For many newcomers, the water distribution systems here in Mexico are different from water supply they are used to in the rest of North America. In the case of a typical home in Canada or the USA, the municipal water authority will supply potable water from pressurized water pipes under the street in front of […]
Continue ReadingThe objective of writing this column is to act independently and discuss the typical property ownership/maintenance issues and real estate concerns for existing and perspective homeowners here at Lake Chapala. As a Canadian Civil Engineer who has worked here at Lake Chapala in the local construction business and real estate industry I have in the […]
Continue ReadingAs I write this month’s article, I am sitting beside a wood stove in a cabin by a frozen lake in Ontario. So this article’s topic becomes very tangible and important, especially because I want to keep my fingertips warm. Although, typically we rarely need them and only use them during the coolest nights of […]
Continue ReadingEver considered the base on which your house is sitting. Yes, there is a foundation between you and the surrounding soils. In general there are stone foundations bound with mortar mixture to help keep the rocks from slipping past each other. However, consider a little deeper the issue at hand, on what soil is the […]
Continue ReadingFor the average new homebuyer, there is nothing more horrifying than the thought of buying a home with a septic system. This hidden, underground system seems to conjure up thoughts of backyards flooded with human waste or worse; backed up toilets. A septic system is typically comprised of a tank that collects all the “black […]
Continue ReadingIt is there above us, protecting us from the sun, the wind and the rain however; generally we are not worried about our roofs until we see water leaking through it. Typically, roofs here at Lake Chapala are constructed using the boveda construction technique where red bricks are arched between steel beams and the top or exterior […]
Continue ReadingOnce the rainwater drains off the roof, where is the water going? After two strong rainfalls in Guadalajara, I was up on my father-in-law’s roof last weekend to help a contractor from Chapala clean and reseal his roof. Typical of many older roofs, it showed peeling sealant, a missing base coat, mold- and mildew-stained tiles, […]
Continue ReadingLast month’s article stirred up some questions from some homeowners that I thought we could address in this month’s issue. Aljibes (underground water cisterns) are a critical link it each homeowners water supply. Whether you have a roof tank ( tinaco) or a water pressure system, the initial quality of the water that finally arrives at your faucet […]
Continue ReadingLet’s look at the construction business here at Lake Chapala. This is like many businesses in that just about anyone can hang out a sign and call himself or herself a contractor. I believe the freedom here in Mexico is great and allows young entrepreneurs to start up a business easily, with little or no […]
Continue ReadingIn village businesses, it is common to see a sign in the bathroom asking you not to throw tissue paper down the toilet.The debate among friends in high school was whether the toilet paper should be scrunched or folded when used. But here in Mexico, the debate includes whether or not the toilet paper should […]
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