BajaNomad

build or buy in Loreto???

Viajero503 - 12-2-2018 at 09:15 PM

So, I'm considering buying something in Loreto. I want something in the neighborhoods in town and started looking last month- build on a lot or buy? Anyone have experience or know something about it? thanks.

bajaguy - 12-2-2018 at 09:35 PM

If you decide to build, you had better plan on being there every day with a set of plans or you will get what the builder "thinks" you want instead of what you want.

Required reading for anyone thinking of building in Mexico

https://www.amazon.com/God-Mr-Gomez-Building-Dream/dp/088496...

Craig B - 12-3-2018 at 07:56 AM

We built a place in Loreto a couple of years ago, we love it here! In fact still have small projects going on..
Which real estate person are you working with?

tobias - 12-3-2018 at 08:00 AM

There are some very cool looking overgrown empty lots around Loreto so close to the plaza . Very tempting. I have built houses in the US and have always wondered how hard it would be to get an owner builder permit.

Cancamo - 12-3-2018 at 09:27 AM

If your language skills are worthy you can easily do everything the "architect" does and build for less than half of what they charge.
Contractors here are actually architects whom do little more than secure the permits, hire the crew, and are supposed make sure the materials and labor are paid for.
Open an account to pay for social security to the crew, secure a permit plans, open an account at a builder's supply, find a reputable maestro, (lead guy/journeyman), 2/3 albaniles, (masons), and 1/2 peons, (laborer). As someone familiar with construction you can oversee the obra negra, (rough construction), and hire out or do the finish work yourself, (wiring, plumbing, paint, etc...), and build for 25/50% of what an architect would charge, AND avoid the inevitable "extras". The square footage figures in line with stateside prices are not reality, just a mark-up, gringo tax. Although materials can get costly, labor is still very inexpensive.
I would personally look for a local fixer-upper rather than breaking ground, AND rent a year, make sure you like roosters and barking dogs first.

ncampion - 12-3-2018 at 11:15 AM

We built an off-grid home just a few miles north of town (Loreto) on the beach about 9 years ago. Used a local architect to draw the plans and get permits but then did as Cancamo said and became our own “contractor”. Not sure we saved 50% (maybe 25) but got what we wanted with high quality workmanship all the way. We did a lot of finish work ourselves including the design and installation of a 8,000 watt solar power system, which did save a lot of money. Would I do it again? Not at my current age (72) but it was a great experience and produced a very satisfying result.
Most lots in town are quite small so that limits the size of the home you can design, and then you have to put up with neighbors, cars, dogs, roosters etc. We like the peace and quiet of an out of town home, but everyone to their own tastes. Good luck with whatever you decide, Loreto is a great place most of the year.

pacificobob - 12-5-2018 at 07:25 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy  
If you decide to build, you had better plan on being there every day with a set of plans or you will get what the builder "thinks" you want instead of what you want.

Required reading for anyone thinking of building in Mexico

https://www.amazon.com/God-Mr-Gomez-Building-Dream/dp/088496...


the above advice is golden.

Phil S - 12-5-2018 at 07:10 PM

There is a "ton" of great gringo's living/wintering in Loreto. Ask around for Rita Westfall. She's bought. Sold and is a wealth of information, and isn't a Realtor ??? Just a sweet lady from Oregon who appreciates incredible Oregon wines. She's a must for a "local" who's very social.
;Also take some time to look around Nopolo. We lived there some years ago, and the "social" aspect was great. Tennis facility. Golf facility. Hotel. Condo's. Haven't visited for a number of years, but is an option to get away from the rooster problem that living in town will provide you.

Mulege Canuck - 12-5-2018 at 10:33 PM

We bought someone else’s dream home rather than building our own. For us it was cheaper and less risk.