At Build Baja, we know that your dream home is something you have been dreaming about for a long time, and we want to help you make it a reality. Below is our guide to building a house the right way in Baja California.
The idea of a custom-built house in Rosarito can be very attractive. It means that you can dictate the layout and create a space that meets your specific needs.
Building a custom home in Baja can be the perfect way to get the exact house you have been dreaming of. We are here to guide you on how to do it right so it doesn’t become a nightmare.
You may have heard of some of these Baja nightmares from friends who either tried to build their own home, or bought the wrong home full of problems. We at BuildBaja are here to make sure your project is a success.
Let’s start off with what you probably already thought: yes: building in Mexico is far more affordable than building in the U.S. It may also be easier on your wallet since you can add rooms and upgrades as you go.
However, there is a lot to know before taking on a construction project in Mexico, so here are some tips which have helped our clients:
FINDING THE LOT
The importance of hiring a knowledgeable agent to find your piece of land can´t be stressed enough. The worst scenario for an aspiring homeowner in Baja is to find himself with a piece of ejido (land ceded to farmer groups by the government), pending liens and/or the wrong land-use. We work with experienced and licensed realtors in Baja. Yes there are licensed realtors and you ONLY want to work with one, we can introduce you to a few.
ARCHITECT AND ENGINEER
Don´t try to cut corners by just hiring construction workers -more often than not, this will backfire. Building is not easy and involves many aspects, including design, construction, permits and paperwork.
Mexican construction techniques are different from those of the U.S. and that can be a great thing. You can build a custom home with materials you may not be able to afford in the US.
The reason you want to work with Build Baja is because we are an American company with US based contractors licenses, who build to US quality in Mexico. This means that we don’t cut corners, we lay foundations correctly, we run electrical the way you run it in the US, we have a US plumbing contractors license and perform all plumbing up to those standards.
PAPERWORK
To build in México, the following are mandatory (you may need some other papers depending on your lot´s situation.) We can have your architect and real-estate agent advise you on what exactly you need in each particular lot:
- Unique Land-use Certificate
- Alignment Certificate and/or official number
- Type A Registry of Manifestation of Construction
- You always need a TITLE (TITULO)
THE PROJECT
Make sure to express your needs to the architect, share how you plan to use each space and furnish the house. Also, discuss your plans for the future so that the result will be a reflection of your tastes and lifestyle.
Also, have the architect create a construction plan for you, detailing each stage and completion dates (be aware that delays are very common, even with the best of teams). The calendar will help you organize the purchase of materials: proper planning means peace of mind and savings.
THE LOT
Consider the dimensions, the type of soil and construction restriction. These are all determining factors for the project. Some of the lot´s features (like a dramatic ocean view) can be used to your advantage.
BUYING MATERIALS
Rod, cement, and bricks are most widely used the materials in Mexican construction, so buy this stuff in a materials store, by bulk: you can save at least 10% as compared to paying retail. Such stores will often store the materials and allow for collecting as needed. As regards to electrical installations and plumbing, use premium products, since repair for these often mean breaking walls, and they are complicated and expensive.
The finishing materials are usually purchased during the last stages since they are generally fragile and can damage easily. Consider using local materials such as red brick and handmade tiles, to give your home an authentic Mexican feel.
Important:
We will ALWAYS provide a written estimate of the construction cost and all of the materials
Review the construction rules and regulation of the community. You will want to know if you have to pay a homeowners fee and how much.
Make sure that all the construction licenses and permits have been paid.
Should the construction permits expire, remember to get an extension.
Kanoa Biondolillo, the owner of Baja123.com talks about choosing the right area to live in Mexico.