Today is the day that we decided what contractors to use. We got two bids on every part of the remodel. The first subcontractors were introduced to us by Luis and he interpreted for us, this took about two weeks. The second subcontractors were introduced by Mike, and their estimates took about two days to arrive. Mike also put together a complete budget for us, listing out all the materials we will need to buy and the costs. (This is usually how construction is done here: you buy the materials and have them at the worksite when the laborers need them, and then you pay the laborers for their time.) Mike also gave us options of overseeing the work ourselves, or paying him 10% to do the supervision.

We decided to go with Mike’s subcontractors because their estimates were less, and also to have him do the supervision. Mike has been quick with getting things done, has knowledge of things we can’t even begin to think of that need doing in Ecuador, has done several favors for us already, and we are hoping he’ll let us watch the progress as he builds his own boat.

They start on Tuesday and should be done in 2 months, unless they run into problems with the old plumbing or electrical.

The Neptuno building was constructed in the 1970’s. The elevators had been replaced so they are nicer (and bigger) than what are in other buildings the same age. But the building is not grounded, so the story is that electrical surges come from the municipality and burn out the motors. The administrator has been telling us since May 9 that the motors were ordered, shipped, being installed, being tested, etc. But they still are not working. That will be a problem with our remodeling project.

We chose this condo mostly because of the views from the balconies:

Our project is bigger than most remodels. There are over 204 square meters (2200 square feet) total and we will be removing over 15 linear meters of walls. Currently, there are two doors and a maid’s room. 

Popcorn texture was sprayed on ALL of the walls and there are many places where it has been banged and fallen off. There must have been leaks in the half bath that was added because those walls look like they were “patched” but never textured.