I decided some time ago that I would like to build a dream abroad, and eventually retire there. Here is the long term plan; its needs details, advice, figures, critiques, and most, importantly, personal connections.
Rough Plan for Dreamhouse in Cali, Colombia
LAND
1) I want to buy a lot (terrain) on which to build my house within the next two years. I hear very disparate numbers on how much a this land will cost. When I was in Colombia last March, we took a few days to look at lots. In Yumbo, a small village to the north of Cali, nice lots seemed to go as low as $3,000 to $4,000. When I look at websites on the subject though, lots seem to be *starting* at around $30,000,000 CPs. Anyone have buying experience they'd wish to share?
2) I am looking for about 3 acres. Definitely not less than two.
3) I need the confidence that the land is developable before I buy. What is the process for having an engineer/surveyor check out the place before the deal is sealed?
4) Yumbo, for example, is too far from the action. I know my girl wants to live closer to Cali. I dont want to live in Cali exactly, but on the outskirts, with a view looking down upon it, would be perfect. Any neighborhood suggestions?
5) Any other tips for getting local prices, and not rip-off-the-american prices? I plan on doing this with my girl and her mother, who, though poor, is pretty street smart
ARCHITECT
1) I have made a few architect friends over the years, but I am open to meeting one is perfectly adequate for this job. Should I hire someone from the states, or someone local to Cali, Colombia?
2) I have a basic design laid out. How well can the architect design the home given that he doesn't know what the terrain will be like?
3) How much can I expect to pay a competent architect?
BUILDING PROCESS
1) I plan on living in the US, with my wife, for the next 18 years. The plan is to build the house slowly over about 10 years, vacation there once its done while we can, and then retire there in 18 years.
2) In other words, i would not be there to supervise the building, which I heard can be suicidal. Again, I am hoping that my soon to be mother in law, and brother in law, can be my eyes and ears in Colombia during the building. Perhaps we can arrange to have her visit the site at least once a week to hold workers accountable. Do you think this will work? I need to plan ahead to not get ripped off.
3) Once the building is designed, I need the foreman/master planner/engineer or whoever the divide the project into distinct phases. I will be paying for this project with cash (no loans), so I want to subsidize each phase of the project when i have the money to do so. For example, if we come up with Phase 1: laying the foundation = $10,000, then I will provide $10,000 for that phase, and I dont want to hear about "we ran out of money on phase one we need more money." No way. Anyway, when phase 1 is finished, it needs to be "building the basic infrastructure and plumbing = $12,000" or whatever. And I might be like "Okay I dont have the $12,000 now, but I should in 9 to 12 months, and I'll give it to you then. In the meantime, take a break from this project and do other work." When I was in colombia I was told many people build in cash this way, and I also saw this "slow building" when i visited West Africa.
OTHER THOUGHTS
1) My soon to be mother in law might be key to alot of this. If she can help supervise with the building, and once building is done, move into the place and take care of it while we are not there (who wouldnt want to move into a luxury house and house-sit it for the pitance of keeping it safe and clean?). Anyone had experience with something like this? How did it go?
2) I get a whole WIDE range of figures as to how much this whole project will cost. I have been telling myself I can do the whole thing for about $250,000. I think the key is to not get ripped off. Not getting ripped off by outrageous high prices, and not getting stolen from (materials, man hours) throughout the process.
3) Does anyone know of website that deals precisely with this topic (building a house abroad or specifically in colombia)? Actually, a good forum for expatriates in Colombia would be great.
Thanks in advance
cross posted on:
planet-love.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ColombiaExperts
http://colombia.vanillaforums.com/
theflipsideforum.com
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