Design/Build contractor in puerto penasco – Rocky Point Home Buldiers

Steps Required to Break Ground on your Mexican Dream Home

By Joseph Sanchez
President, Rocky Point Home Builders

We meet with many clients each month and answer many of the same questions such as what the process is to get permits, how do we establish electric, water, what are the costs? We thought this month we would address the steps required to break ground on your dream home in this month’s article, so you can have a better understanding of the process and costs.

Step 1 – Clean Title
Before you begin to design your home, you must first make sure that all tax payments are up to date on your property or you will not receive your permits. This is easy and tax payments are inexpensive compared to paying property taxes in the U.S or Canada. Make sure you keep all receipts for your tax payments in a file, so you can easily retrieve them when needed.

Before you build your home you must prep lot by either excavating or adding fill to make it level.

Step 2 – Topography Survey
Before designing your home, you must get your lot surveyed by an engineer. This is an important aspect of your home design because a professional architect will use the survey to design the home according to the flow/slope of the lot.

Step 3 – Home Design Blueprints

Before you can begin to build your home you obviously need a blueprint for construction. The blueprints will be taken to city hall and your HOA for approvals and permits. We highly recommend working with a Design/Build contractor for designing your home because the benefit is your home will be designed according to your budget. A design/build contractor knows the costs of construction so if you want to stay in budget this is very important. Don’t make the mistake of designing a dream home by an independent architect then take it to a contractor and become shocked by the price. A design/build company will design the home according to your exact budget.

Before you can begin to build your home you need a blueprint for construction. The blueprints will be taken to city hall and your HOA for approvals and permits.

Step 4 – HOA Approvals
Once your home design is complete, most HOAs want to review the plans and approve them first before you get permits from the city. Some HOAs charge money for the permission to break ground others do not. Some have environmental impact fees, road fees and other costs. All HOAs are different and its important to understand the rules before purchasing your lot.

Step 5 – DRO Permit
After your HOA signs off on your plans, if required, now its time to take your blueprints to the city engineer known as the DRO here in Mexico. The DRO will review the plans and sign each page of your blueprints. There is a cost for his signature and it depends on your location of your lot and the sq. meters. The more desirable the location and the larger the home the more expensive the cost. But costs can start as low as $1000 and go up from there. Unfortunately, there is no published pricing schedule to review it is only determined by the DRO office on a per application basis. However, your architect or contractor will get this completed on your behalf.

When you decide to build your home call the experts at 815-553-2683.

Step 6 – City Permits
Once you get your DRO signature you are now ready to get your construction permits. Your contractor or architect should do this on your behalf and will navigate the bureaucracy for you. The costs can start as low as $1000 and higher again depending on the location and the total sq. meters of the design. This is the part where they will ask for your tax payment receipts for the year, a copy of your Fideicomiso and a copy of your IDs. If you are unsure of what is a Fideicomiso ask your real estate agent they are happy to help.

Once all the pre-construction steps are completed you are ready to build your home.

Step 7 – Water and Electric Service
Once you get your city permits and the DRO signature you have the green light to break ground but first you need to establish electric and water on the lot before anything begins. The electric company here is CFE and the water company is OOMAPAS. Your contractor should again take care of this for you and work with them to get it done. Costs for water, if its available in your subdivision, starts as low as $300 and can go higher depending on location. For electric service, costs can start as low as $500 and go higher again depending on location and depending on if you need a transformer. If you need a transformer than can add a significant cost as much as $1,000-$3,000. When buying a lot look for a transformer near your property if you don’t see one that should be taken into consideration before you purchase. You will again need a copy of your Fideicomiso and a copy of your IDs to establish the service.

Step8 – Lot Prep
After all that is completed we are almost ready to break ground but first we need to prep the lot. This is a cost most purchasers don’t realize until they reach this point. Many lots here need fill or need excavation. This service is outside of the cost to build the home this is an added cost. If your lot if fairly level with the center of the street you are looking at a couple thousand dollars only. However, if it needs excavation or fill that can be expensive because the machines are leased by the hour. We have built homes where excavation can be as high as $25,000. When purchasing a lot always look for a level lot if possible because it will save you money.

Conclusion
So now you know the costs necessary to start construction of your home. The costs outlined today are extra costs and outside of the contractor’s price to build your home and out of their control but they will be happy to assist you with getting them taken care of.

About the author: Joseph Sanchez is president of Rocky Point Home Builders a design/build contractor specializing in custom home design, construction and renovations. He resides here in Puerto Peñasco with his wife and two children and is originally from Chicago. For more information email him at sales@rockypointhomebuilders.com

Three Reasons to Invest in Puerto Peñasco Today!

By Joseph Sanchez
President, Rocky Point Home Builders

There has never been a better time to invest in Puerto Peñasco and if you are sitting on the fence wondering where to retire or if you should invest in a vacation property then this article will give you three good reasons why you should jump off that fence as quickly as possible and take advantage of the buyer’s market here in Rocky Point.

REASON #1: CRUISE TERMINAL COMPLETION
The long-awaited completion of the cruise terminal that will soon bring the world’s cruise ships to the shores of Puerto Peñasco got a boost of great news back in June when Ariz. Gov. Doug Ducey and Sonora State Gov. Claudia Pavlovich had a meeting to discuss the project and created a memorandum of understanding that askes the Mexican government to contribute the remaining funds for the completion of the cruise port and allow firms in Arizona to service the cruise ships docking at Puerto Peñasco. Currently, the port is about 50% complete, and construction on terminal can now be expected to resume given the recent meeting. The bottom line is that the Sonoran government expects to begin docking cruise ships at Rocky Point in 2019.

Rocky Point Home Builders — A rendering of the Puerto Peñasco’s cruise terminal that will soon bring the world’s cruise ships to the shores of Puerto Peñasco starting in 2019. (Photo courtesy of the Comision de Foremento al Turismo del Estado de Sonora)

It is expected that when the terminal opens that prices for condos, existing homes and vacant land will all spike in price due to the new influx of tourism and demand. Currently in 2017, prices for vacant land, existing homes and condos are all on the rise and are moving up to 2008 levels before the real estate crash. With the addition of the cruise port you can imagine the impact it will have on real estate.

REASON #2: INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME
Most of us have experienced an opportunity to invest in the past but for whatever reason we didn’t but now given hindsight that investment could have funded our retirements today. For example, if you bought $10,000 of Apple Stock just ten years ago that investment would be work approximately $700,000 today or 70 times what you paid for it.

Well the good news is purchasing real estate in Puerto Peñasco is your next investment opportunity because you are buying low which is key and it’s one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in Mexico. Back in the early 2000s, you needed three partners just to afford a two-bedroom condo because prices shot so high it was nearly impossible to afford that two-bedroom condo on your own. Then 2008 came and prices bottomed out to historic lows and today they remain close to those levels but they are slowly ticking up again. The point is don’t be left behind on this next opportunity because prices are steadily increasing and when the cruise terminal does open it will be comparable to owning that Apple stock ten years ago!

REASON #3: GREAT DEALS ON LAND!
Whether you are looking to buy an oceanfront lot to build your dream home, or buying an existing home or condo there are many deals available and I recommend working with one of our many real estate professionals who will find you exactly what you desire. Beach front lots in Las Conchas start at $199,000 and if you choose a lot with a short walk to the beach prices start as low as $19,000 and with the average cost is $25,000 plus closing costs. Other communities to consider are west of the city such as Playa Dorado, Playa Encanto and La Joya which also offer pristine beaches and excellent bargains on lots or near or on the water. The bottom line is whether you are considering building your dream home, purchasing a condo or an existing home prices are as low as they are going to go and now is the time to lock in the deal of a lifetime!

Consumer’s Guide to Building your Puerto Peñasco Home

By Joseph Sanchez
President, Rocky Point Home Builders

Each year, many Americans and Canadians decide to make Puerto Peñasco their home away from home by either purchasing an existing home or by purchasing an empty lot in order to build their dream home in the future. Whichever route you pursue, there are important things to consider for each.

Building a New Home
Building your dream home in Puerto Peñasco is not a difficult process and there has never been a better time to start construction given the strength of the dollar and the competitive lot prices.

Puerto Penasco Home Builders — Building a home on a lot that you purchased is great way to get exactly what you want but most people are intimidated by the process and think it’s difficult.

Building a home in Rocky Point Mexico is a big decision that makes most Americans nervous. You need to choose a company you can trust to not steal materials, cut any corners and stay on time with the schedule and most importantly on budget. Make sure the company you choose has a presence and notoriety in the community. Ask for a list of references that you can call to investigate before you sign a contract.

Puerto Peñasco Home Builders — You need to choose a company you can trust to not steal materials, cut any corners and stay on time with the schedule and most importantly on budget.

In order to protect yourself during the process you want to contract with a company that holds an American corporation in the United States. This is important because if there is ever a disagreement or breach of contract you would have the ability to take legal recourse in the United States versus Mexico.

A typical home build is in the six-figure range so you want to protect that money by working with a company that utilizes a 3^rd party American escrow bank accounts that are responsible for the distribution of funds per your contract agreement to the construction company.

Purchasing an Existing Home
Purchasing an existing home has many benefits as well but one thing to consider is having a renovation budget set aside to upgrade the home to modern standards. Many of the existing homes for sale can be 15 years or older depending on the location so you will want to consider upgrading some things such as the electric, plumbing, installing a new kitchen, bathroom, maintenance repairs etc.,

When I say the word, “plan” I mean an engineered drawing or blue print, depending on the scope of work that will guide your contractor from start to completion. Choose a company that has design services so you benefit from single source responsibility and can see the results before you begin work. Not all projects require a design but if you are adding an addition or renovating a bathroom or kitchen for example, we encourage you to spend a little extra money on a design. You will make up that money saving on materials, time and eliminating any costly mistakes.

Pictured is a conceptual render of a great room renovation. Having an engineered design allows you to see how your project looks before it’s finished.

Most Americans do not realize this but Mexico is highly protective of worker’s rights and medical wellness and it’s the hiring company’s responsibility to ensure those rights are respected. If you hire a company that does not follow the labor laws and a worker gets hurt on your job you are liable for their medical bills and you can be fined.

Rocky Point Home Builders Conducts Employee Continuing Education

In an effort to continually train its workers ensuring that the highest quality is delivered to the client, Rocky Point Home Builders conducted a company training seminar this month focused on the proper techniques for mixing concrete.

The concrete seminar is just one in a series of seminars held each month by the company that employees must attend that focuses on continuing education. Joseph Sanchez, President of Rocky Point Home Builders, believes that this is an important aspect to delivering the utmost in quality while upholding their strict standards of delivering the best finishes.

Rocky Point Home Builders believes in the philosophy of educating their workers and proves this each month by holding one continuing education class that focuses on important topics such as electricity, concrete, plumbing, masonry and more.

“This is just one of the keys to being a company that prides itself on only implementing the highest quality and standards. An educated employee is an employee focused on results and this ensures our clients receive the best return on their well spent dollars with us,” says Sanchez.

In an effort to continually train its workers ensuring that the highest quality is delivered to the client, Rocky Point Home Builders conducted a training seminar for its workers this month focused on the proper techniques for mixing concrete.

Rocky Point Home Builders believes in the philosophy of educating their workers and proves this each month by holding one continuing education class that focuses on important topics such as electricity, concrete, plumbing, masonry and more.

“We invest in our company by educating our workers. We set the bar very high for how a professional company should treat its workers and clients. Our motto is First Class, or No Class at all,” says Sanchez.

Joseph Sanchez, President of Rocky Point Home Builders, believes that this is an important aspect to delivering the utmost in quality while upholding their strict standards of delivering the best finishes.

Rocky Point Home Builders, is the leader in major renovations and custom home design and construction. They are located on Luis Encinas and Calle 24 in Puerto Peñasco, Son. MX. For more information about their services please contact them at www.rockypointhomebuilders.com on the internet or by phone at 815-553-2683 today!

Boosting your Home’s Water Pressure in Puerto Peñasco

Tips for Boosting your Home’s Water Pressure in Puerto Peñasco

By Joseph Sanchez
President, Rocky Point Home Builders

Your home’s potable water system is an important aspect of your home’s design that ensures you have adequate water pressure to all your fixtures while maintaining an emergency supply of water in case of any shortages.

Having adequate water pressure in Puerto Peñasco at all your fixtures is important and most will agree that taking a shower with little or no water pressure coming from the fixture is frustrating. To have proper pressure to all your fixtures your water system needs 40 to 60 pounds per square inch or PSI. The water supply from the city is typically 2-3 PSI, so this is not enough to sufficiently pressurize your home, especially if you live in a two-story home.

Workers excavate the soil in Puerto Peñasco in preparation for the installation of a large cistern for a new home in Las Conchas.

To ensure your home has adequate water pressure in Rocky Point it is necessary to install a water pressure boosting system that consists of a pump, a bladder-type pressure tank and a cistern. The way the system works is the pump pressurizes the pressure tank containing the air bladder, once pressure reaches the desired PSI., the pump shuts off and the air-filled bladder inside the tank will maintain the pressure to the home. When somebody turns on a tap and the pressure falls, the pump will kick on only to bring the PSI back up to the desired level once again. This system is energy efficient because the bladder tank will maintain pressure to the home during times of low-flow demand allowing your pump to remain idle saving energy. When purchasing a pump, a ½ HP pump is sufficient to pressurize a single-story home and for a two story home purchase a 1 HP pump.

Another important aspect of this design is incorporating a cistern tank or well. The use of a cistern in Puerto Peñasco is an important element of this design because it protects the home from any unwanted water outages. We live in the Sonoran Desert and in any desert water is in short supply. That is why it is wise to have a cistern of water that serves as a back-up supply giving the homeowner a two to three week supply of water during any water shortages in the city. The sizes of cisterns installed are typically 1500 to 2500 gallons depending on the client. The cistern is installed underground with the city supply piped in and then piped out from the cistern to your pump. Inside the cistern there is a float switch that will turn on and turn off the city water supply according to demand and water level. Having an emergency supply of water is important thing to consider and not expensive to implement.

Pictured is a newly installed cistern in Puerto Peñasco that serves as a back-up supply of water during any water outages in the city.

If you are considering building a new home in Rocky Point this type of pressurized water system should be a mandatory feature included in your home design. For those with an existing home, this type of pressurized water system can be easily installed giving you the adequate water pressure you desire while maintaining an emergency supply of water. For questions about pressurized water systems or any other renovation questions feel free to email me at sales@rockypointhomebuilders.com .

Insulation Options for your Rocky Point Home

by Joseph Sanchez
President, Rocky Point Home Builders

There are ways to insulate your existing or new home that will not break the bank and provide an improved level of energy efficiency. Insulating a home is a practical way to achieve energy efficiency but most homes constructed here in Puerto Peñasco typically do not incorporate any insulation because concrete block naturally offers a minimal level of R-protection (typically 2.5-3.0), insulation can be expensive for people building on a budget and although hot in the summer, Puerto Peñasco is pretty moderate during the winter so some people feel that they can get by without it. The three options below are all economical ways to insulate your existing or new home construction.

Perlite Foam

Perlite Foam is a loose-fill masonry insulation that is used to fill in the cores or tunnels of hollow masonry walls. Perlite is an inorganic mineral that has thermal properties and is the least expensive way to insulate your new construction home. This can be used only on new-home construction and cannot be retrofitted to an existing home. Perlite offers excellent fire resistant properties, is lightweight and does not require any special equipment or skills. You could expect an R value around 5-6 depending on the size of block you are using. Perlite Foam only adds about $3 sq. ft. to the overall construction price of the home. This option should be considered if you are building a new home. With the R-value of concrete block combined with the R-value of Perlite Foam, you could achieve a total R-value of 7.5-9 depending on the size of your concrete block.

Den Glass Exterior Insulation

Pictured is Den Glass Insulation an effective way to insulate the exterior walls of your home.

An effective way to insulate the home is to apply Den Glass Sheathing to the home’s exterior walls. Den Glass has excellent thermal properties while being air, water, mold and fire resistant. It can achieve an R-value of around 4.5 per inch of thickness used. This is a product is great for people who have an existing home because it can be retrofitted to an existing home. With the R-value of concrete block combined with the R-value of Den Glass, you could achieve a total R-value of 7.0-7.5 depending on the size of your block. Combine the Den Glass and Perlite Foam with the block and you are achieving an R-value of 12-13.5. Den glass can add $7 U.S.D per sq. ft. to the cost of constructing your home!

Conventional Insulation System

Of course you can also use the traditional means of insulating a home by erecting metals studs inside the home over the interior walls and inserting the type of insulation with the R-value you desire. Once your insulation is installed you would then install your sheet rock, tape, mud and sand the walls. This would achieve the best R-value but combined with the other two options your home would be highly energy efficient. Installing a conventional insulation system will add $12-$15 U.S.D. a sq. ft. to the construction of a home depending on level of R-value.

For more information about how you can insulate your home properly or about any other construction concerns feel free to contact me at sales@rockypointhomebuilders.com or by phone at 815-553-2683.

About the author: Joseph Sanchez is president of Rocky Point Home Builders a design/build contractor specializing in custom home design, construction and renovations.

Rocky Point Home Builders hosts Puerto Peñasco Development Seminar

May 5, 2016, Puerto Peñasco, MX – Rocky Point Home Builders together with Santo Tomas Gated Beachfront Development hosted approximately 40 Puerto Peñasco real estate agents during a dinner reception at Quinta Ventura Reception Hall designed to discuss how real estate agents, builders and developers can work together to benefit consumers while helping to sustain the current rapid growth Puerto Peñasco is again experiencing.

There has not been a better time to purchase beachfront property and construct your dream home due to the strength of the dollar and the reduction of construction and land prices. Furthermore, with the coming of the new cruise ship terminal and future growth that it will entail, now is the time to make a move because prices and demand will only rise.

Joseph Sanchez, President of Rocky Point Home Builders, talks opportunity with a room full of approximately 40 Puerto Peñasco real estate agents during a special dinner presentation for them.

Today it was announced that Puerto Peñasco is set to resume work on the Cruise Ship Terminal in 30-60 days with more than 50 percent of the project already completed. At the 2016 Tianguis Turístico Mexico held in Guadalajara last month, the coordinator of the State’s Tourism Development Commission, Antonio Berúmen, said that cruise lines such as Carnival, Holland America, Royal Caribbean and Princess have already expressed interest in calling at the port.

Puerto Peñasco future Cruise Terminal set to continue work with in 30-60 days. It is currently 50% completed!

One of the many incentives being offered to buyers besides great deals on land is that Rocky Point Home Builders and Santo Tomas discussed a free blue-print design of your dream home when you purchase a lot at Santo Tomas. The offer includes permit ready, blue print drawings, which is a significant savings given it eliminates one of the financial hurdles one must pass to build a custom home. Ocean view lots start in the mid-20s!

If you ever dreamed of building a home here in Puerto Peñasco but haven’t pulled the trigger on purchasing a lot or you have a lot and you have not started designing your home, now is the time! Prices will go back to 2008 levels where you needed partners in order to afford land or build a home. We are at the bottom and the only place to go is up so if you have any questions about building a home or purchasing a lot please visit us at http://www.rockypointhomebuilders.com on the internet or call 815-553-2683 today!

Rocky Point Home Builder-Secrets to Building your Dream Home in Puerto Peñasco

Building a home in Puerto Peñasco a.k.a. Rocky Point is not a difficult process but you must choose a company with an outstanding reputation, a company who abides by Federal Labor Laws, a company who does not use sub-contractors and finally a company who uses American Construction Contracts and American Escrow accounts.

When deciding to build a home in Rocky Point Mexico you must ensure the company you choose follows the Mexican Federal Labor Laws. Here in Mexico, the labor laws are strict as they are in the States. However it is much easier for companies to skirt these laws and most every home builder here in Puerto Peñasco do what they can to skirt these laws. If you hire a company that does not follow the Federal Labor Laws the government can fine your or worse seize your home and you can be responsible to pay any medical bills for any injuries that occur on the job-site.

A company that follows labor laws will pay into the Federal medical insurance system for their workers so if a worker gets injured the company along with government will pay the medical bills. Think of it as workers comp insurance as in the States. However, Beware of companies that hire sub-contractors because 99.9% of the time they are being paid cash with no benefits and you will be on the hook for an injury or if the sub-company does not get paid by your contractor. An easy way to ensure this does not happen is to hire a company that does NOT hire sub-contractors. At Rocky Point Home Builders we DO follow all labor laws and all our workers are direct employees. We pay into the social security system for each worker and also pay what’s called Infanovit which is another labor benefit. We pay our workers what is mandated by the Federal Government and this protects our clients from any embarrassment. Never use a company who hires sub-contractors or you will be sorry that you did.
Building a home in Rocky Point Mexico is a big decision and makes most Americans nervous. Most Americans do not live here full time so you need a company you can trust with a presence and notoriety in the community. When yo are read to build a home look around town for billboards, check local papers for advertisements, make sure the construction company has a website and most of all an office. We have seen it too many times, people will hire a friend off a recommendation. The friend has no office, no contracting, no website nothing. What ends up happening is the job does not get completed, the workers will steal all the materials, there is a lack of communication therefore major mistakes and on and on.

Another requirement should be a list of references that you can call to investigate. Also, it is important that the company has an office in town that is staffed during the day. A company without an office isn’t really a company, so buyer beware. Finally look at their media presence in town, does the company have billboards, to they have a website, what about a Facebook page and finally do they run ads in local newspapers. A no” to any of those things should be a red flag for any American looking to build a home in Puerto
Peñasco, Mexico.

Rocky Point Home Builders is the largest home builder in Puerto Peñasco,Mexico. With offices here in Rocky Point, they directly employee over 50 workers significantly impacting the local economy. Rocky Point Home Builders does not use sub-contractors. Best of all, they are an American Company who uses American Contracts with American Attorneys and American Escrow Accounts. The accountability is a no-contest when compared to the competition. If you are nervous about building a home here in Rocky Point then talk with Rocky Point Home Builders, we guarantee you will fee assured that you will design and build the home of your dreams.

For more information about Rocky Point Home Builders call 815-553-2683 U.S. or 638-383-6524 M.X. today or visit our website at http://www.rockypointhomebuilders.com on the internet .

Design Your Dream Home with Rocky Point Home Builders

Rocky Point Home Builders is a Design/Build contractor meaning we take your project from conception to construction to completion. Our turn-key
design/construction process can have you in your home in as little as 8 weeks starting as low as $45 a sq ft.

We specialize in the design of your home and working one on one with our architect design team, we will design the home of your dreams according to your exact specifications.

Designing a home in Puerto Peñasco with Rocky Point Home Builders is inexpensive when you compare it to similar services in the United States. Our design packages include 4 renders of your home and a virtual tour of the outside of your home so you can see it before you build it!

Once your home is designed, we take your blueprints to city hall and get all the permits and signatures required to start construction of your home. We make the process easy for our customers by navigating the bureaucracy here on their behalf.
We always tell our customers the best part about constructing a home in Puerto Peñasco is the time you spend designing it. This is the part where you can dream and try to make everything a reality. Also designing your home gets the processed started so you are proactively working towards your goal.

R b2a1d394a0ed7827384289d7fd26aeec ocky Point Home Builders is located in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora Mexico and is the leader for home design and construction.
Their 2000 sq. ft. office located on Luis Encinas and Calle 24 houses their entire operation to include structural and mechanical engineers, architects, customer service reps and sales. Unlike their competitors, Rocky Point Home Builders does not use sub-contractors and directly employs all workers ensuring quality is to the highest standards using only the best materials. Call 815-553-2683 today or visit us online at http://www.rockypointhomebuilders.com