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heike
Junior Nomad
Posts: 79
Registered: 4-28-2006
Location: Los Barriles
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Building costs in Los Barriles
Hello
I was wondering if someone could give me a ballpark price per sq. Foot for building a small casita in Los Barriles.. Thanks
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Marinero
Nomad
Posts: 419
Registered: 11-4-2003
Location: Los Barriles, BCS
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Prices vary greatly. Some builders are more hungry than others. The only real way to determine cost of construction is to interview the builders you
might want to use, disclose size, prefered methods of construction and the like. They can they begin to give you some ball-park figure. Having said
that, construction prices are down some both because of a lack of work for the builders and the increase in the strength of the doller against the
peso.
Si estás buscando la person que cambiará su vida, échale una mirada en el espejo.
Fish logo from www.usafishing.com, used w/permission.
But Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man
That he didn't, didn't already have..... |
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classicbajabronco
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Posts: 226
Registered: 1-2-2010
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I am currently building one on the eastcape, and the cost is about $45/ft2.
If you have any more questions feel free to ask.
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capt. mike
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8085
Registered: 11-26-2002
Location: Bat Cave
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Mood: Sling time!
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yes, can you give a macro summary of what's included?
civil site prep and util. services/runs/septic etc if any?
fixtures, flooring and type, millwork cabs and built ins, appliances if any, OH gar door(s), interior trim carp, counters and spash, HVAC, ext
appurtances i.e. walks patio etc, off grid products like PV etc?
or clarify if it is a basic shell unfinished price.
thx!
how close is your project to the Castille subdivision by Paul Clark - another thread here?
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8802
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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Mood: Full Time Residents
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$45 a foot is pretty cheap
roof= concrete - tile - fake tile
windows = homemade - store bought - special order
big or small
floors = tile - painted - concrete
electrical = mexican - american standards
kitchen cabinets = home made - store bought - special order
plumbing fixtures = cheap - expensive
pipes = pex - plastic - metal
forced air or window units or nothing
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Osprey
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3694
Registered: 5-23-2004
Location: Baja Ca. Sur
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Bob and Susan, more on that: I don't think it's just me on this. This peninsula is very slow to change prices on things like cement and rebar --- that
is, they (and a whole lot of other things) went sky high before the economic dump, the lack of tourists/buyers began. Now, with little going on, no
buyers, (AFTER SCITTY EIGHT MONTHS OF SELLING NOTHING) one might think the prices would come down. That's not happening down here -- it's like these
things only go one way = up and up, then sit on the shelf for years at that same price rather than adjust to what's happening now. Maybe new house
builders down here would be better served to buy goods in San Diego, have them transhiped.
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heike
Junior Nomad
Posts: 79
Registered: 4-28-2006
Location: Los Barriles
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I am really asking for a friend. I have had 2 projects built over the past 5 years. Both I paid about 74.00 a sq ft. That included everything, worker
costs, arct. plans, Septic, water, electric
, nice tile, windows... Etc. At that time I also asked what others were spending, I got a range of 45.00 up to 90.00.... Just checking in to see what
a good price would be now....
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Gaucho
Nomad
Posts: 405
Registered: 11-7-2008
Location: Laguna Beach/East Cape
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Mood: Bohemia por favor...
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Does your friend want a block home or tridipanel?
| Quote: | Originally posted by heike
I am really asking for a friend. I have had 2 projects built over the past 5 years. Both I paid about 74.00 a sq ft. That included everything, worker
costs, arct. plans, Septic, water, electric
, nice tile, windows... Etc. At that time I also asked what others were spending, I got a range of 45.00 up to 90.00.... Just checking in to see what
a good price would be now.... |
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heike
Junior Nomad
Posts: 79
Registered: 4-28-2006
Location: Los Barriles
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A small block casita 700-1000 sq ft. Depending on the price
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pepino
Banned
Posts: 53
Registered: 5-11-2010
Location: Baja
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Osprey
Bob and Susan, more on that: I don't think it's just me on this. This peninsula is very slow to change prices on things like cement and rebar --- that
is, they (and a whole lot of other things) went sky high before the economic dump, the lack of tourists/buyers began. Now, with little going on, no
buyers, (AFTER SCITTY EIGHT MONTHS OF SELLING NOTHING) one might think the prices would come down. That's not happening down here -- it's like these
things only go one way = up and up, then sit on the shelf for years at that same price rather than adjust to what's happening now. Maybe new house
builders down here would be better served to buy goods in San Diego, have them transhiped. |
The typical Mexican Business Model...as volume goes down raise prices to make up lost revenue....for some reason they do not see higher prices lose
more business. 
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classicbajabronco
Nomad
Posts: 226
Registered: 1-2-2010
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| Quote: | Originally posted by pepino
| Quote: | Originally posted by Osprey
Bob and Susan, more on that: I don't think it's just me on this. This peninsula is very slow to change prices on things like cement and rebar --- that
is, they (and a whole lot of other things) went sky high before the economic dump, the lack of tourists/buyers began. Now, with little going on, no
buyers, (AFTER SCITTY EIGHT MONTHS OF SELLING NOTHING) one might think the prices would come down. That's not happening down here -- it's like these
things only go one way = up and up, then sit on the shelf for years at that same price rather than adjust to what's happening now. Maybe new house
builders down here would be better served to buy goods in San Diego, have them transhiped. |
The typical Mexican Business Model...as volume goes down raise prices to make up lost revenue....for some reason they do not see higher prices lose
more business. |
I think it's more as the value as the peso goes down they raise the price to equal out. Typical inflation...
What they see is a Gringo with no clue, and a fat wallet, who says SI, SI, SI...Then they take you to the bank.
To see for yourself, go into a store with unmarked prices and buy an item, then a day o so later have a local go in and buy the same thing. 90% of
the time they will get the regular price and you'll get a inflated gringo price.
For that reason, I have my accountant order all my supplies and pay via wire transfer.
People are hungry and there are some very good deals to be had on labor. Don't settle on the first price by saying SI.
That being said. I just had 1000 blocks delivered and they were 1.4 pesos cheaper than when I bought them 5 years ago. Cement has gone up about 30
pesos in that time.
"SI" gets lots of people in trouble. make sure you understand in total before saying the Word. or get a translator
Our 666ft2 casita will run under $20k completed.
[Edited on 6-12-2010 by classicbajabronco]
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8802
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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Mood: Full Time Residents
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"Our 666ft2 casita will run under $20k completed"
WOW incrediable!!!
be careful...
not all block is the same
not all sand is the same
not all gravel is the same
not all rebar is the same
not all welds are the same
all cement is the same
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8802
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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Mood: Full Time Residents
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i'm just a simple retired guy...not a contractor like you...
but...
here the block IS NOT all the same
cheap block has less concrete in it
don't EVER think it doesn't
sand has salt in it sometimes
you NEED to get more expensive sand to be "clean"
unless you "taste it" don't assume you're getting
good sand
all gravel down here is different
some has volcanic rovk in it
it's very weak
water decomposes it easily
there's different sizes rebar
the assume you are getting the best all the time is a mistake
sometimes it's even "rusted"
there is "cheap" construction with less "castillos"
here the block is just a filler
the block isn't strong enough to support the roof
the "castillos" do that.
are they "sealing" the block below the surface?
maybe...probably not...problems later
is the copper encased?
concrete and copper don't mix
leaks later...
it's NOT ALL the same...
but i'm not a contractor
i don't belive you can build a "complete" 666sq foot house for $20k and make money
sorry...that would be materials only...maybe
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capt. mike
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8085
Registered: 11-26-2002
Location: Bat Cave
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Mood: Sling time!
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From the perspective of a 30 year plus tenured developer and state licensed GC, i watched the 3 plus years as Bob built his off grid resort Playa
Frambes, incl many trips to observe/inspect his WIP (work in progress).
he did a REMARKABLE job considering he is not a builder by trade - and his selection of GC and Arch./eng. was superlative - he did not scrimp on
costs. and got excellent quality at fair $$s as far as i have been privy. He is an experienced source now to expound on the vagaries of building in
Baja.
i would have to agree with him that you have to watch what is supplied. some guys make their own non fired 8x8x16 CMU blocks in Mulege using sea water
- they crush like bugs - i have used them for steps cause they're cheap and they disentegrate as soon as they get sun.
sand can be variously river, beach or screened/washed - it makes a diff to me depending on if using as base, in conc, mortar or for top coat stucco
finish.
some rebar is old and already rusted. i would prefer new and even oiled if i could get it.
you might need welding if you are doing embeds for steel headers or rails for large OH doors, or other plates and hangars like for poured decks and
pans. i would want a certified welder on any structural work i was doing.
bagged cement is going to say what it is re: lime ratios etc. Some for mortar will be ID'd as such vs reg portland type II for eg.
if they use the mortar mix on flat work it will spall, crack, shrink and fail prematurely. A crew will just use whatever is dropped if they are not
supervised. To them it is all the same.
and pre-mix when avail is not what i would want, ever.
that being said - i look forward to visiting at Costille soon and when down i hope to meet and see what you might do for a prospective buyer/builder.
the last item on my bucket list is to build something in baja and hang around a lot.... once i get there i don't really need anything
else.
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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Terry28
Senior Nomad
Posts: 824
Registered: 8-25-2007
Location: S.Calif mtns.
Member Is Offline
Mood: Thirsty
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I almost never jump in on these things but I have to this time. I have owned homes in both north and south Baja and built many in the states. I
don't know Bob and Susan but I have seen their place...Bob is correct, without a doubt.
Not all things are as they appear. I know of an extremely nice home being built just outside of Rosarito by a VERY well know contractor who is also
the archetict ( sp?) turn key price is $65 sq. ft. and it is a BARGAIN at that price, top of the line materials including granite counter tops, S.S.
appliances, perfect tile etc. due to lack of work the price is low... I don't believe you can get 660sq ft for $20K..sorry just my opinion....ya
get what ya pay for...and in some cases not even that...no offense intended...just my 2 pesos worth...
Mexico!! Where two can live as cheaply as one.....but it costs twice as much.....
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capt. mike
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8085
Registered: 11-26-2002
Location: Bat Cave
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Mood: Sling time!
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"with stained concrete counters and foor"
one of my fav details.
yes i look forward to it.
but can you add a SF to your bldg so it won't have the devil's influence??
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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wessongroup
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 21152
Registered: 8-9-2009
Location: Mission Viejo
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Mood: Suicide Hot line ... please hold
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| Quote: | Originally posted by fishabductor
Bob,
Never said I was a contractor. I am a construction engineer/manager/property manager. When I do my job right I lower the cost and improve the quality
of the structure. I am not trying to make money on the project, I get paid by the hour.
You have some good points, I am sure you have built a fine home.
You are talking about the same thing as me on many of the items.
Including Blocks
rebar( drag surface rusted rebar down a gravel road on a chain and it will be cleaner than the store sells) all rebar is the same if you get a #3 bar
in say 30ksi which is the norm here, (sure its not the same thing as a 50kpi bar, or a epoxy coated bar)
Don't get sand from near the beach..get it from up an arroyo.
You just happen to be insinuating that I am building an a casita using the cheapest materials in can get my hands on and that is absolutely not the
case. All materials have came from Construrama. The materials cost to date for the structure Is $67101.53 pesos or or $5243usd. That includes all
block, rebar, #9 wire, sand, Gravel ($5500 pesos/14m2) tie wire, Cement, Septic tubing, water lines, elect boxes...it does not include windows, doors,
paint, kitchen cabinets or appliances. however I have $6500usd left to cover these items before I get to $20k. The door/window quote is $1200usd.,
they are made to fit aluminum.
The total costs of labor is $110,000pesos or $8593.75 usd.
If you think the materials are $20k for a 666ft2 casita, you must be that gringo without a clue with the fat wallet I was talking about who gets
screwed.
I am married into a local family and have a lot of family and connections...I am a true Local!!! I live here full time have a mexican son. Having
connections such as these helps tremendously, I am 80% fluent in spanish as well, with my immediate family being 100% billingual. All this adds up to
savings the "normal gringos here" can't touch. I am sure there are many others here with similar connections, who can attest.
When I buy property I get the local price, I know what the average gringos pay.... Thank god I am not an average gringo.
capt.
I can't say I have ever seen a fired CMU. They are constructed in a press, and then hydrated until the cement cures, unlike a red clay brick which is
fired.
capt. u2u me if you come this way.
No offense meant to anyone...but you can build a quality casita for under $20k and I have all the facturas to prove it.
If you want granite counter tops, high end fixtures...etc. this will cost you. What we are building is a nice casita for our caretakers, with stained
concrete counters and foor. Min. tile work..ect.
[Edited on 6-12-2010 by fishabductor] |
Your approach however, would create Real Estate market problems ... I believe one can do what your talking about, IF they know what they are doing
down here as a builder.. and the other "party" is not looking for Better Homes and Garden place to live !!!
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8802
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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Mood: Full Time Residents
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lets do some labor math....
2 helpers $3500 pesos a week incl social security and medical
1 plumber electrical gut $4500 pesos a week
1 maestro $4500 pesos a week
budget for 4 workers = $110,000 pesos
total for 4 workers per week $16,000 pesos
110,000 / 16,000 = 6 3/4 weeks for construction completetion
not possible or you're doing the work yourself for no pay
and not paying ss
walls and a roof is not a completed project for "regular" retirees
people expect tile floors and counters pressurized water, electricty and plugs , fans tv and internet hook ups, showers sinks toilets kitchen cabinets
"bug free doors" windows with glass
(double pane is normal in the usa) closets septic
permits architect fees etc
still a regular house ...cant be done for 20k
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bajabass
Super Nomad
Posts: 2016
Registered: 10-4-2006
Location: La Paz,BCS
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Mood: Want to fish!!!
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fishabductor, are you up to projects in La Paz? I will be building in that area within a year or so. I am very interested in a sound, solid, basic
initial structure. 3br, 2ba, 1500 sq ft. We can fish evenings!
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8802
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
Member Is Offline
Mood: Full Time Residents
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i'm sorry fishabductor
remember i'm not a construction guy
but
i've seen alot of construction here...
and...
americans that think they have a "better mousetrap"
until we see finished projects...
show me i'm wrong and i'll admit it
i'm wrong lots of times
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