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DBaja
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[*] posted on 1-17-2020 at 08:22 PM
Construction in San Juanico


Hello all,

So I'm in need of some guidance.

I'm the new owner of a property in San Jaunico which has an unfinished home on it. The home is made entirely of reinforced concrete and has no finish work done to it. I have the original plans/permit for the second story and would like to finish the build. Lots of work is needed (masonry, plumbing, electrical, etc etc). As much as I would like to do it myself with local help I do not have the time and I live/work in California.


I need to hire quality builders

I know of some local help but I am searching for a maestro or better yet a "contractor" of sorts to run the show.

Does anyone have any experience building in this area? Any recommendations?

Many thanks in advance!

[Edited on 1-18-2020 by DBaja]
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JZ
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[*] posted on 1-17-2020 at 10:12 PM


My advice. Build in Loreto. SJ is so, so. I'd pick Mulege or Punta Chivato before SJ.




[Edited on 1-18-2020 by JZ]




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[*] posted on 1-17-2020 at 11:07 PM


Right, because DBaja's question of "how can I finish a place I own in a place I chose to buy into" is really code for where can I buy and build a new place in Gringolandia.

No offense JZ, but just because you don't like a place doesn't mean the rest of the world should hate it too.




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chippy
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[*] posted on 1-18-2020 at 04:42 AM


I don´t think JZ read the first sentence of the first paragraph.
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[*] posted on 1-18-2020 at 07:20 AM


There are many people in SJ who have experience in construction management, though the issue is that construction in Baja requires proper design and planing and materials. Perhaps first make your plans complete and appropriate to the region, then prepare a list of materials and then proceed to procure the materials and plan to get them delivered on a start date. The labor and management should come from someone with experience who is aligned to your goals.

Many issues to be aware of mitigating, such as rusted rebar, salty water, low quality block and cement, etc.

Take time to research construction methods and plan well in order to execute carefully with the right team.
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DBaja
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[*] posted on 1-18-2020 at 11:04 AM


Quote: Originally posted by gnukid  
There are many people in SJ who have experience in construction management, though the issue is that construction in Baja requires proper design and planing and materials. Perhaps first make your plans complete and appropriate to the region, then prepare a list of materials and then proceed to procure the materials and plan to get them delivered on a start date. The labor and management should come from someone with experience who is aligned to your goals.

Many issues to be aware of mitigating, such as rusted rebar, salty water, low quality block and cement, etc.


Take time to research construction methods and plan well in order to execute carefully with the right team.



Thanks gnukid,

All are great suggestions. I will oversee many of the potential issues you mentioned. All/most of my supplies will be delivered from Constitution from a reputable place. I also already have engineered/ permitted plans, although they need to be renewed and updated. I also have potential local help lined up.

Your exactly right in saying I need to find someone who's experience/goals are in line with what I want. That is one of the reasons I am reaching out to the community.

What I am wondering now is if there are any highly recommended people that have been hired in that area that could help coordinate and manage everything on my behalf or at least with me.

I look at the many high quality builds on gringo hill and wonder how they did it. Im sure some were done by the owner but most/many were not. I could be wrong though.

My home is not on the hill nor that quality of a build (although I can dream), but I cant help but wonder who they hired.

Any ideas, references, referrals out there?

Thanks again
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[*] posted on 1-18-2020 at 12:01 PM


Try contacting Mike at Cowabunga Hotel there. He has a Facebook page.



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[*] posted on 1-18-2020 at 12:04 PM


see u2u
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DBaja
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[*] posted on 1-18-2020 at 04:11 PM


I responded to your U2U, thanks
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[*] posted on 1-19-2020 at 08:37 AM


Some people build super secure heavy duty construction in consideration of security, though, I have seen open style construction work very well, meaning in stead of closed with windows and heavy doors, an open area can serve well as a gathering area with screens or curtains to moderate temperature. Save closed areas for bedrooms and storage. Windows are a consideration, seems like understanding your needs and then procuring the windows before you construct can help resolve wasted resources. I especially like aluminum windows and doors and closed glass in a frame, and or of course you can plan on some metal covers such as hurricane style for both security and safety. Paint and finish is a consideration too, high quality oil based paint can last much longer than cheap paint that seems to last a short time and suffers quite a bit. Stone and tile are great low maintenance finishes.

Anything you want can be ordered from anywhere in Mexico and likely delivered too at low cost or you can find a way to get the final leg completed from nearby city centers.

Great nearby palapa materials and Palo de Arco in La Purissma and there are some excellent craftsmen.

[Edited on 1-19-2020 by gnukid]
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[*] posted on 1-19-2020 at 10:23 AM


Before the contractor comes in, you need some stuff to support him and make it beneficial to him also. When we built our home, we paid in money and in new tools. Get a cargo container and develop the logistics of getting stuff there is 80%








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[*] posted on 1-19-2020 at 10:43 AM


Quote: Originally posted by DBaja  
I look at the many high quality builds on gringo hill and wonder how they did it. Im sure some were done by the owner but most/many were not. I could be wrong though.

My home is not on the hill nor that quality of a build (although I can dream), but I cant help but wonder who they hired.

Any ideas, references, referrals out there?


go up on gringo hill and knock on their doors and ask who was their builder?

[Edited on 1-19-2020 by mtgoat666]




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[*] posted on 1-19-2020 at 11:33 AM


I’m taking careful notes, thanks everyone for the input.

Please keep it coming!!
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[*] posted on 1-19-2020 at 01:40 PM


Before you get started, read this book - https://www.amazon.com/God-Mr-Gomez-Building-Dream/dp/088496...

You had better have a set of your own plans and plan on being on-site every day or you will get what your contractor:
Thinks you want
What the contractor thinks is a better idea
What material the contractor substitutes for what you wanted/ordered
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[*] posted on 1-19-2020 at 07:27 PM


Baja labor is skilled in many ways, but project management is definitely not one of them.
Daily & weekly project milestones are needed as a management tool.
Bottlenecks in a process are your biggest issue
Its not just a labor crew each day, but their family issues too.




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[*] posted on 1-19-2020 at 10:49 PM


I have built in Baja
I have seen friends built in Baja
I have watched projects built in Baja (I have a construction background)

quality construction work is almost impossible in Baja
including what I have seen from US and other foreign contractors

companies who value time and quality have crews brought in from mainland Mexico (OXXO, Walmart, Home Depot, hotels etc)

I have pictures of the Nopolo project in Loreto. You do not want to see what's under the plaster!

However, i have heard from friends who were very happy with the results of their builders (La Paz area). So, good work seems to be out there. Somewhere.

from my own experience - if you are not on site every day, every hour of the process, you might get something you did not order for more money you wanted to pay.
Remember, there is no recourse in Baja if things go wrong.

I like the Gomez book - reality is much worse.




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[*] posted on 1-20-2020 at 01:59 AM


Might sound crazy, but, cement shelves, counters, bed pedastles, couches, work very well. They can't be stolen or rot away.
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[*] posted on 1-20-2020 at 08:34 AM


Quote: Originally posted by gnukid  
Might sound crazy, but, cement shelves, counters, bed pedastles, couches, work very well. They can't be stolen or rot away.


exactly what I have done - bed base, garage shelves, kitchen counters - all concrete

shelves800.jpg - 192kB




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[*] posted on 1-20-2020 at 11:54 AM


So the structure on my property consists of a 2 bay garage with lots of storage/tools, materials from the initial build. Storage of materials and equipment wont me an issue. There is a side room for sleeping and a small bathroom. All rough construction. The next phase is the second story. Id send a pic but I cant seem to figure it out! LOL
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[*] posted on 1-20-2020 at 12:14 PM


Quote: Originally posted by DBaja  
So the structure on my property consists of a 2 bay garage with lots of storage/tools, materials from the initial build. Storage of materials and equipment wont me an issue. There is a side room for sleeping and a small bathroom. All rough construction. The next phase is the second story. Id send a pic but I cant seem to figure it out! LOL


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