Government and Regulatory Issues to Consider

Working with our partner architects and engineers, we will first prepare floor plans for approval, then elevation plans. Once the floor and elevation plans are approved by you we will proceed to structural, electrical, plumbing and detail plans. After you have approved the completed plans we move on to the application process.

In Mexico the application process is streamlined as compared to the US. We usually expect to receive building permits within one week of submittal. In addition to the building plans we must apply for environmental permits which determine the impact on native fauna and flora. This process can take two to three months so we recommend that we start this process as we begin design.

When both building and environmental permits are received we can proceed. All workers must be registered for site-specific government sponsored workman’s compensation, medical coverage and retirement benefits. Many Mexican contractors, in an attempt to avoid these expenses, do not register their workers. This puts you, the homeowner, at risk of future legal action and fines.

During construction, quality control and adherence to proper engineering specifications are controlled by the independent Engineer of Record’s weekly visits to the job sites.

Upon completion of the project the Engineer of Record applies for a certificate of occupancy and manifestation. In addition, Bahia Construction applies to Workman’s Compensation for a release of liability for the project.

These are major steps that must happen to assure you, the homeowner that the project is being performed correctly and in accordance to Mexican law. Deviation from these steps, while common with other contractors can cause significant hardships.

Finally, Governmental Relationships

During your construction it is important to maintain excellent relations with local, state and federal regulations and regulators. From our years of working with these departments and close personal relationships with many we can guarantee a smooth project free from the pitfalls of the Mexican bureaucracies.