos of styles you like as well as notes and sketches. Baja Sur real estate websites can also be a good source. Some include interior as well as exterior views, and a few (particulary those for new developments) show floor plans.

I envy you :-)

Kate

brabramowitz

Jun 4, 2005, 8:50 AM

Post #10 of 12 (3839 views)

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Re: [morgaine7] house plan websites

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Thank you for your support and your ideas. The lot is in the downtown area..about one long block from the malecon. It's dimensions are "different"--very long about 100 feet and not very wide--about 30feet.

I am expecting drawings from the architect shortly and am back again the first week in July to sign the fideicomiso documents, etc.
bev

abq

Jun 4, 2005, 9:39 AM

Post #11 of 12 (3832 views)

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Re: [brabramowitz] house plan websites

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Actually that lot size is pretty typical in our part of Mexico. You're lucky to have 30 ft wide.

brabramowitz

Jun 4, 2005, 11:22 AM

Post #12 of 12 (3824 views)

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Re: [abq] house plan websites

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That's interesting.
Do you live in La Paz or thereabouts?
bev