Building your Dream Home in Baja, Can´t find it? Build it!

Moving to Mexico and looking for your dream house can be one of the most exciting times in your life. However, the task lies in finding the perfect home, and sometimes, the best way to do it is by building it to your own specifications.

If you have recently been driving around in the Rosarito-Ensenada area, you may have noticed a great deal of construction activity, especially for private residences. This shows that many people are choosing to build homes.

The good news is that oceanfront and ocean-view lots are still available on the Rosarito Coast. Some are located within well-established communities, which is ideal in terms of safety, service availability, and infrastructure.

Building costs start at $55 a square foot, which will get you a great home with granite counters, dual pane windows, and of course, a floor plan customized to your wants and needs. Some cool features I´ve seen in custom-built homes in Rosarito include wine cellars, oversized walk-in closets, and extra light switches around the house. Now would be the time to add an elevator for your later years. Even if you leave the open shaft, you can add the elevator when you need it.

Unlike the US, in Mexico, it is common for the “Arquitecto” to take the role of contractor as well. This makes it much easier to make small changes and adjustments along the way.

Planning for the future
Think long term: May you want a live-in in the future? You could build an extra room for her. Or maybe the thought of renting out a portion of your home while you are traveling elsewhere appeals to you. In this case, you may want some additional storage space for those items that would be off-limits to renters. Our own home has an independent entrance that leads to a room with its own bathroom and kitchenette, which we rented, lived in, and used for house guests throughout the years.

Ask your realtor what other clients look for in homes. The answer can be a good source of ideas.
With the peso at an all-time low, your dollars will go a long way in Mexico. However, it is important to be picky regarding the human resources that will make your dream home possible. It goes without saying that you should have a reputable team on your side, and this includes a realtor, architect, and/or builder.

Among the most important tasks for a realtor in a land buy/sell transaction, is to make sure that the land is clear of any liens or disputes, and is not “ejido” (communally owned land). When buying a house, foreigners need to set up a trust instrument called “fideicomiso” in order to buy land near Mexico’s coasts and borders.

Your other very important partner in this endeavor will be the contractor. Look for references, and ask the potential candidate what kind of insurance and warranties the work carries, and for how long after completion. Check that he has a full-time crew, and ask how many homes he or she is building at any given time (the answer shouldn´t be more than 2 or 3 for an individual).

The proximity of Rosarito to the U.S. makes building an exciting proposition. You may buy your appliances, finishes, and accessories in the U.S., and combine them with fine local furniture, flooring or Mexican décor touches. See? You get to have it all…

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From the Baja Real Estate Group Marketing Staff. For more information, please contact Kathy Katz at Kathy.katz@BajaREgroup.com.

About Kathy Katz.
AMPI Charter Member-Rosarito Chapter Mexican Certified Baja Real Estate Agent Full Time Resident for over 20 years. Broker-owner for the Baja Real Estate Group with over 20 years of experience doing business in Mexico. Specializing in development, resort and retirement properties.