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

Rolly / Moderator

Jan 3, 2004, 9:57 PM

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Building Project Update for 3 January 2004

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It's done! Well, sort of, almost. We finished all the construction work in the house. Next week we'll rebuild the sidewalks.

We are still waiting for the carpenter guys to do their work -- doors and cabinets for the kitchen and laundry room. As usual, we have no idea when that will be. The next promised delivery is the front door. Last week that guy said Friday (2 Jan) or Saturday for sure. (ha!) On Friday he said Saturday for sure. No show, no surprise either. Algun dia and welcome to Mañana landia.

Back to the tree story. As you remember Doña Martha wanted to cut down all the big nice shade trees around her house. I talked her out of it, sort of. It came up again this week, but I was ready for her: I had learned that the trees belong to the city, and you can't trim or remove a tree without the city's OK.

I have also spent some time looking carefully at the trees. I came to the conclusion that two of them should be removed because they are harming better trees next to them. We contacted the city and were promised that an inspector would check us out on Saturday. Of course he was a no show. (He and the carpenter must have gone to the cantina).

We need to get an answer on the trees before we can go very far with the sidewalk work. Stay tuned.

This week's pictures of the finished downstairs are at http://www.rollybrook.com/R04-01-03.htm

Rolly Pirate

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

(This post was edited by Rolly on Jan 3, 2004, 10:00 PM)

RafKarina

Jan 4, 2004, 1:58 PM

Post #2 of 9 (6163 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Building Project Update for 3 January 2004

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Hi Rolly,

I am really amazed at your ability to work on all your projects. Dona Martha's home is looking really great. The only thing I don't like is the lime green on the exterior, but I really liked the way you combined the different tones of whites. As far as the trees I am so happy that Dona Martha has eliminated them yet. I was surprised that they belong to the city.

By the way, you haven't mentioned engineers, architects or city permits. Have any of them been necessary? Do they make you destroy construction in Mexico when it isn't approved by the city? Also, where do you get your energy to do so much? Another question, are the boys and men trained in construction, are you teaching them, are they learning as they work?

Thank you for sharing and feliz ano nuevo,

Rolly / Moderator

Jan 4, 2004, 2:43 PM

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Re: [RafKarina] Building Project Update for 3 January 2004

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The green looks better in person than it does in the pictures. It's more of a leaf green than lime. It blends pretty well with the trees. It is Doña Martha's pick. I would have painted it purple.

) By the way, you haven't mentioned engineers, architects or city permits. Have any of them been necessary? Do they make you destroy construction in Mexico when it isn't approved by the city?

I'm acting as architect for the jobs. Yes, building permits are required. If you get caught building without one, you'll have to pay a hefty fine, but you don't have to take down the un-permitted work -- at least that is the rule in Lerdo; it may be different in other places (probably is in the cities).

> Also, where do you get your energy to do so much?

I wish I knew so I could go there to get a refill. I guess it's Tequila and unclean living. Smile

> Another question, are the boys and men trained in construction, are you teaching them, are they learning as they work?

OJT -- On the job training. It's according to the ancient craft system -- apprentices learning from a maestro. My partner, Enrique, and I have spent a good bit of time teaching one of the young guys about plumbing and electrical. Enrique has been in charge of plumbing on both projects while I have been the electrical guy. I taught Enrique how to do plumbing when we built our first house together in Los Angeles several years ago. It’s also been a learning experience for me. I have learned a lot about Mexican construction techniques -- some of which make me shudder.

Rolly Pirate

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

Rolly / Moderator

Jan 4, 2004, 3:06 PM

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Re: [RafKarina] Building Project Update for 3 January 2004

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RafKarina,

Here is a thread from almost 2 years ago that details my experience learning about the need for a building permit.

http://www.mexconnected.com/...;;page=unread#unread

Rolly Pirate

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

RafKarina

Jan 4, 2004, 5:09 PM

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Re: [Rolly] Building Project Update for 3 January 2004

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Hi Rolly,

Thank you for the info on the permit thread. I bought a house in La Paz, BC that is currently being rented but in the future when I retire there I would like to add a small apartment in the back and a swimming pool. I have a friend who is an architect in the US but he is Mexican. Do you think they allow plans in Mexico from an architect in the US?

Rolly / Moderator

Jan 4, 2004, 6:34 PM

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Re: [RafKarina] Building Project Update for 3 January 2004

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Most unlikely. I drew the plans for my Las Casas project, but we had to hire a local architect to redraw the plans on his paper with his seal. I'm sure that would be the rule in your city also. The drawings will have to be signed by an architect licensed in Mexico.

Rolly Pirate

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

RafKarina

Jan 5, 2004, 5:46 PM

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Re: [Rolly] Building Project Update for 3 January 2004

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Rolly,

Thank you for your input. Keep up the good work on your construction project and looking forward to seeing your future progress.

jennifer rose

Jan 5, 2004, 6:49 PM

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Gone Viking?

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Nice pic, but have you grown some kind of antlers or just gone Viking on us?

(Psst. Rolly, please delete after everyone's snicked.)

Rolly / Moderator

Jan 5, 2004, 7:18 PM

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Re: [jennifer rose] Gone Viking?

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No delete because it gives me a chance to talk about my hats.

I was sitting at the bar of my friend's restaurant in Manzanillo. Those "antlers" are a decretive hat rack, and the hat I have on was hanging on the rack until just before my friend snapped the picture. On an impulse, I grabbed the hat. When I saw the picture, I decided that a hat fits me in my old age. That was 8 years ago, and I've worn a hat ever since. Right now I have 6 of them plus a Halloween witch's hat and, of course, my Santa cap. When I was in Dallas recently, I bought my first Stetson -- an honest to goodness cowboy hat (and damn expensive).

Rolly Pirate

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

(This post was edited by Rolly on Jan 5, 2004, 7:21 PM)