Blog

Notes from the site, the studio and the permit office.

What we learn building in the Riviera Maya — materials that survive the salt and the heat, what the paperwork actually asks for, and how projects really go.

home design

What hidden costs should I actually build a contingency for?

The hidden construction costs that quietly break budgets: customsdelays, soil surprises, site security, perimeter walls, landscaping and scope creep.

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home design

What are “soft costs,” and how much should I budget for them?

Soft costs in construction — architecture, engineering, permits,legal fees and project management — typically run 8% to 14% of your constructionbudget. (153 chars)

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home design

What usually blows the construction budget the most?

Construction budget overruns almost never start with thestructure. Land prep, utilities, windows, kitchens, pools and finishes are the realdrivers. (149 chars)

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home design

What’s actually included in a “cost per square meter” quote — and what isn’t?

A cost per square meter quote usually covers the shell, systemsand basic finishes, but not site work, pools or premium glazing. Here's the real list.(150 chars)

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home design

How much does it actually cost to build a house in the Riviera Maya?

The real cost to build a house in the Riviera Maya in 2026, brokendown by tier from $900 to $3,000+ per m², and what actually moves the number. (144chars)

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home design

Why Custom Windows Are Easier to Build in Mexico

En México, las ventanas personalizadas son más accesibles porque la construcción en concreto lo permite. Descubre cómo esto cambia el diseño de casas en Playa del…

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Home Remodeling in the Riviera Maya | Renovations & Upgrades

Home Remodeling in the Riviera Maya | Renovations & Upgrades

Learn how home remodeling in the Riviera Maya improves kitchens, structure, hurricane resilience, water pressure, electrical systems, comfort, and long-term property…

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home design

Eco-Friendly Home Building in Playa del Carmen and Tulum

Learn how eco-friendly home building in Playa del Carmen and Tulum uses natural ventilation, orientation, durable materials, solar energy, water systems, and…

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home design

The Biggest Mistakes Foreigners Make When Building in Playa del Carmen and Tulum

Learn the biggest mistakes foreigners make when building in Playa del Carmen and Tulum, including choosing the wrong builder, underestimating permits, ignoring…

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Custom Home Builders in Playa del Carmen

Custom Home Builders in Playa del Carmen

Learn how to choose custom home builders in Playa del Carmen, including design, engineering, luxury finishes, project management, hurricane protection, and tropical…

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home design

Why Custom Windows Are Easier to Build in Mexico

En México, las ventanas personalizadas son más accesibles porque la construcción en concreto lo permite. Descubre cómo esto cambia el diseño de casas en Playa del…

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home design

Building Eco-Friendly Homes in the Riviera Maya

Learn how to build eco-friendly homes in the Riviera Maya using climate-responsive design, sustainable materials, passive cooling, solar energy, water management, and…

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