BajaNomad

If you had to do it again

Marie-Rose - 7-17-2005 at 08:13 AM

[Edited on 2005-7-17 by Marie-Rose]
There is a fabulous post re: likes and dislikes in Baja ... my question is
If you had to do it again (for those who have built), what would you do differently?
Bigger, smaller,? Is there anything you've done that you regret oranything you are very happy you you spent the extra money on?

[Edited on 2005-7-17 by Marie-Rose]

Doing different this time

oladulce - 7-28-2005 at 02:24 AM

1. Will be using heavy duty wooden barn-type garage doors (not the Mexican metal ones that require frequent painting and can be bent up at the corners with a crowbar).

2. No handles or locks on the outside of the garage doors (nothing to attach a rope from a car bumper on to, then drive away and no exposed locks that can be tampered with).

3. Having as many locks keyed-alike as possible to eliminate about 5 key rings.

4. Planning more water storage and power than we think we'll need.

5. Won't assume that the workers know about drainage for patios and flat roofs- will be reminding them when we get to that phase of construction.

6. Won't put a roof drain directly above a window that opens.

7. Will put more thought in to where plants and trees will be located to avoid frequent transplanting as design ideas evolve.

8. More shade. Shade for vehicles, shade for working in, shade for gardening, shade for the clothesline, shade for cleaning fish, shade over exposed windows, and huge shaded patios. It's worth every penny and you get to enjoy more of your property when you have multiple shaded areas.

9. A "paved" pathway thoughout property to reduce annoying stickers in the feet and the huge cactus spines that can put you out of commission.

10. Won't scrimp on outdoor path lights. It's better to see the tarantula before you step on him when your taking out the trash in the dark.

Mike Humfreville - 7-28-2005 at 03:26 AM

Win or lose, I would have put my attempts at a creative career ahead of my career that only made money, was somewhat satisfying and caused me and my family to become spoiled. I'd have gone for the ring even if faced with utter failure, I would have spoken my piece.

2frogs - 7-28-2005 at 08:19 AM

I'd be interested in knowing what people living in the Rosarito area would do differently. That was a great questions:!:

rpleger - 7-28-2005 at 08:31 AM

Buy one already built.

2frogs - 7-28-2005 at 08:38 AM

I think that's good advise if we can afford it. We've built and remodeled and even 'cleared from the jungle' a coffee farm that had been abandone for 5 yrs. Just once I'd like to buy new/turn key. Are there any areas of Rosarito and surrounding that you can suggest looking into? :rolleyes: