Constructing in Baja

Constructing in Baja

Considering building in Baja? Follow our series of articles that will assist you to understand the process, cultural differences, challenges and joys along the way!

Baja Realty and Investment has a team of architects, engineers and expeditors we can refer, ask us! We are at your service!

The Difference between a Notary in the US and a Notario in Mexico

Otherwise known as - Lost in Translation: Texas Notary Public v. Mexico Notario Publico
by Jonathan A. Pikoff and Charles J. Crimmins
The Texas Secretary of State's Office and Baja Realty and Investment in Cabo San Lucas would like to thank Jonathan A. Pikoff and Charles J. Crimmins for permitting us to use the following article.

notary
I. Introduction
When you are told the Mexican Notario Publico will charge $3,000 dollars to make you the beneficiary of a trust on a Mexican beachfront condo, you certainly know things are different in Mexico. This article will clarify the misconception that commonly occurs when individuals familiar with the Office of Notary Public encounter a Mexican Notario Publico.

Construction in Baja - Part 3

Part Three: Entitlements and Studies.

One of the major misconceptions foreigners have regarding Mexico is a general belief that Mexico is "backwards" and "anything goes"! I have heard horror stories about built "back-of-the napkin designs without permits suffering huge fines and back taxes. This belief that Mexico is the wild west, in this respect, is erroneous, and if you follow this path, you may end up in trouble with fines, or orders from the authorities to tear down.

NO, as it turns out, Mexico has very sophistocated laws, procedures on the Muncipal, State and Federal levels. AND YES, they do require permits to construct anything over 20m2 (215sf) in most municipalities; and some require permits for walls, as well. (Here, municipality - "municipio", in Spanish, refers to "county", more so than a "city" jurisdiction. For example: La Paz is a municipality, Los Cabos is a municipality, etc. There are 5 municipalities in Baja California Sur: Los Cabos to the extreme south, La Paz, Comandu, Loreto and Mulege, to the north. Each has its own "building code" twist, much the same as Los Angeles County slightly differs from San Bernadino County in California, even though they are next door to each other. Each municipio has its own building department, planning department, "city council", and governing bodies.)

Part 2- The Role of the Architect in Mexico

CONSTRUCTION IN BAJA - Part 2: Role of the Architect in Mexico

By Cheryl Miller AAIA, MLS, AMPI, CSI

Ok, so you've satisfied your due diligence and purchased your lot in Baja, Congratulations! What's next?

Typically, at this stage, the design of your new dream home would be the fun part of the process. Jump in and enjoy. But now you need to find an architect. Someone who can make your dreams flow from the vision in your head to a set of working drawings that can be bid and built. Be advised that yes, an architect and a structural engineer are required to obtain a building permit here in Baja for any structure over 20 m2. But, finding that architect, how do you start?

Part 1 Land Selection and Acquisition

CONSTRUCTION IN BAJA – Part 1 – Land Selection and Acquisition

By Cheryl Miller AAIA, MLS, AMPI, CSI

As an architect from the US, adjusting to the new "codes", procedures for entitlements and permitting, construction techniques, and the cultural differences here in Baja took some time, even after more than 30 years practice in the US! So, it is certainly understandable how a "layman" coming to Mexico to build may have their trepidations!

Although the "codes" here in BCS are essentially similar to the basic UBC codes from the U.S. for Fire and Life Safety, there the similarity starts to diverge. Having an experienced team of designers, contractors, construction managers HERE in Mexico is key to a successful project and peace of mind. Over the next few newsletters, a frank discussion of the phases and options for building in Baja can help alleviate any fears or trepidations. Follow us!

Strong Dollar - Great time to Build in Baja

The Strength of the DOLLAR makes this the BEST time to Build that Dream Home in Mexico!

For over 5 years between 2003 and most of 2008, the US Dollar and the Mexican Peso enjoyed a stable exchange rate between 10.0 and 11.0 pesos per dollar. Sometime in December 2008, the exchange rate, based on several economic factors, dramatically changed with the dollar slipping to 9.0 pesos per dollar, only to rise to a record 15.20 pesos per dollar in a very short period. The current rate of exchange has leveled off to between 12.5 and 13.2 pesos per dollar and has been fairly steady in that range for the past 3-4 months. That means that your dollar will currently buy approximately 25 to 30% more than it would in the past!