Expert: Ron - 3/9/2005

Question
Hi Ron,

My wife and I visited Chapala last year and we are getting serious about making the move.  We've looked at houses on the various internet sites, but we're also considering purchasing a lot and building.  

Do you have any rough figures for construction costs there?  We're also concerned that there's so much building activity that it might be difficult to find a competent architect / builder.

Thanks

Answer
Hi Don, sorry I don't know what construction costs are these days. But please be very careful if you decide to build yourself. Friends of ours did and it was a nightmare. They went through 3 architects for various reasons. Not knowing enough about Mexican laws is the real problem. Their main problem was in dealing with IMSS. To get the FINIQUITO when construction is finished, it is necessary to prove that all IMSS payments for ALL workers, even the subcontractors have been paid and up to date. Another couple we know designed their own house but had it built by a 'reputable' builder. Six months after moving in they got a court decision from IMSS ordering them to pay a fine of about $10,000USD.

If you decide to do it yourself, don't just ask Realtors for info. Talk to a lawyer such as Macias in Chapala. I'm not recommending anyone here, just know that he has been around here for many years, handling gringo related issues.

There was also a study done by the U of Guad a few years ago detailing land stability on the north side of the Lake. Most realtors will not acknowledge that it exists but it does. I have a copy and so do they locked away in their offices. There are only a couple of bad areas but be careful.

Hope that helps,
   Ron