- In Mexico, 6 out of 10 homes arise from self-construction, according to INEGI.
- Building requires permits, which can help avoid fines of up to 20,000 pesos.
One of the most common resolutions at the beginning of the year is to acquire your own home, and among the favorite options for Mexicans to achieve this, self-construction is increasingly popular. This means that the owner manages the building process independently. According to the latest National Housing Survey by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), six out of ten households in our country are a result of this construction model.
However, despite being a common practice, it may not always be carried out correctly, leading to the risk of creating inadequate spaces or weak, defective structures, which could result in financial losses. For example, during the 2017 earthquake, it was evident that the most damaged homes were those that had not been built properly and lacked specialized supervision, many of which resulted in total loss. To give you an idea of potential losses, consider that the cost of constructing a social interest home (58 square meters) in 2023 ended at 400,000 pesos.
So if you already have your land and plan to start building, there are some points you should know beforehand to avoid future setbacks and ensure your investment is not wasted. Here are the five things you should do before building.
- Ensure the land is suitable: Although this step should ideally be taken before purchasing the land, many people overlook it, as not all land is suitable for construction. You need to check whether the area is rocky or sandy, what type of vegetation is present, and what the climate is like. Ideally, you should also conduct a soil study, which will help in preparing the foundation of your house.
- Obtain the necessary permits: In Mexico City alone, according to the figures from the Environmental and Territorial Planning Attorney’s Office (PAOT), there were 534 irregular constructions registered in 2023. Having the necessary land use permit, title of ownership, and a plan approved by Civil Protection, among others, will provide greater security—both physically and legally—for the future occupants of the house, and will also help you avoid a fine of up to 20,000 pesos.
- Install basic services: The area where your property is located may already have basic services, but your construction site might not. If that’s the case, you need to ensure that drainage, water supply, and electricity are installed first, as handling these after construction will be more complex and costly. It’s important to have the plans ready to take the right measurements and avoid any issues with the foundations.
- Prepare the base for everything: Just before starting to build your house, you need to carry out essential activities like cleaning and leveling the land, which will benefit from having conducted a soil study. You should also fill or flatten areas as needed. This is also the time to choose the most suitable materials for your budget, needs, and the conditions of the space.
- Hire a specialist: Lastly, but certainly not least, in addition to hiring the personnel to carry out the work, it’s highly advisable to consult a specialist who can help you develop the construction project and select the right materials, as they will be knowledgeable about the regulations to be followed and the most appropriate procedures for each site. There are various companies you can approach for quotes.
As you can see, undertaking the plan to build your own home is not just another goal; it’s a decision that carries significant responsibility, as well as an investment of time and money. However, if done with proper planning, it will allow you to create a space fully adapted to your needs and preferences. Additionally, don’t forget that building from scratch can increase the property’s value in the long term, making this asset one of the most solid and durable investments you can consider.
Comprar casa para rentar, una inversión inteligente
Fuentes de consulta:
https://blog.vivanuncios.com.mx/bienes-raices/peligros-en-una-obra-de-construccion
https://terrenos.es/blog/como-preparar-un-terreno-para-construir