Expat Community > Belize

ClarkForestryLLC
Joined 2020
Posts: 70

Building in Belize trip 11

2 years ago

Got back about 2 weeks ago. Main purpose of trip was to pick out wood doors, metal security doors, railing and paint.

Painting- My wife couldn't make this trip so we did not finalize the paint scheme. Did two rooms wall and ceilings but they didn't show very good on facetime or phone pictures. Decided to finish plastering walls, which are cinder block. Then putting primer with Kilzall on the building. Then we just need to do Finish painting once done. Looking for a very light gray for the walls with a very light Cream for the ceilings for the interior. Actually, looks good, just too subtle for phone camera.

Wood Doors- Custom is the only way to go down here. With tariffs, imports are expensive. Looked at both high end and local village furniture makers. Decided on some folks out of Duck Run 2 village. Near us and they had some very fine pieces and kiln dried. Below is an example of a mahogany door, not necessarily our design. Security will do both regular lock and deadbolt. Roughly USD $300 with frame and installed. We will put on the door handles. Wood prices have gone up since Yalbac Saw Mill closed. You can find furniture makers anywhere in Belize. Key is to get kiln dried wood around 8 to 14% moisture.

Metal doors- Saw some metal security doors in Orange Walk on our last trip. Drove 2 hours on a Sunday to see if I could find them. Got lucky and found them. The owner said the metal worker no longer lives there. Got pictures and a local welder near us will build. Going to build two hinged doors and two Barn style sliding doors. Having a hard time finding Medallions. Don't have to be the same as these. Might have to get some custom Mayan designs made. This door is black with gold splotches. We will probably go with Aged Copper green with some gold fleck. Security will do both regular lock and deadbolt. USD $500 for the hinged and $600 for the Barn style. We will have to put on the door locks and the Barn rail. All of the exterior doors will have a wood door on the inside and a metal door on the exterior. Will pick up the barn door rollers up in the US and put them in baggage on next trip. The great Air Luggage transport begins.

If your in Orange Walk, find Maraca's grill on the river. Got great Lobster cakes, lobster tacos and lobster ceviche. Got to talking with the owner and I mentioned Korean Bulgogi/Kalbi. Worked with the chef and made some on the spot. Think they are going to add it as a special next month. Just in case you wonder how they got a Korean dish in the middle of Belize.

Railing- Just down the road is Cayo Steel Works, so got quotes from them. See rails below. They just happened to have some being built in their shop. Will add an extra bar about 4 inches from the floor. This will go all along the third floor, down the second/third floor stairs and along the second floor balcony.
About 250 linear foot. Around USD $12,000 installed for material, install and taxes. Originally was going with Steel cable and wood posts. Would be a lot less expensive. But would have a lot more maintenance for the wood and the cable.
Please share your experiences. Especially if you know where to find metal medallions about 4 inch diameter for our metal doors.

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Building in Belize trip 11

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