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

rondavis

Jun 12, 2004, 11:55 AM

Post #1 of 6 (5533 views)

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Basements in Homes in Mexico

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I have been searching the real estate listings in Mexico in both the the state of Jaliscia and also the city and state of Puebla, Mexico. I am somewhat concerned about the apparent absence of basements within the moderate to lower priced homes within both areas.

As I am retired, I would like to move to Mexico to enjoy
better all around weather and a lesser cost of living. However, I do own some rather expensive wood shop equipment such as a large table saw, band saw, drill press etc.

It would seem that I should dispose of these items prior
to making the move to Mexico due to a lack of storage space in a home that I might be able to buy in one of these areas.

What would be your suggestions.

Adrian

Jun 12, 2004, 1:58 PM

Post #2 of 6 (5512 views)

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Re: [rondavis] Basements in Homes in Mexico

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Hi Ron
I had a similar problem when we moved here but, in my case, a clean and comfortable radio & electronics workshop was needed for me and 100+ tube radios.

We had an additional floor built on the house for a laundry room & workshop but I daresay, if you have space, a block addition to a house with window, flat roof and that all important AC unit may be built at a reasonable cost.

The only other alternative may be renting a workshop space nearby but then what about security concerns?

In my experience, basements are not a common feature in Mexican houses in any price range. My sister-in-law architect says that the demand isn't there for them (although she has one in her house, built to isolate husband's fishing gear!)

Adrian

Rolly / Moderator

Jun 12, 2004, 2:04 PM

Post #3 of 6 (5510 views)

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Re: [Adrian] Basements in Homes in Mexico

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Also, many homes come with a garage that could be converted into a workshop if you don't mind parking on the street.

Rolly Pirate

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On Facebook as Rolly Brook

rondavis

Jun 12, 2004, 2:17 PM

Post #4 of 6 (5507 views)

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Re: [Adrian] Basements in Homes in Mexico

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Your idea of placing the equipment in an attached garage might work if I could find such a home (and be able to afford that luxury) or the idea of building on a cement block house is also a possibility.

Thanks for your suggestions.

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patricio_lintz

Jul 12, 2004, 7:21 PM

Post #5 of 6 (5415 views)

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Re: [rondavis] Basements in Homes in Mexico

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I do not believe that basements work out well in tropical areas. The ones which I have seen are all full of mildew. It's better to build above grade.

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Cynthia7

Jul 12, 2004, 9:01 PM

Post #6 of 6 (5402 views)

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Re: [patricio_lintz] Basements in Homes in Mexico

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We had to go down 12 feet to hit bedrock for the foundation for an addition we built. I kept saying "Can't you take the dirt out and I will have a bodega." They would give me THE LOOK- you know -eyes turned up to heaven and hands by their sides. Awaiting resurrection or something. Finally- they said -OH, a large deposito. I said yes and my 2 grandsons are in the deposito sleeping in twin beds and very cozy on this rainy night. A rose by any other name smells the same. We just never put water in it and put a permanent stairway and trigaluces in the ceiling for light. We joke and say they took the dirt out in teacups - it took them so long to remove the earth.