First, you need to get an architect or design team to design your home. Next, you need an engineer to vet the design, and spec what structural components are required in the construction – with attention to code requirements, seismic concerns, etc. Once those two steps are completed, typically you’ll need to get your plan approved by the homeowner’s association, to ensure it complies with the CC&Rs. You’ll also need to get the ecology department out to survey the lot and tell you what plants need to be moved where, and what the fee will be to get an eco permit. And if you’re over 1000 meters and on the beach, you’ll need an EIR study to gauge the environmental impact, and a Semarnat permit. At that point you’re ready to pull the building permit, assuming you’ve inked a deal with a builder. Often, the architect will try to act as the builder, and what he’ll do is go out and hire a maestro – a foreman who directs the actual construction. Oftentimes there are others in the process – an engineer; a construction supervisor to check and sign off on the maestro’s progress every week; sub-maestros; artisan supervisors. BuildCabo’s role is to act as the architect/contractor/builder, and create a turnkey experience, defining objectives, organizing and managing the entire process, and keeping the project on-track. We are the master builder, coordinating all the elements to deliver a finished product, on-time, and on-budget, to spec. We have our preferred crews who’ve done multiple successful projects for us, so we can ensure our quality is uniform from build to build. Our artisans are the best in the area – the most skilled carpenters, the finest finish masons, the most experienced painters. We draw our talent from the most prestigious development and construction groups in the region, and our team is second to none. Take a tour of some or our homes, and see for yourself. There’s really no comparison.
Average construction time will run 12 months, depending on the terrain, and the weather. Cabo has a short but decisive storm season, which can play havoc with job sites. It’s wise to take time of year into account when commencing a project, and to ensure that you won’t be in a vulnerable phase come late August through October. Larger projects can run a bit longer, but the one year rule is fairly consistent.
The short answer is that you have to do your homework. Talk to references. Look at the builder’s other projects. Consider their attitude and style, and ask yourself if you trust them to be your partner for a couple of years. You want to look for established players who have a significant number of finished homes that clients are happy with. You also want to make sure they build homes at the same quality level you are interested in, and that their pricing isn’t too good to be true. Alarm bells should go off if the price is significantly different than the majority. There’s no free lunch, and that’s a reliable indicator you are in for an unpleasant ride. And you’ll need to confirm that they have a seasoned track record building in the Cabo area. You want a builder who’s truthful, frank, honest, skilled, experienced, and whose philosophy mirrors your own. Do your homework, and don’t take claims at face value. Trust, but verify.