Building a home in
Mariposa Estates

Next, you'll need to choose a builder/architect. Building in Mariposa Estates will be a pleasant experience if you use a builder who is "tried and true." We highly recommend Francisco (Paco) Diaz Allen. Paco is familiar with the Mariposa Estates development and the protective covenants and design criteria. In addition, Paco has a stellar reputation on the island for his quality workmanship, professionalism, honesty and integrity. And, he's just plain nice.

You can meet with or email Paco to go over ideas and features that you would like to incorporate into the design of your home. You can discuss with him the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, style of the home, pool and patio areas and any other ideas. The more information you can provide about the style and design of the house you want to build, the better. For instance, let Paco know if you have a preference for colonial, contemporary, rustic or other style. Do you want to have everything on one level or do you prefer to have multiple levels. Are you interested in having a swimming pool, built in barbecue, a fountain or waterfall in your garden area?

Paco will take your ideas and come back to you with drawings and suggestions. You can modify and refine your plans until you are satisfied. When your plans have been completed they will be submitted to the Mariposa Estates design committee for review. The committee will be checking to see that you are building a home that meets the design criteria and includes proper septic system, water collection system and that the house is positioned on the lot according to specifications in the design criteria.

Next, Paco will submit your plans and obtain building permits and construction can begin.

More about the building process
You can expect construction of a home in Mariposa Estates to take from four to six months from start to finish. Materials used in construction of the house include concrete and concrete block. Floors are usually finished with ceramic tile. Doors and cabinetry are custom made using local hardwoods. Windows can be made of wood or aluminum. You can choose to have a palapa (thatched) roof or concrete.

Some of the building materials are available on the island; other materials may be brought from the mainland. On the island you can find ceramic tile, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures and other supplies at stores such as Boxito, Interceramica, the hardware store on 30th Ave. and a number of furniture and appliance stores. On the mainland (only 30 minutes by ferry), you can shop at Liverpool, Sears, Costco, Homemart, Walmart, Sam's Club, Interceramica and many others. If you buy some items on the mainland, a trucking company will pick up all of your purchases and deliver them to Cozumel. It's quite easy and reasonably priced.

During the construction process, Paco will provide progress reports on a regular basis. He will explain each stage of the construction and will send you digital photos by email so that you can see the work in progress. You may wish to be on the island during certain stages of construction.

More about Francisco (Paco) Diaz Allen
Paco is the owner of Construmel, a building and design firm with a staff of engineers, architects and supervisors. Being an architect himself, Paco has over 20 years of experience in working in the design and construction business and has offered his expertise on projects of all sizes on the island of Cozumel. He owns the machinery, has a complete team of workers, foremen and subcontractors plus the necessary infrastructure to complete building projects from the most modest home to the most sophisticated commercial property. As an islander, Paco is highly respected in Cozumel for his knowledge in all phases of design and construction. Speaking fluent English he will work with clients from preliminary drawings through 100% completion on projects of any scope. Paco will work with you to ensure that all design criteria and protective covenants are met as required for the development within Mariposa Estates.

Paco can be contacted directly at construcozumel@prodigy.net.mx or telephone. From the US, dial 011-52-987-872-5777 and 011-52-987-872-5776

A few sample plans

Watch for sample plans for 2 BR, 3 BR, 4 BR homes.