Forums > Areas > Southern Mexico

fanstone

Mar 2, 2006, 1:40 PM

Post #1 of 6 (3252 views)

Shortcut

Renovating house in Merida

Can't Post | Private Reply

My wife and I are looking to renovate an older house in Merida (Centro) as we are looking to spend a greater proportion of the year down there. We have looked at various web sites for properties and there seems to be a number of potential ones, some of which obviously look better than others! I am an architect and we have done some renovation of older houses in Canada and the UK, although we know that things are somewhat different there. We have been actively looking at different scenarios for the last 5 years and realise that we now have to actually do something! We are planning to travel to Merida in the next couple of months to try and put something together so we are anxious to build our knowledge base before coming to Merida as to prices,best locations,good contacts etc, etc.- any help gratefully received!

Rolly

Mar 2, 2006, 2:37 PM

Post #2 of 6 (3245 views)

Shortcut

Re: [fanstone] Renovating house in Merida

Can't Post | Private Reply

Even with your architectural training and experience, you may be in for some surprises as you get into common Mexican construction techniques. For an introduction to SOB ways, you might want to look at my photo stories of a new construction project and of a remodeling project. While there was a gringo (me) in charge, the work is very Mexican. Except for some of the electrical work, I did not try to impose my NOB ideas on how things should be done.

http://rollybrook.com/building_directory.htm

Best wishes on your project.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

fanstone

Mar 2, 2006, 3:57 PM

Post #3 of 6 (3239 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Rolly] Renovating house in Merida

Can't Post | Private Reply

Hi Rolly

Thanx for your speedy reply. Have read with interest your posts over the last couple of years together with the progress photos- reality check! Great work!

I know that it would make perfect sense to rent something long term and enjoy ourselves bigtime with little worry, but there's always that itch to build something- dammit!
I've built a house in the Scottish Hebrides, restored a 500 year-old timber frame house and a 200 year old stone house in England, and built a house halfway up a mountain in Southern Alberta- I truly am a masochist as each time I say "never again"- until the next time comes along... so here we go again! I think this experience will be more intense than the previous ones- if it were less I think I would be disappointed!

I'm reminded of the story of the man who decided he would cross the North Pole in a hot air balloon. There was a huge send off party with all the big-whigs and press. He enjoyed it all immensely! It went on for days. During this time it became apparent to him that his calculations were off and there was no chance of success- it was certain death. However he was having such a great time and he felt he couldn't let everyone down so he continued with his venture. So the big day came and he took off to great fanfare and headed to the North Pole- he then crashed and died!

Rolly

Mar 2, 2006, 4:40 PM

Post #4 of 6 (3234 views)

Shortcut

Re: [fanstone] Renovating house in Merida

Can't Post | Private Reply

I understand about "never again." That's how I felt when my last project ended. Now, after a two-year rest, I'd jump at the chance to do another one. Maybe the 3rd time I would get it all right.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

sfmacaws

Mar 2, 2006, 9:30 PM

Post #5 of 6 (3224 views)

Shortcut

Re: [fanstone] Renovating house in Merida

Can't Post | Private Reply

I can recommend a great forum about Mérida http://www.meridainsider.com/ They are very nice people and many of them have done what you are contemplating. In addition, there is a lot of info about the city and life there that I think you will enjoy. The website has a lot of info and you'll find a link to the forums on the left of the home page.

It's a beautiful city.

Jonna - Mérida, Yucatán

chdutill

Mar 6, 2006, 7:46 AM

Post #6 of 6 (3192 views)

Shortcut

Re: [fanstone] Renovating house in Merida

Can't Post | Private Reply

Last year, my husband and I stayed for a few days at Casa Esperanza (B&B) in Merida. The owners are Sergio and Claudette - Sergio is a general contractor, and I believe is orginally from Mexico City. The renovations at their own property are just beautiful, and it is a work in progress. If you are in Merida, you might look him up - or go by and see for yourself. Of course he speaks Spanish, which seems like it would come in handy with the local workers, and his English is great. Good luck with your project!