Thread: Building or Buying

Big discussion at the moment around home. Me build, wife buy. LOL From what I've read here and a couple of other places building can be a real hassle. Knowing what is needed on a rural lot is a no brainier for us. That is where be have been living in Alberta, and for a while. Well, pressure system, septic system that sort of stuff is typical of all rural homes. I think I heard once that ninety percent of people move back to the "city" with in two years of moving out of it. Could this be the same thing there.
I would think if you hook yourself with a good architect he/she should be able to steer you in the right direction for a good contractor. I've read that getting work done as agreed is a big problem. Advancing money as the project progresses as is usual in most of custom homes should not allow for much latitude in completion dates.
Or is there something I'm missing here.

Jim

Option 3 - rent for a year. If you do build, plan on living close by for a year to monitor progress.

jonr, absolutely.

That is exactly our plan. Rent for at least 6 months before making a decision on where to buy/build. Not only will that give a chance to find the location we want but also to see how things are done down there.

Jim

I find the difference in building styles interesting. Either stucco over block (most common) or M2 (stucco over foam and wire). Not sure what the pros/cons are. Usually metal rafters covered by galvanized and painted metal roofing (light colors are better). Overhangs and hip roofs are recommended.

hi . i have heard from a reliable person who saw the video that termites will hollow out the wire over foam house , M2 to build nests , they do not eat it ,just remove it . i have not seen it myself but i know he has no reason to lie about it as he is not in the contruction field ,just something to look into before you build with it

I wonder if this is common or a happened once type of thing. I know here in the US, Dow makes a foam that has termite repellent in it. No idea if they this for the foam in Panama though. If you intend to use AC at all, not having any insulation (ie, standard block walls) doesn't sound so good.

The biggest difference is that you are only ensuring that you and your own mortgage company. A condominium is a form of property in which you own the interior masonry. So basically, in a condominium, you are only providing the content. Its kind of tenant insurance.