How to proceed when your dream home needs some TLC

So you’re thinking about renovating a house in Centro! You’ve watched the various ruins be transformed into stately neo-classical residences with all the modern conveniences, and you think this “best of both worlds” would suit you to a “T.” Wondering how go to go about it? Here are a few suggestions to help you achieve the dream home you’re imagining.

1Pre-Plan
Start by doing research. Look at all the “fixer-uppers” in your price range and think about what it is about the property that suits your needs. In addition to considerations of space, light and your living style, be sure to consider carefully the property’s location. The old real estate axiom is true: “location, location, location.” You can change almost anything about what you buy except where it is. Think also in general terms about the initial cost of the property and your budget for the renovations. You’ll want to ultimately create a piece of property that has appropriate value for the market and can also be sold to provide a return on your investment, should you so desire.

2Plan
Meet with architects and/or contractors. Select from those that speak English unless your Spanish is very good, in order to avoid major communication errors during the project. Discuss with them what your plans are, what you’d ideally like as a finished product and your renovation budget. Ask them for their ideas and suggestions as to how they would help you achieve your goals. Pay close attention to how they would solve “problem areas” of the renovation. Their ideas and input are critical to the success of the project, so their creativity is key. Ask to see projects they’ve completed so you can check work quality. Also ask for references, and do contact them to ask pointedly about style of work, quality and any other feedback they might have. Remember, you’ll be working closely with your architect, and a successful project depends on how personalities mesh as well as on quality and professionalism.

3 Budget
Once you select you architect, talk plainly about budget and production schedule. Just as in the US and Canada, these are the hardest to pin down. Get both in writing and emphasize how critical it is to stay within these parameters. Establish a payment schedule and keep in mind the axiom that things are generally paid for upon completion; avoid scenarios where you’re paying for work yet to be done. Decide what materials will be used in the finishes. Buy or order those in advance so they’re on-hand and ready to use. This goes a long way in helping to avoid project delays.

4 Execution
Let your architect manage and run the project day to day. It’s his job to interface with the workers and tradesmen, obtain permits and deal with the general bureaucratic red tape. Although it’s possible to complete projects from a distance, this can significantly complicate and delay progress. The best thing is to be here as the project unfolds. Plan to meet with your architect on a bi-weekly basis, and inspect the progress several times per week. Address issues with the architect alone - let him interface with the workmen. Because of the differences in language and culture, he is seen as the jefe, or boss – not you.

5 Keep a Perspective
Realize at the outset things will go wrong, mistakes will be made, budgets will expand and miscommunications will occur. The differences in language and culture make this last especially likely. Remain calm and continue to methodically address the issues through the architect. Firm, steady and polite are generally the most effective tools. Anger and displays of temper are viewed as breaches in social etiquette and ultimately serve to undermine your position. Let the tradesmen work as they’re used to doing, keeping in mind their methodologies and techniques sometimes differ significantly from what you’re used to in the US and Canada. As long as you’re getting what you want, let them do it their way.

Follow these guidelines and you’ll be well on your way to “casa sweet casa.”

Jim Hopkins is part of the team at Mi Casa Mazatlan. Contact him at 669-985-335, (cell) 044-669-120-9355, from US/Canada: 303-952-4690 or www.micasamazatlan.com