The bidding process has begun!
sduford on Jul 30 2007 at 9:38 am | Filed under: Building in Panama, Panama
The blueprints for our tropical house are nearly completed, only a few small changes will be made going forward, mostly to the electrical system. So I have forwarded the blueprints to 3 different building contractors for bids.
The first one is a retired American we befriended in Altos del Maria. He acts as a project manager and works with local contractors. He works on a fixed-price basis and takes care of all the details. We have seen his work first-hand and were impressed with his attention to details and his creativity (he not only builds, but provides input into the design and finish of the house).
The second one is also an American, but one who started his own construction company in Sora and has over 30 well trained workers. We have also seen the quality of his work and were quite impressed. This guy works on a cost + 18% basis, so we expect his bid to come in somewhat lower than the first guy’s, but with a higher level of risk to us, especially given the rapidly rising building costs in Panama.
The third one is a well established and respected Panamanian builder based in Bejuco. His name is Eleuterio Gutiérrez Núñez and his company is called Constructora Temporal S.A. We’ve also seen some of his work and liked what we saw. However, we feel there is a higher level of risk going with a Panamanian builder since we are not going to be there full-time to keep an eye on the construction. But this could be mitigated by having our good friend Michel L. keep an eye on the project for us. Michel is a fellow Canadian and an experienced house builder who will be moving to Altos del Maria in November
I’m expecting all bids to come back within 4 weeks and the next step after that will be getting the construction permit. If you wouldlke to know more about the two American builders, contact me via email.
Hi there, my name is Chris and I have a lot that I intend to build on some time soon in Altos Del Maria. I am Australian and I will be in Panama next month to start the process of choosing an architect and a builder. I would appreciate some contact details of the two Americans first mentioned as I will certainly like to speak with them.
Thank you very much,
Chris McKeaveney
Hi Chris! I will send you the details by email.
Just curious, which lot did you buy?
I also need help with builders and achitechs. Any help would be appreciated
Any one know of builders or architechs in the Boca’s del Toro area. What is the procedure. We have our own handmade drawings. I need some direction here. Thanks.
Sorry I don’t know of any builders or architects in Bocas. Most architects are in Panama City. You should probably find yourself a reputable builder first and he will likely be able to recommend architects that he has worked with before. Some architects are also builder though.
You cannot get a construction permit in Panama without detailed engineering drawings in Spanish and metric units, signed by a certified Panamanian architect.
Ask people who have built in your area, they should be the best reference for you.
Would love the name of the two American Builders. Going to be in Sora mid November and would like to make contact
Best Regards,
Arthur Wilhelm
Hi Arthur, sent you an email with the details.