BajaNomad - Import construction materials or buy in Ensenada?

Import construction materials or buy in Ensenada?

Pacifico - 2-24-2009 at 06:42 PM

Hopefully some of you nomads can answer some questions for me...I'm gonna be building a garage (woodframe) and was wondering what the process is for importation at the border. I've hauled in lots of things to Mexico, but have never gone through the process of paying the importation tax. The reason I would rather haul the materials down from the states is that I don't know if I could get it all at Home Depot in Ensenada and don't want to get there and realize they don't have everything I need. Here are my questions:
1) How much is the importation tax? 10%? :?:

2) Anything to beware of with the process? :?:

3) Ensenada nomads - Does the Ensenada Home Depot carry 2"x12"x20ft. douglas fir? :?:

4) Are lumber prices more in Mex than the U.S.? :?:

5) Any harrassment for bringing lots of tools? :?:

(I know this sounds stupid, but I've been harrassed for bringing in a VHF radio) ahhh Mexico...
Any help from Nomads who have gone through the process would be greatly appreciated!!!

DENNIS - 2-24-2009 at 09:54 PM

Hi john.......

Just got your U2U but I'll answer here if you don't mind.
I wouldn't even consider bringing down lumber. I'm not so sure they'll let you do that anymore anyway.

I'm continually building my place, now the garage, and at this time the best prices are at Home Dpo, Ensenada. It's Doug Fir and reasonable. [29 Ps---2x4x8...#2]
2x12x20...??? I would bet yes. I know they have 2x6x20. Anyway, ask and I know they will order it if it's not in inventory.

Let me know if I can be of any help.

Paulina - 2-24-2009 at 10:02 PM

Dennis,

Dern was hoping you'd reply to this question. He is going to need some large beams for Bahia and was wondering where to start looking. He'll be down the second week of March to start gathering supplies. Lumber is #1 on his list.

P<*)))>{

DENNIS - 2-24-2009 at 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paulina
Dennis,

Dern was hoping you'd reply to this question. He is going to need some large beams for Bahia and was wondering where to start looking. He'll be down the second week of March to start gathering supplies. Lumber is #1 on his list.

P<*)))>{

"Beams Are Us".......Short to large to humongous..."Los Olivos".........North East corner of Ensenada. A guided tour will cost you two Pacificos.
Im still holding your Christmas present...a box of Noche Buena. See you when you get here.

BajaGeoff - 2-24-2009 at 10:26 PM

I would think that the current exchange rate would mean amazing values for lumber in Ensenada...even if you have to order it and wait.

CortezBlue - 2-24-2009 at 10:37 PM

1) How much is the importation tax? 10%? :?:

I think the last time I paid 15 or 17 percent
2) Anything to beware of with the process? :?:

I bought a roll of FTC approved "Made in America" stickers to cover up anything that state "Made in China"
3) Ensenada nomads - Does the Ensenada Home Depot carry 2"x12"x20ft. douglas fir? :?:

I would seriously look into steel framing. I did a steel post and beam house and used steel studs.
4) Are lumber prices more in Mex than the U.S.? :?:

At the Mexicali Home Depot it was about the same as buying it in the US and paying the tarif. But the selection was limited
5) Any harrassment for bringing lots of tools? :?:

(I know this sounds stupid, but I've been harrassed for bringing in a VHF radio) ahhh Mexico... I go to my casa in San Felipe every other weekend and I have my truck full of tools and I have never been asked about it.
:biggrin:

DENNIS - 2-25-2009 at 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGeoff
I would think that the current exchange rate would mean amazing values for lumber in Ensenada...even if you have to order it and wait.

Imported items will reflect the dollar price converted to pesos. If one can find old inventory purchased before the recent disparity, a good saving may be realized unless, of course, the seller has been making daily price adjustments to enhance profits. That may not be unreasonable. Just having a better product available is worth something.

Pacifico - 2-25-2009 at 06:48 AM

Thanks for the replys everyone!!! Dennis, if it is not much trouble, next time you are in Home Depot in Ensenada could you see if they carry 2"x12"x20' on a regular basis? That is my main item of concern. I need 36 of them. Thanks!!!

DENNIS - 2-25-2009 at 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CortezBlue
1) How much is the importation tax? 10%? :?:

I think the last time I paid 15 or 17 percent

3) Ensenada nomads - Does the Ensenada Home Depot carry 2"x12"x20ft. douglas fir? :?:

4) Are lumber prices more in Mex than the U.S.? :?:

5) Any harrassment for bringing lots of tools? :?:

I was under the impression that lumber in bulk was banned. They just wont let you bring in piles of wood any more. Protectionism for sure but, that's the way it is.
I was paying 14 and 15% to import other building materials. It varies because it's Mexico.

I'll look into the 2x12x20 question as soon as I can get up there. Tomorrow I hope.

Lumber is more here and the farther south you go, the higher the price. Shipping has to be taken into consideration.

The tool question? I guess it depends on New or Used, how many and who you're dealing with at the moment. The rule book was tossed out the window the moment it was printed. Good luck on that one.

DENNIS - 2-25-2009 at 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pacifico
Thanks for the replys everyone!!! Dennis, if it is not much trouble, next time you are in Home Depot in Ensenada could you see if they carry 2"x12"x20' on a regular basis? That is my main item of concern. I need 36 of them. Thanks!!!

Yeah...will do. I mentioned it before that the best part of Home Dpo lumber is the type, Doug Fir. It doesn't get any better than that. You can buy a lot of Hemlock Fir but, structurally it's inferior.
Last week I was buying 2x4x8 at HD for 29Ps each. Not a bad price.

What are you spanning with the long stuff? Sounds big.

[Edited on 2-25-2009 by DENNIS]

Paulina - 2-25-2009 at 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Thanks Dennis, I'm sure he'll take you up on the tour guide service, and tip 2 more Pacificos if not more. He would prefer to have four 4x12x20' beams, but if he can't get them he'll make due with sandwiching the 2x12s together. In that case he'll need 8 of the 2x12x20s. They'll end up being cut down to 18'. There's a long list that he'll run by you. He'll be down around the 12th, I won't be there until Spring Break in April.
Thank you for my Christmas present :tumble:

!

P<*)))>{

edit: I ran this by Dern and he's all for the tour. Thank you very much. He also corrected me in the lumber count I originally posted, and promised not to drink my Christmas gift!

Edit number dos: Does Los Olivos deliver to Punta Banda? I assume it would be too much to ask them to deliver to Bahia.

[Edited on 26-2-2009 by Paulina]

Lumber

Dave - 2-25-2009 at 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

I wouldn't even consider bringing down lumber. I'm not so sure they'll let you do that anymore anyway.

I was turned back twice in one day. You really have to hide it well. But considering the quality, price and selection offered in Mexico it's well worth the effort.

4baja - 2-25-2009 at 06:28 PM

pacifico, we bought all our lumber in maneadero and the price was close to the states. they even deliver to bola for a fair price. we called it in and when we arrived it was banded and ready for us. it was very easy!!!

Paulina - 2-25-2009 at 06:51 PM

Steve,

Was it waiting for you in Bahia, or at the Pacifico in Maneadero?

If it was in Bahia, how many days prior to delivery did you order the lumber?

Did they take it all the way out to Gecko, or leave it in town?

Do you remember the cost of delivery?

Thanks,
P y D

BajaWarrior - 2-25-2009 at 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 4baja
pacifico, we bought all our lumber in maneadero and the price was close to the states. they even deliver to bola for a fair price. we called it in and when we arrived it was banded and ready for us. it was very easy!!!

I purchased quite a bit of lumber from the lumberyard on the south side of Maneadero on the left side of the big left curve. Get that?

4Baja, is that the same one?

I secured what I wanted on a trip heading north and picked it up the next Friday night with two trucks with lumber racks for my former home in La Bocana de Santo Tomas.

r.LaBocanaLumber.JPG - 46kB

DENNIS - 2-25-2009 at 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaWarrior

I purchased quite a bit of lumber from the lumberyard on the south side of Maneadero on the left side of the big left curve. Get that?

I believe you are refering to, "Flemate."

BajaWarrior - 2-25-2009 at 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaWarrior

I purchased quite a bit of lumber from the lumberyard on the south side of Maneadero on the left side of the big left curve. Get that?

I believe you are refering to, "Flemate."

That be the one, thanks Dennis...

Pacifico - 2-25-2009 at 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

I'm building a garage with a flat roof with a deck on top.

Paulina - 2-25-2009 at 09:55 PM

"There have been a few deliveries straight to Gecko and, I understand, a few interceptions by Martin/Pepe at the cost of 500 pesos......"

Does that mean that Pepito has stopped the delivery and charged a "holding fee" of sorts?

Or was it delivered to Martin/Pepe and they charged 500 p for their services?

I guess I'm not really clear on what the interception was. As we are planning on quite a bit of lumber, we are curious to know all the ins and outs from those who have been through having it delivered.

Thanks,
P.

DENNIS - 2-26-2009 at 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pacifico

I'm building a garage with a flat roof with a deck on top.

Begging for leaks, eh. Good luck with that. :tumble:

Are you building trusses?

Where are you?

[Edited on 2-26-2009 by DENNIS]

[Edited on 2-26-2009 by DENNIS]

4baja - 2-26-2009 at 07:21 AM

dennis, built A flat roof on my garage and never had a leak. been 4 years now. heading south wensday antisipating good weather.

4baja - 2-26-2009 at 07:23 AM

franko they cant intercept the truck and charge otherwise he would be a bandito. wish you could go buddy!!!

DENNIS - 2-26-2009 at 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 4baja
dennis, built A flat roof on my garage and never had a leak. been 4 years now. heading south wensday antisipating good weather.

Sometimes it works although the faster water is drained from the surface, the higher is the rate of success. Using the surface for a sundeck floor will shorten the life of the roofing material but, what the heck. Anything for a good tan and a place to drink mass quantities of ice cold beer.
So often I've seen people build a sundeck but, rarely use them. Seems the stairs are always an afterthought and end up being too steep or in a bad place.

DENNIS - 2-26-2009 at 11:09 AM

OK....No 2x12x20 at the HD in Ensenada. Asked if it would ever happen and I got one of those thousand yard stares and a maybe.

Here's some available stock and prices. This is all good looking Doug Fir:

2x4x8...........35 Ps.
x10..........44
x12...........52
x16...........70

2x6x16...........109
x20...........137

2x10x14..........197

2x12x10...........155

They have most other lengths but I didn't do a complete inventory. I think the above prices are good and, again, Doug Fir is best.

Pacifico....You could stack two 2x6s on edge and skin them with half inch OSB, shear nail and you would have what you're looking for. Sounds like a lot of work but, it does the job.

[Edited on 2-26-2009 by DENNIS]

Paulina - 2-26-2009 at 12:49 PM

THANK YOU DENNIS! Dern is going to love that you posted all those prices. Now we can estimate how much moola to put aside for lumber.
He mentioned the sandwich deal re making beams if he had to. That's probably how it's going to end up unless you guys find something at Los Olivos.

Maybe by "wensday" 4Baja will remember the answers to my questions :light:

P<*)))>{

DENNIS - 2-26-2009 at 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paulina
Maybe by "wensday" 4Baja will remember the answers to my questions :light:

P<*)))>{

Don' hol yur breth.

Bob and Susan - 2-26-2009 at 04:51 PM

i've seen lumber shipped from san diego lots of times

you NEED to use a broker in advance because the lumber needs a fumigation certificate and other stuff

Pacifico - 2-26-2009 at 11:50 PM

Thanks Dennis! I owe ya a cold Pacifico!!! I was thinking of making a quick trip to Ensenada to go see if they can order 2x12x20's and see what they have in person. I would think they could order in almost anything that is found in the states as long as it is paid for in advance. As far as brokers go - does anyone know any brokers they would recommend?

DENNIS - 2-27-2009 at 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pacifico
Thanks Dennis! I owe ya a cold Pacifico!!!

OK John........I'll look forward to that.

Paulina - 2-27-2009 at 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pacifico
...I was thinking of making a quick trip to Ensenada to go see if they can order 2x12x20's...

John,

Please let us know what you find out. We need the same sized beams.

Thanks,

Paulina y Dern

Pacifico - 2-27-2009 at 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paulina

Quote:

Originally posted by Pacifico
...I was thinking of making a quick trip to Ensenada to go see if they can order 2x12x20's...

John,

Please let us know what you find out. We need the same sized beams.

Thanks,

Paulina y Dern

Paulina, I definitely will let you know once I make the trip down - hopefully soon. How many do you need? Also, out of curiosity, are you in Camp Gecko?

John

4baja - 2-27-2009 at 08:14 PM

pacifico, ill utu some info on shipping if i can find my invoice tomorrow. allso 2x12 are the way to go as we made all the beams we need with them.

Paulina - 2-27-2009 at 09:11 PM

John,

We need 8 of them.

No, we're not in Gecko, but we could see it from our old deck.

Thanks again,

P<*)))>{

Pacifico - 2-28-2009 at 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 4baja
pacifico, ill utu some info on shipping if i can find my invoice tomorrow. allso 2x12 are the way to go as we made all the beams we need with them.

Thanks 4baja - I look forward to it!

astrobaja - 2-28-2009 at 12:08 PM

Hi all,

For sure we would give a high recommendation to Los Olivos as well! We got all our vigas and tounge in groove boards there. VERY helpful and cheaper than Home Despot probably because they do all their own milling as well. They can do any size beam you want.

Mike