Markus10L
Junior Nomad
Posts: 32
Registered: 2-17-2021
Location: Todos Santos
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Building in Todos Santos
Hi,
I know there have been a lot of posts regarding building a house in Baja Sur but I have not seen anything very recent. Is there anyone living in the
Todos Santos area that have any recommendations on architect's and builders? I am looking to build a 1200 sqft two story insulated foam house. I am
also fortunate enough to take time off of work to be present during the construction of the house. I have read a lot of nightmares of building in MX
but also some reassuring stories as well.
- Hoping to hear some reassuring stories but also would like to hear from anyone that has built in Baja Sur and what to expect or look out for.
Thanks-
Mark
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phmilo
Junior Nomad
Posts: 59
Registered: 12-22-2020
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There is a lot of demand in the area right now, so there is pressure on all sides - labor, materials, permits, mordita...
We went the other way and are working to purchase complete and then add.
We considered both extensively. I'll be curious to see how your route turns out.
From my pro/con list, I would say be sure you know your builder and architect well. It's great that you will be there, but have a local on payroll as
well, preferably one with extensive history that can be validated. I think it is worth it to pay more for those with demonstrable past performance.
ICF is interesting too, we looked at a lot of pre-fab options and were on the fence, but block is tested and true. We would have done block if we
chose to build, prefab container was a close second (but we have contact to make this easier).
Where are you planning to build? Have you secured a lot yet? Wondering if we were circling the same properties?
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RFClark
Super Nomad
Posts: 2339
Registered: 8-27-2015
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Mood: Looking forward to 2024
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Talk to this guy, he has a good reputation and has built that sort of house.
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charliemanson
Nomad
Posts: 215
Registered: 5-11-2016
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Be careful with the concrete foam block products. Do your research and look at some houses that were built with it that are older than 3 years.
We built our second house with an Eco block and have been disappointed. We did not do our due diligence here as I had uses a similar product in the
states with great results and felt it was worth it down here.
Cracking is the big issue as well as the insulation is no different. In the summer our concrete block house is drastically cooler and we have not had
one crack in over 20 plus years. The Eco block house is super hot and cracks everywhere.
Also the cost we found to be roughly 20% more, not the 5% as quoted. Also, if you ever need to install anything after the build such as a large
picture or a/c into the block it is a mess.
You will also need an architect that is familiar with the product and there are few.
My recommendation is go with what is proven and use normal block
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pacificobob
Super Nomad
Posts: 2241
Registered: 4-23-2006
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this is good counsel. consider conventional building processes..i believe you will be happier.
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elskel
Nomad
Posts: 449
Registered: 10-9-2006
Location: Laguna Beach & Pescadero BCS
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I have a great guy, he is building my brothers house in Pescadero. I have seen other places he has built, excellent. Works with an architect. He is
actually based out of Todos Santos.
Ismael Uribe CAT Integrety Builders - 612-197-2876
Both he and the architect speak english.
Give me a holler if you'd like anymore info / photos.
Brian 949-422-2090. - El Pescadero
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Markus10L
Junior Nomad
Posts: 32
Registered: 2-17-2021
Location: Todos Santos
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phmilo- I am building in the Las Tunas area and yes I have secured my dream lot- Turning 31 this year and will be moving to Baja Sur full time - US is
getting too weird.
RFClark- Thank you for the suggestion I will certainly check them out
Charliemanson- Thank you for your advice- I have heard conventional is the route from a few people- tried and proven. Also heard the block is good but
have not heard about the negatives- I will definitely do some DD on it.
elskel- Thank you very much for the suggestion and I would love to get some pics as well- going to send a U2U
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pauldavidmena
Super Nomad
Posts: 1689
Registered: 5-23-2013
Location: Centerville, MA, USA
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I've just subscribed to this post, as it's been a goal of ours to relocate to the Todos Santos area in the not-too-distant future. And yes, it's
snowing here on Cape Cod.
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pacificobob
Super Nomad
Posts: 2241
Registered: 4-23-2006
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i know about 6 very good builders in the area. they work at a variety of prices and levels of quality. one is very sick with covid, the others are
very busy, with lots on their plates. materials prices are quite high at this time.
i just noticed lumber prices in the US have doubled since june 2020.
i have a project i would like to do in Montana, but will wait for materials prices to adjust.
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BajaNomad
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Thread Moved
2-19-2021 at 09:49 PM |
monoloco
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6667
Registered: 7-13-2009
Location: Pescadero BCS
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Check out EF Block. They're made of concrete and recycled styrofoam. I know several people who have homes built with them who are quite happy with the
results. Great R value, and they don't take any specialized skills or equipment to build with.
"The future ain't what it used to be"
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