How hard is it to remodel in Panama? What do I need to know before I remodel in Panama?
Renate Jope - Panama Premium Real Estate
Posted April 2, 2013
David Whittington - Tucan Golf Club and Resort
Locally made items such as cabinetry are very well made, with solid wood as opposed to veneers, etc. However, it may not...
Locally made items such as cabinetry are very well made, with solid wood as opposed to veneers, etc. However, it may not be as easy to get some of the hardware you would like locally, but you can get pretty much whatever you’d like shipped in.
Because the cost of labor is so very much cheaper in Panama than in Canada (perhaps $2.25 per hour as opposed to $25 per hour), the cost to do a remodel in Panama would be substantially less than in Canada.
Posted July 17, 2014
Mark Hurt
The main thing I would tell someone is buy your own materials. Don’t allow your builder to buy your materials, such as sand, gravel, concrete etc. Your builder might be getting a great price on it, but YOU won't. Next, never pay to much ahead of where the builder is on the job. And remember this as well: a contract isn't worth crap down here. Panama is not Kansas. If you have a problem with a builder, eat the loss and move on. Your day in court will be at least two to three years away, and even if you win, your builder won't have a thing you can get from him, so never pay for more then you have already gotten. And don't think “Well, why would he steal or cheat me today on this, when I have at least 6 months more work to go on this place?” Why? Because they live from day to day. To plan ahead or to do the right thing that will end up with them making good money for a longer time NEVER ENTERS THEIR MIND. This is why service in this country is crap.
Posted July 25, 2014
Vannessa Solano
There are some places in Panama where the land is so valuable that people buy a property on a piece of land and then demolish the existing structure and re-build from scratch. For this type of remodeling, of course, you would have a significant project. However, if you’re just remodeling, for example, to add a studio or to enlarge the terrace, remodeling in Panama is pretty straightforward.
We have engineers and architects here in Panama who can be hired for...
There are some places in Panama where the land is so valuable that people buy a property on a piece of land and then demolish the existing structure and re-build from scratch. For this type of remodeling, of course, you would have a significant project. However, if you’re just remodeling, for example, to add a studio or to enlarge the terrace, remodeling in Panama is pretty straightforward.
We have engineers and architects here in Panama who can be hired for your remodel and companies in Panama that specialize in remodeling. The companies specializing in remodeling obviously charge more than just finding someone who says they can do the job and giving it to him. However, if you hire an independent person who is not with a company, you’re taking a chance that, even though they show up today, they may not show up tomorrow, and your remodel will take longer. However, if you contract with a company, your relationship with your contractor and the job will be more structured and professional.
If you contract with a legitimate company, you should receive a warranty that states that if anything goes wrong, that company will fix it. If that company doesn’t honor their warranty, you can take them to ACODECO (English translation: Panamanian Consumer Protection and Free Competition Authority). Taking your complaint to ACODECO is almost like suing your contractor. ACODECO will try to get the contractor to do what he agreed to and can penalize them if they don’t. However, you can’t take independent workers to ACODECO.
Posted July 26, 2014
Neil Stein - Panama Paraiso
I am a builder but I am used to wood construction. Here in Panama, everything is made of masonry and tile. You will not find any carpeting here, either.
You will have to get local talent to do these jobs for you. People who have remodeled have been frustrated for the most part because of the "mañana" mentality (putting off tasks for later) so things do not exactly happen as scheduled. Therefore, remodeling can be a bit frustrating.
People end up...
I am a builder but I am used to wood construction. Here in Panama, everything is made of masonry and tile. You will not find any carpeting here, either.
You will have to get local talent to do these jobs for you. People who have remodeled have been frustrated for the most part because of the "mañana" mentality (putting off tasks for later) so things do not exactly happen as scheduled. Therefore, remodeling can be a bit frustrating.
People end up buying a house they like just the way it is because if you are going to remodel, you should be ready to accept the fact that it is going to take a while. Things do not go exactly on schedule in Panama.
Posted October 3, 2014
Jose Broce - Broce-Pinilla & Asociados
Posted November 2, 2014