Good Time to Build?

[GPetroff]

Any thoughts on building in MX now with the economy depressed? My husband and I are thinking about building on our lot in the near term and wonder if the weak peso, lower commodity prices and poor economy will help our building money go further?

Would love to speak with someone who knows the current status.

Thanks

[ProfessorPibil]

The low commodity prices and peso will obviously help you, but wages in the PdC area aren't as low as you might imagine them to be.

[Page]

One thing in your favour is the amount of projects sitting idle at this time - meaning more labour available for your build. In the past, finding a contractor/crew to work on a small (e.g. one house) project was a real problem. Your first step will be to hire an architect, who will run the project for you.

Caroline

[DavidL]

This is my first post, so apologies if I haven't done the usual intro, i will get around to it, but I do have a few questions which I hope some will have a view on or can redirect me for further info.

Building in the playa area - Does anyone know the average Sqft or m2 building price for a single family home? Next questions - Can it be prject managed by an owner builder or must a GC be involved? Final questions - Any recommendations for a GC or architect/engineer?
Thanks for reading.
David

[Babaloo]

Originally Posted by DavidL

This is my first post, so apologies if I haven't done the usual intro, i will get around to it, but I do have a few questions which I hope some will have a view on or can redirect me for further info.

Building in the playa area - Does anyone know the average Sqft or m2 building price for a single family home? Next questions - Can it be prject managed by an owner builder or must a GC be involved? Final questions - Any recommendations for a GC or architect/engineer?
Thanks for reading.
David

Here's a start
Welcome to the forum - and good luck with your building project - be prepared!

[roni]

An architect in Merida recently was reported to have quoted $45 US per square foot in Merida, and $65 per square foot at the beach [gulf coast]. Multiply by 10.75 and you've got cost per square meter

I would guess it might be a little higher in Playa - seems like many things are

[Mindbender]

I've noticed things starting to pick up again on the construction front, small and large projects.

So while some businesses are still closing down having reached the end of the road, there are signs of a resurgence.

Of course the impending high season is one reason for this.

[DavidL]

Originally Posted by Babaloo

Here's a start
Welcome to the forum - and good luck with your building project - be prepared!

Thanks for the pointer. Not sure how I missed that with the search.
Regards,
David

[DavidL]

Is there a 'public records'/ land registry government database for the playa area?
Regards,
David

[calgaryguy]

We are experienced builders in Canada and are being anti-cyclical and building 6 houses in Playa right now. Availability of trades, labour and material is good, prices are reasonable and the Peso exchange to the Canadian dollar is very good right now. The added benefit of providing employment in a challenged market is important to me as well, and we are getting great service, build speed and quality. Finishes dictate prices largely, but if you use $6000-8000 pesos/m2 you will be safe.

[DavidL]

Originally Posted by calgaryguy

We are experienced builders in Canada and are being anti-cyclical and building 6 houses in Playa right now. Availability of trades, labour and material is good, prices are reasonable and the Peso exchange to the Canadian dollar is very good right now. The added benefit of providing employment in a challenged market is important to me as well, and we are getting great service, build speed and quality. Finishes dictate prices largely, but if you use $6000-8000 pesos/m2 you will be safe.

Thanks for the 'heads up.' I'm interested to get some more info on the build process. Any suggestions?

[calgaryguy]

Although you get good advice to be careful etc., (and that is true), but only good business in any environment, and any business, but especially in a foreign country in a language you may not be 100% solid in, etc.

Our experience has been good all round. We have bought quite a few properties in the area, renovated some and are building as well, so we have a fairly broad experience from which to comment.

In my opinion, the key is to have the right people on your team, that are competent, honest, and are well connected locally to get good prices and to make things happen. My personal philosophy is to pay for the right people as well, believing in the long run that is also fiscally prudent. We interviewed a number of architects, asked around for recommendations, looked at their work etc. We have a good lawyer that we hired through the same process. We know many agents in the area, and have used a number with a high level of satisfaction. The right people, like in every business or project are the key.

Specifically as to using a GC or performing that role yourself, there are some things you would likely want to think about. You should be fluent in Spanish to effectively communicate with your workforce. You need to be aware of the rules as to providing insurance for workers etc. as it is your responsibility. You need to know how the permitting works and the various levels of paper work. You also need to physically be there. If this is not the case, a good GC can make happen for you. The GC is often the architect in Playa as well, and there are a number that can do a good job.

You should have fun with the process and try to mitigate your risk, but hopefully be able to enjoy it and trust the people you are working with.

[PAUL250268]

You could get in touch with Chris at amer dot development at gmail dot com.

He's American and speaks fluent Spanish.

A few months back he also had lots for sale.


Paul