After living in Boquete Panama for almost three years I have finally started a small construction and remodeling project. The timing is now because the current economic slowdown has made both building materials, fuel and labor more available and less expensive than even a few months ago.
The project is small and targeted at my daughter’s summer visit. A two horse stable and storage rooms in a new building and some minor remodeling within the current house footprint to turn a 1/2 bathroom into a 3/4 bath by adding a shower, while increasing the size of a bedroom. In addition we will be adding a new entry way into the house.
None of this would be of interest to anyone but me if not for the constant questions about construction techniques, timeliness or completion and quality of the final product. Because all of these things are real issues in Panama I have decided to do a weekly project post until the project is completed, hopefully in about 90 days (This may be a dream).
The three man crew started on the outbuilding on 18 February 2009, I am adding the year in the event a little project turns into the unexpected, as I have seen with other contractors in this area.
My contractor was carefully selected and I fully expect I will recommend him to others after completion.
The site is a relatively flat area near the house and a road for easy access. No trees needed to be removed only a few coffee plants that were not thriving.
Within four days the trenches for a foundation and footers were hand dug and a gravity feed water line installed. The total dimension of the structure is 20 x20 feet with several interior walls.
The is very standard Panama construction with rebar laid into the footer trench.
Within this week we expect concrete to be poured and the foundation completed.
Good morning from Texas………I was extremely excited to find your website. I have been researching your area of Panama for several months now and I am so happy to “see” it from someone who actually lives there.
I have a couple of questions about the type of construction they do there……especially on the homes. First, can you be your own general contractor and build your own house? My husband is a contractor and even though our main business is not home building we have built 5 homes for ourselves and/or friends. He is actually a master electrician and we work in the world of access control and automated gate systems. Second, are the homes built “conventionally” i.e, stick built or are there other methods of building they use there? I would hate to have to pay a general contractor if it were something we could do ourselves.
Another question that I have is………does this area drill wells for their water supply and what about septic systems if your not located where there is sewer available?
Good luck on your project. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that it will move right along and be ready for your daughter’s visit.
Thanks for your time.
Paulette Oliver
Amarillo, Texas