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Building in Playa del Carmen or Tulum? Your construction contract is your safety net — but only if you understand it. Here’s what expats from the U.S. and Canada should look for.
1. Bilingual documentation: Insist on contracts in both English and Spanish. Don’t rely on Google Translate — hire a bilingual attorney to review.
2. Scope of work: Detailed descriptions of labor, materials, and who is responsible for each stage. Don’t settle for vague phrases like “standard finishes.”
3. Timeline with milestones: Include estimated start and end dates, plus checkpoints (e.g., foundation, framing, plumbing). Tie payments to these milestones.
4. Payment schedule: Avoid large upfront payments. A typical breakdown is 20% down, then 5–15% per milestone.
5. Penalties for delays: Add daily penalties for late delivery — this incentivizes timely completion.
6. Warranty terms: Make sure your contract includes a one-year warranty minimum. Clarify coverage for workmanship, materials, and structural elements.
7. Dispute resolution: Agree in advance how disagreements will be resolved — local arbitration, mediation, or court.
A strong contract = peace of mind. It protects your money, your timeline, and your expectations. Don’t sign until you fully understand every clause.
