sakfogel
Dec 4, 2009, 5:26 AM
Post #7 of 8
(4863 views)
Shortcut
|
Re: [RickS] West Coast Building Materials
|
Can't Post | Private Reply
|
Rick,
I never checked the price of concrete block to build the house. I knew it would not be an option.
Initial cost is not the only factor in deciding on construction materials.
You need to consider the time it takes to build.
1. We broke ground on August 1. We hosted a wedding in our completed home on December 15th. The first 30 days of the construction time were spent on site prep. The actual construction time was 90 days. We have a 2300 sq ft home with another 1000 sq ft of covered patio, a pool, and a guesthouse.
My neighbor built a house of similar size using foam and did not move in for 18 months.
2. Livability;
My house is warm in winter, cool in summer. It does not smell like wet concrete, it does not sweat, and we don't shiver in winter.We don't have to go outside to get warm.
The interior walls are sheet rock, I can hang a picture with a straight pin if I like. No need for a drill and cement bit.
I don't take off a layer of skin if I bump the wall
My utility bills are lower
3. Flexibility
if you need to add an outlet, move light switches, install a ceiling fan or even move a wall it can be done easily, and inexpensively, and you are not breathing concrete dust for weeks afterward.
If these kinds of materials kept you warm and cool when needed in the Old Country, why wouldn't you want the same for your home in Mexico?
Time is money. Everyday I would visit the site, in the morning just to be sure everyone was working, all materials needed for the day were on the site, and to know what the day's plans were.
I would come back at random times, and seemingly by magic, a wall would be up. Later that day a window would be installed.
It amazed the neighbors!
But think about the construction time for a home in California: 90 days.
So why should you wait 6 months or a year to have a house in Mexico?
Builders and real estate agents will tell you you must build from concrete...only because that is all that they know.
You should also explore Quad-lock and panel W.
If I built again I would definitely use the same materials, but I would consider Quad Lock as well.
Free yourself of the concrete myth.
And don't make a decision based on upfront costs of concrete. Invariably there are cost over runs. If the builder buys materials as he goes, the price can and will increase during your construction period, which means your costs go up.
If cost is a big issue, build a smaller house , but use materials that will allow you to live in comfort.
Susan
Susan Fogel
On the beach in La Paz
Author of Margarita Mind Series of Books about Mexico
Book #1 now available: www.MargaritaMind.com
|
Forums Index
Search Posts
Who's Online
Log In or Sign Up