Shady Advice About Building

The best piece of advice that I received when building my first home in Troncones was about size.

I told an expat gringo that I was planning a small place. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms. About 1,500 sq feet. We have friends or relatives come stay from time-to-time, hence two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

They told me I was building ‘way too big.

“You are thinking as a Canadian. You think that your “living room” will be indoors. Your “living room” will be outdoors.”

They recommended that I reduce the interior size of the house substantially and pour money into building much more shaded areas. I was sceptical but built 1,000 square feet inside and over 1500 square feet of shaded areas.

If I were doing it again, I would probably reduce the inside space to 750 sq ft and build even more shaded areas.

I subsequently built a carriage house with a garage/kitchen below and an apartment above. The apartment is 40 sq m (430 sq ft) and we find it is ample for one person.