Let’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 […]
Continue ReadingI have determined a list of the best recommendations for any buyer purchasing in a foreign country. What has struck me a few times this past year have been some of the minor last minute conflicts that could have been resolved easily and earlier. Sometimes these conflicts are the result of miscommunications, ignorance or misunderstandings. […]
Continue ReadingWhy do some properties take so long to sell? After offering advice to buyers purchasing real estate in Mexico, it seems only fair to discuss the issues for a seller in a foreign country. You have decided to sell your home, you have contacted a local realtor and you are waiting for that buyer who is […]
Continue ReadingIt is rare to see windows made of wood and, still rarer, is to observe high-tech windows.Windows and doors are elements in our home that we use frequently. Yet we never give them a second thought until they stop functioning, leak or fail in general. They can be louvered, sliding, casement, pivoting, awning or simply […]
Continue ReadingOur morning showers would definitely not be the same without them. We sure miss them when they fail or run out of gas. Our water heaters are usually the silent worker in the back of the house; sometimes they are tucked away where we cannot see them. However they are a vital part of our […]
Continue ReadingShould I be building my new home here in Mexico or should I be purchasing an existing home whether new or used? It is a common question, especially if you are not finding the property that meets your expectations of location, amenities and price. Before investigating the building option, take a moment to analyze how […]
Continue ReadingOther than a great view of the lake or mountains, there is nothing that takes a new homebuyer’s breath away like the interior of a brick dome. Traditional Mexican residential architecture is variable in style however, in the colonial range, a brick dome or cupola can be very attractive. And a maintenance problem. The use […]
Continue ReadingOver the years I have seen some good construction contracts and some terrible ones. Unfortunately, the terrible ones have resulted in someone paying the price. In any contract, there are basically three concepts to negotiate and determine in terms acceptable to all parties involved. These are Price, Quality and Time. It is natural to focus […]
Continue ReadingRoof sealing or waterproofing has been a problem since ancient times. The Ancient Egyptians, as early as 3000 B.C., experimented with waterproofing materials like beeswax, gelatin and clay. Later in 1000 B.C., other materials like Arabic gum, pitch and balsam were utilized. By the 17th century, Germans had experimented with coal tar and, later, bituminous […]
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