Does anyone have a recommendation for a reliable honest builder that they can recommend. How much are they charging per square foot?
Jon
Jon
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Looking to build custom home, need a builder?
Started by Jonbuot · Mar 26, 2016 · 67 replies
My recommendation is to buy a custom home already completed with a bank trust in place and remodel if necessary to your specifications. Our builder was at the time said by all to be the best custom home builder in town and we ended up with an unfinished shell even though we paid in full for a completely finished home. Took us 2 years of work and huge cost overruns to complete it. Never again.
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Is your builder still building in RP or is he out of business?
Landshark said:My recommendation is to buy a custom home already completed with a bank trust in place and remodel if necessary to your specifications. Our builder was at the time said by all to be the best custom home builder in town and we ended up with an unfinished shell even though we paid in full for a completely finished home. Took us 2 years of work and huge cost overruns to complete it. Never again.
He closed his business quite some time ago. Our home is group owned, shared equity ownership. We were very fortunate that we had partners to help absorb the expense of completing the home because the cost of construction almost doubled when our contractor went broke. No registrar of contractors to fall back on, no recourse at all. We completed the home by doing some work ourselves and hiring different subcontractors to work for us. It did not go well at that stage either. The subs either didn't show up, or took money for supplies and didn't show up, or showed up and did the worst job anybody had ever seen, and, and, and. It was a nightmare we were trying to manage and doing it from the Phoenix area during the week and driving down on weekends, sometimes achomplishing nothing. Thankfully over time we finished it and it turned out very nice. It is beachfront so since then the maintenance has been nonstop and we are continuously dealing with subs and workers. Same story, same problems, but have found a few workers that we can count on. Lots of problems building, ongoing maintenance issues, but the rewards have been priceless. My kids grew up learning about and loving the beach, the sea, and Mexico. Now my granddaughter is along for the ride.
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where are you building? we are in the youth of a lifetime project in Encanto, but are very happy with our builder. PM us if you are curious.
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hammockpilot said:where are you building? we are in the youth of a lifetime project in Encanto, but are very happy with our builder. PM us if you are curious.
I am building in Los portales. Who is your builder?
hammockpilot said:where are you building? we are in the youth of a lifetime project in Encanto, but are very happy with our builder. PM us if you are curious.
We are also in Encanto and would like to know who your builder is. No major needs now but we have several large maintenance issues that will need attention soon such as replacing the roof tile that has been slowly decaying from the sea breeze. :(
Landshark said:We are also in Encanto and would like to know who your builder is. No major needs now but we have several large maintenance issues that will need attention soon such as replacing the roof tile that has been slowly decaying from the sea breeze. :(
Haven hired him yet but Buildrockypoint.com is his sight. Dynamic Team is on his card.
Jonbuot said:Haven hired him yet but Buildrockypoint.com is his sight. Dynamic Team is on his card.
We love Ricardo at Buildrockypoint. He is on top of his game. can only recommend him highly.
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Jonbuot said:Haven hired him yet but Buildrockypoint.com is his sight. Dynamic Team is on his card.
How far are you along. We too are looking at building in Los Portales. Have they given you a price for sq. ft. yet? PM me if you don't want this public.
Rent or buy existing is my advice but if not the case break up the draws maybe into nine pieces.Build garage first then buy rebar etc.upfront so they don't hit you with the price of steel is up 20% scam.Shop around on materials( home depot in Nogales will be hard to beat if you can handle the drive,setup internet cameras to watch progress...
Hell, just buy this one...
http://grantmackenziesr.point2agent.com/Listings/Details/149993564
http://grantmackenziesr.point2agent.com/Listings/Details/149993564
Landshark said:Hell, just buy this one...
http://grantmackenziesr.point2agent.com/Listings/Details/149993564
8 toilets that will end up leaking and backed up....
20 rooms to lose your phone in
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Not to mention it's overpriced like most of the homes in the area. Still living in the pre 2008 era.
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Landshark said:He closed his business quite some time ago. Our home is group owned, shared equity ownership. We were very fortunate that we had partners to help absorb the expense of completing the home because the cost of construction almost doubled when our contractor went broke. No registrar of contractors to fall back on, no recourse at all. We completed the home by doing some work ourselves and hiring different subcontractors to work for us. It did not go well at that stage either. The subs either didn't show up, or took money for supplies and didn't show up, or showed up and did the worst job anybody had ever seen, and, and, and. It was a nightmare we were trying to manage and doing it from the Phoenix area during the week and driving down on weekends, sometimes achomplishing nothing. Thankfully over time we finished it and it turned out very nice. It is beachfront so since then the maintenance has been nonstop and we are continuously dealing with subs and workers. Same story, same problems, but have found a few workers that we can count on. Lots of problems building, ongoing maintenance issues, but the rewards have been priceless. My kids grew up learning about and loving the beach, the sea, and Mexico. Now my granddaughter is along for the ride.
This was pretty much my experience also.
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Jonbuot said:Does anyone have a recommendation for a reliable honest builder that they can recommend. How much are they charging per square foot?
Jon
If you you decide to build make sure you have a decent set of plans that both you and your builder understand. Set out in writing what the expectations are for build time, payment schedule and the completion date. Forget about asking for Sq. Ft. price. this is the biggest misnomer in the construction industry-just a few finish items like flooring, cabinets or doors and skew a sq. ft. price a lot in either direction. Confirm what the roofing system will be, what type of plumbing you will receive and the size of the wiring that will be installed. Make sure you have hose bibs and outlets everywhere. Make sure the house is built so that water runs away from it. Spend more money on doors and windows.
ron said:Not to mention it's overpriced like most of the homes in the area. Still living in the pre 2008 era.
You think? I'm not an expert but I'm guessing it would be very difficult to build a custom home for less than $100 per sq ft. Even in RP. If that were the case you would spend $770K for the house. Lots were around a million there in their day, maybe $250 now. Being sold furnished so add that expense, 2 garages, pool and landscaping would be extra. But maybe you're right...
dirtsurfer said:If you you decide to build make sure you have a decent set of plans that both you and your builder understand. Set out in writing what the expectations are for build time, payment schedule and the completion date. Forget about asking for Sq. Ft. price. this is the biggest misnomer in the construction industry-just a few finish items like flooring, cabinets or doors and skew a sq. ft. price a lot in either direction. Confirm what the roofing system will be, what type of plumbing you will receive and the size of the wiring that will be installed. Make sure you have hose bibs and outlets everywhere. Make sure the house is built so that water runs away from it. Spend more money on doors and windows.
And pretreat for termites,avoid outside wood,create shaded spaces,hose bibs everywhere goes double!,make sure the the copper is sized right if you are going tankless water heater,superior doors that keep the critters out....skip cat 6 bullshit and live with wifi/Bluetooth,walled yard on east side for your dog...maybe let him be able to access the stairs to the roof deck....don't get a damn tv.....wastes your time and keeps you inside
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Do not allow any rusty rebar on your property! It will continue to rust and cause great problems. Check out the SIP's panel discussions on this forum. Jerry's comments about tankless water heaters and the correct sizing is spot on, I just had to repipe my newly installed pipe in Phoenix because the lines were not 1". Also: newer tankless heaters have a small internal tank and a pump for recirculation, older and cheaper models do not. No PVC plumbing anywhere in your house! As a matter of fact, come tour my house and you can see all of the above mentioned problems in one place! :)
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Landshark said:You think? I'm not an expert but I'm guessing it would be very difficult to build a custom home for less than $100 per sq ft. Even in RP. If that were the case you would spend $770K for the house. Lots were around a million there in their day, maybe $250 now. Being sold furnished so add that expense, 2 garages, pool and landscaping would be extra. But maybe you're right...
Its all in your expectations, the shell of a house can be had in Phoenix for under a $100 a foot but then you get in to the finishes, doors, cabinets, flooring, windows, extra insulation, efficient appliances, efficient HVAC.......you can get above $200 easily. Do not ever be mislead by the "I can build for $125 a foot" quote, it means absolutely nothing. Also, people do not add in the fees like permits, supervision, Architecture, contractor fee...............
dirtsurfer said:Its all in your expectations, the shell of a house can be had in Phoenix for under a $100 a foot but then you get in to the finishes, doors, cabinets, flooring, windows, extra insulation, efficient appliances, efficient HVAC.......you can get above $200 easily. Do not ever be mislead by the "I can build for $125 a foot" quote, it means absolutely nothing. Also, people do not add in the fees like permits, supervision, Architecture, contractor fee...............
The last 2 places at Santo Tomas would have been disasters if a few of us did not offer on site oversite...sometimes half in the bag but still game saving....
ron said:How far are you along. We too are looking at building in Los Portales. Have they given you a price for sq. ft. yet? PM me if you don't want this public.
I just placed an offer on a lot that is beachfront. Waiting for a response. Talked to Ricardo and already looked at a contemporary home he built on Whale hill. Seems to be on the up and up. Going to ask him if I can talk to some of the people he has completed homes for.
Landshark said:Hell, just buy this one...
http://grantmackenziesr.point2agent.com/Listings/Details/149993564
Cheaper to do it myself. I think!
So you guys are recommending copper pipe 1" throughout the house... no pvc?
Definitely copper pipe, and not in the slab. We know a lot of people who used pvc in the slab, and are having to rip it up.
Anybody use PEX for plumbing in RP?
Jonbuot said:So you guys are recommending copper pipe 1" throughout the house... no pvc?
Just like your house in the US, you have 1'' coming into the house then 1/2'' is taped off to go to sinks and toilets. Ive seen some showers with 3/4''.
It would be best if you had and architect draw you a blue print. He has electrical, structural and mechanical engineers that work with him.
AZRob said:It would be best if you had and architect draw you a blue print. He has electrical, structural and mechanical engineers that work with him.
In our case I think the engineers were Mexican relatives of Moe, Larry, and Curly.
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1/2 doesn't cut for tankless in my system
Jerry what do you mean tank less? How are you set up?
The theory of sizing is smaller more pressure not volume, like a straw. Plus you need good pressure pushing the water to your house.
The theory of sizing is smaller more pressure not volume, like a straw. Plus you need good pressure pushing the water to your house.
Landshark said:In our case I think the engineers were Mexican relatives of Moe, Larry, and Curly.
Thats funny.
Landshark said:We are also in Encanto and would like to know who your builder is. No major needs now but we have several large maintenance issues that will need attention soon such as replacing the roof tile that has been slowly decaying from the sea breeze. :(
hola, we hired Ismael Murrieta to build for us after many glowing reports from Encanto folks. He'd be great for your upkeep.
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AZRob said:Jerry what do you mean tank less? How are you set up?
The theory of sizing is smaller more pressure not volume, like a straw. Plus you need good pressure pushing the water to your house.
Sorry had not thought about this for a while.My problem was the gas line was 1/2 inch and farther than 24 feet from the Rinnai unit.3/4 made it work but it is complicated
Increasing to 3/4" immediately utilizes the Bournelli effect so the velocity increases for a short run and then slows down as the volume increases.
...the water line issue was the 1/2 inch on a long run before it reached the kitchen made it a slow warm up....if someone was showering forget it
Last edited: Mar 31, 2016 at 7:34 AM
http://myheatworks.com/ heard good things about these
hammockpilot said:hola, we hired Ismael Murrieta to build for us after many glowing reports from Encanto folks. He'd be great for your upkeep.
Gracias! We'll give him a try.
Victor Elenes is building a house in Playa Encanto right now. He has been a builder for a long time. His email is natalianemer@hotmail.com
I cant upload his banner he has on the house, it says error uploading file,,,it's a jpeg 243kb picture.. It won't paste on here either
The following error occurred
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Victor.jpg
I cant upload his banner he has on the house, it says error uploading file,,,it's a jpeg 243kb picture.. It won't paste on here either
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Victor Built my house on Encanto and a house at Portales for a friend of mine. I would recommend talking to him.
ron said:Anybody use PEX for plumbing in RP?
I have not seen PEX in Mexico but if you use it make sure you have someone who knows what they are doing and tests the connections.
AZRob said:Jerry what do you mean tank less? How are you set up?
The theory of sizing is smaller more pressure not volume, like a straw. Plus you need good pressure pushing the water to your house.
I have had to repipe for a tankless because I used 3/4" line instead of 1". Just be sure you strictly follow manufcturers recommendations.
https://www.rinnai.us/tankless-water-heater/
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http://www.askthebuilder.com/properly-size-your-water-lines/ a good summary....
http://www.factotumarquitectura.com/ Love this baja architect/build company.....spending a little extra on design is worth it if you got it
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@@Jonbuot what did you end up doing?
I can recomend Rocky Point Builders. His prices are not as crazy and they addecuate to your budget
ron said:Anybody use PEX for plumbing in RP?
I have used PEX in Tucson in three projects and as of right now I have not heard a word or had a problem with any of them, the first one was around 10+ years ago, it is easier to work than copper and PVC, but still a bit pricey, rather sweat copper for the longevity of the material!
Jonbuot said:So you guys are recommending copper pipe 1" throughout the house... no pvc?
The size of your pipe is determine on the length of the run and the number of fixtures on it, I have seen homes (3 or 4 bedrooms) with 3/4" main and still have excellent pressure thru the whole house
If any of you building or remodeling a home are looking for a tile installer don't hesitate to contact me at 520-303-3962 or 638-114-8132, not only will I follow the TCNA (Tile Council of North America) standards but will make something unique that nobody else have, check my website www.VivancoCcreations.com
This particular logo for Rancho del Rio in Tucson was taken off a 3" x 2" black and white original
This particular logo for Rancho del Rio in Tucson was taken off a 3" x 2" black and white original👍 1
The lot got bought out from under me, now looking at a second row lot in Portales, one beachfront in Laguna Shores or a beachfront in Encanto.
InkaRoads said:I have used PEX in Tucson in three projects and as of right now I have not heard a word or had a problem with any of them, the first one was around 10+ years ago, it is easier to work than copper and PVC, but still a bit pricey, rather sweat copper for the longevity of the material!
Beach house at Santo Tomas just discovered the contractor used Galvanized pipe to run to the BBQ....within three years it has now pitted enough to drain a 300 gallon tank.Out of sight out of mind
When picking a contractor and they mention ( nothing wrong with either) to prove their honesty
- You can trust me,I am a veteran
- You can trust me I am a person of faith
- I swear on my fathers or fill in the blanks..lives
Jonbuot said:The lot got bought out from under me, now looking at a second row lot in Portales, one beachfront in Laguna Shores or a beachfront in Encanto.
there are some more in Santo Tomas to look at, sorry to hear about the lot.
There are a few beach front in Playa Miramar as well but there getting snatched up quickly
Belgianboy said:there are some more in Santo Tomas to look at, sorry to hear about the lot.
Is Santo Tomas 45 min south of Encanto area?
Beach Front...the bad side. .
- Rust never sleeps
- Bigger homes mean bigger parties next door
- Erosion issues
- Need to put more money in structural overkill
- Septic issues related to water table
- Wind blows sand into house
- People partying on beach at all hours can't legally be killed
- Someone gets in trouble in the water or surf they come to you for help
- More bird shat
- Jetski noise gets old
- You start taking the sea for granted if look see it every waking hour
- The federal zone issues
- Big houses shoulder to shoulder leave no room for your toys
- You could buy an awesome boat with the money you save on a lot in the back ( unless you got the unreal deal B.B. got)
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Jonbuot said:Is Santo Tomas 45 min south of Encanto area?
Maybe 60 miles south of Penasco....rent a house and check it out...one super beach deal I know for Chris has..think lot 8
Jonbuot said:Is Santo Tomas 45 min south of Encanto area?
About 30min south of Mayan palace.
jerry said:Maybe 60 miles south of Penasco....rent a house and check it out...one super beach deal I know for Chris has..think lot 8
Lot 2 for sale as well for great deal.
Belgianboy said:Lot 2 for sale as well for great deal.
What's a great deal? How much?
Jerry, you have to be back about 1 mile to not have all the corrosion, and then you might as well be in Phoenix/Tucson. I will gladly do maintenance to see the gorgeous view every day.
MIRAMAR said:Jerry, you have to be back about 1 mile to not have all the corrosion, and then you might as well be in Phoenix/Tucson. I will gladly do maintenance to see the gorgeous view every day.
no way...heat pump on my roof 300 yards back installed the same year as a front row one and what a difference....paint too if you prep the same
Jonbuot said:What's a great deal? How much?
think it is being worked out but a bit below 100k
Jonbuot said:What's a great deal? How much?
Pm me
jerry said:think it is being worked out but a bit below 100k
Way below :) lol
jerry said:Beach house at Santo Tomas just discovered the contractor used Galvanized pipe to run to the BBQ....within three years it has now pitted enough to drain a 300 gallon tank.Out of sight out of mind
I have seen many jobs done in MX with the wrong materials, just to safe a few pennies, some done/supervised by USA contractors!!!! you should have seen the 220v connection done right under the water meter in me rental!!!!! bare wires taped together and water leak next to them, owner was wondering by the wall A/C unit always tripped the breaker!!!!!
Jonbuot said:I just placed an offer on a lot that is beachfront. Waiting for a response. Talked to Ricardo and already looked at a contemporary home he built on Whale hill. Seems to be on the up and up. Going to ask him if I can talk to some of the people he has completed homes for.
Did you ever start building? Who did you go with?
Belgianboy said:Did you ever start building? Who did you go with?
Decided to hold off for now, real estate seems sketchy right now. will do eventually though.
Belgianboy said:We love Ricardo at Buildrockypoint. He is on top of his game. can only recommend him highly.
Can I get his number
Mia43 said:Can I get his number
His email is buildrockypoint@gmail.com
He is on WhatsApp as well, pm me if you want more details. More then happy to show the work he did