The reality of building in Mexico

Part 3

after 2 years, a hurricane and many other set backs, we finally have a roof, mostly.

This is Mazunte from above. From an expat’s perspective- distant from the gritty reality of life.

I have hard earned advice for those ready to hear the realities of building in Mexico- probably in any foreign country.

1. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to find an architect team that knows the area, knows the suppliers, and has many years of experience. Be prepared to pay for it because you can pay for this kind of loyalty.
2. Be ready for it to take at least a year longer than you want it to. Building is not a quick fix to your living needs. It’s not going to create a safe haven for several years. Consider carefully your motives.
3. You need to know your neighbors before you decide. You need to know that everyone is self-interested. Their jealousies, insecurities, vendettas, and anything else that could get between you and them, probably will. Those alliances are frail. If you leave the country for any great span of time, those alliances will crumble. Alliances are built on co-mutual need. If they don’t feel they need you, they won’t mind overlooking your interests.
4. You don’t matter as much as you think you do. Blood comes before everything else and there is no system of law that will protect you.
5. The supply chain is not all that you hope it to be. That includes workers. Hurricanes and other natural disasters don’t just have the potential to crush your house, it brings work to a stop because people are busy tending to their own basic needs.

It’s been a long hard road. God willing, the only plumber/electrician in town doesn’t decide to not show up to the next meeting. This project is a labor of love, and if you aren’t in it for the love, then just buy a house. or better, yet, rent one.