
The construction standards in Chapala and Ajijic are the same. The same builders and architects are building in Chapala and Ajijic so there is no difference between those two.
If you look at most places in Mexico these days, the construction standards are pretty much on par. It used to be that construction standards in Mexico were uneven. For example, Chapala and Ajijic used to have the best construction standards around because this is one of the first areas that adopted American construction standards. Lately, I’ve been touring new developments on the coast of Oaxaca and similar places and I noticed that they have stepped up their game, too.
Mexicans are really good at construction. You get earthwork, PVC plumbing, modern installations, and carpentry. If you compare the building standards in Mexico to countries in Central America such as like Costa Rica and Panama, the construction standards in Mexico are significantly higher. That probably has to do with their economy or the availability of materials. We are a 10-hour truck drive from Texas so you can truck dishwashers down here all day long. A lot of the windows here are from Europe. Because we are close the US, it is easy to get whatever you want.
Inspectors do come out to conduct inspections and you would have to secure permits if you are building but it is 10% as labor-intensive as it would be in San Diego, where I come from. The inspectors have to check your construction project before they give you the permit to build it. They have to check it during the building process, and they have to OK that it was done as proposed once you are done building. Building a house here in Mexico is a lot less hassle than in the US.
If you are buying a house and you have any doubt as to the quality of the construction, you can hire a home inspector. There are North American home inspection providers here in Chapala and Ajijic from Canada, the US, and elsewhere who are very familiar with the local construction process and who will provide you with a report. Usually, your realtor and broker should be able to tell you, as well. Most of us have construction experience or at least have watched a few houses go up. If there is any red flags, we should be able to notice them.
(Hacienda-style home, Ajijic, Mexico, pictured.)