Building Workshop / storage

2flyaway Contributor

178POSTS

12 years ago

Looking for some advice on building an outbuilding on our property. We will not be building our house for a year or two. We will be living in a prefab. We will need to store our belongings until the home gets build. We need to bring them into Belize though within the year as I am coming in on the QRProgram.

Any advice is welcome.
- Type of structure
- Build ourselves, hire someone
- other advice..

Thanks

See also

Relocating to Belize - Guide
Building a tiny home - 3 Replies
Earthbag / natural building - 19 Replies
Car storage - 1 Reply
building in Belize - 4 Replies
Moving and building question - 15 Replies
Secure storage unit - 3 Replies

sunnybrook77 Active member

66POSTS

12 years ago

That is I built the garage with apt on top, so we can store stuff while not there.聽 Everyone said definete concrete, but we are on the ocean too and sound like you can get away with more wood inland, but then one has the security stuff.聽 Good luck and let us know when you are heading there!聽 Must meet up.聽 they started cutting down our trees last weekend. exciting!

2flyaway Contributor

178POSTS

12 years ago

We are thinking of concrete for our garage / storage area. I believe it will be more secure, but still can be broken into. I once arrested 5 people hauling boxes of liquor from a Alberta Liquor store. They broke a hole through the bricks and internal wall. The alarm system only targeted the front area, doors and windows.

That is exciting, cutting the trees down to start. It looks like I might be down there in November. I will keep in touch though.

sunnybrook77 Active member

66POSTS

12 years ago

Read stories of thieves backing up to windows and hooking onto the bars with their trucks and driving away.聽 In the end nothing is 100% secure anywhere.聽 Just peace of mind to know they at least can't burn it down.聽 Feel fairly confident that our area is pretty safe at least.
聽聽 and yes! Very exciting.聽 Just not for the poor neighbor listening to the chainsaws on Saturday morning.
I will be there for a couple of days 8-11 Nov.

2flyaway Contributor

178POSTS

12 years ago

You are 100% right, nothing is completely secure. Do a risk assessment, figure out what you can afford and go with it doing what you can to discourage the theft. Bars, Dogs, Alarms are all easy to get past.

brigittebachmann New member

1POSTS

12 years ago

If there isn't one - start a neighbourhood watch. There are quite a few in Cayo, and they do work!

sunnybrook77 Active member

66POSTS

12 years ago

I think the best risk assesment will be to NOT have the "need" to have so many material things and cut down the attraction for thieves.聽 If they can't see something they want should be less attraction.聽 hence why so many houses look poor on the outside and then inside is a castle.聽 Might be easier said than done, but I really beleive we need less in Belize to be happy.聽 all I need is my sailboat!! LOL
聽聽 and the community watch is a great idea.聽 I do beleive we have one in Consejo also.

2flyaway Contributor

178POSTS

12 years ago

You are absolutely correct, live with less. You put words to the thoughts I was having. That is a big part of why we are moving to Belize. We have got rid of a lot of 'stuff' already. Sold, gave away, and then off to the garbage for the rest. Amazing how much 'stuff' one accumulates from 35 years of marriage. Since we plan on living in 700 square feet, we are down sizing a lot. Not having fancy things, and just being home. We are planning on sticking close to home. Being busy with our little hobby farm will keep us there.

sunnybrook77 Active member

66POSTS

12 years ago

I wish you so much luck and happiness.聽 Will be a totally different outlook for sure, and very welcome indeed.聽 I'm looking forward to helping with the school and education and maybe even helping the sailing club as they have an excellent program for the youth out of Consejo.聽
聽聽聽I've stopped buying things.聽 Sounds funny I know.聽 but before when a sale would come into my email I would check it out to see what i "needed".聽 Now that I know I don't need any of that stuff it is so strange.聽 Will be doing the garage sale next year.聽 Was hoping the cabin would sell, but now will wait till spring.聽 Might still do some trenching at our middle property just in case so we can set up our trailer there to live in for the summer.聽 Everything is ready for things to happen - just need to make it happen

2flyaway Contributor

178POSTS

12 years ago

#10

I understand exactly what you are saying. 'Suddenly' so many things have just lost their importance. Life is filled with less things and busyness. Keep in touch, and we will get together once we have both moved down.

sunnybrook77 Active member

66POSTS

12 years ago

#11

Gives you goosebumps eh, to know not only is there a better life to live as we were intended to live, but that it is possible and one only needs to make it happen.聽 Will be some humps for sure, but welcome ones.聽 Can't wait for the day we stop at your place for some fresh fruit/veggies!!! It will happen聽 -

sunnybrook77 Active member

66POSTS

12 years ago

#12

What all are you taking? Furniture? Appliances?

2flyaway Contributor

178POSTS

12 years ago

#13

No appliances. We are taking some furniture (we think), bedding, cloths. We have a mattress that we don't want to give up. We have committed that it will all fit in 1 container. So we have many boxes all packed in our garage. We know the size of the container.

Right now I am going through a phase of fright. The thought of not earning an income (I have always worked very hard all my life OK since 10 years of age). Just had our account in, it should work out just fine.

I go between a period of fright, then excitement, of relax it's happening and repeat. Like you say there will be humps and bumps. I am expecting those. I really believe though that this will be a much better life, more relaxing, needing far less, enjoying life more, enjoying each other and other people more.

sunnybrook77 Active member

66POSTS

12 years ago

#14

Yes, but where better to not earn an income --聽 here or there?聽 If one is going to retire I cannot think of a better place to do it.聽 Lower cost of living, better weather, better life!!聽 But that is why I have done a bit of research for volunteer stuff, there is no way I can just sit and veg. Never.聽
聽聽You are making a quicker leap than we will.聽 We won't be ready to do the full time for at least 3 years, maybe even 5.聽 Or who knows, once we spend our first winter might be hooked and then decide to sever our ties here.聽 But I've had the stables for 25 years and will be hard to never have a piece of that and at least a couple of horses.聽 time will tell.聽 Once my priorites are sorted out final things can all change.聽 Same as you - one day excited, next worrie/apprehensive, next exhilerated, especially just knowing it is REALLY happening.聽 They were hoping to pour our pad this weekend, but they had a big storm yesterday and the main road is under water!

2flyaway Contributor

178POSTS

12 years ago

#15

Ah yes, so many things to live through and more stories to tell. Keep in touch.

kristinanadreau Guest

0POSTS

12 years ago

#16

sunnybrook and 2 flyaway聽聽 I have retired 3 times.聽聽now I am thinking of a little business to do here in Belize.聽聽got to do something besides fool around on the net.聽聽looking forward to seeing you soon.聽聽kris

Love2Travel4Sure Active member

60POSTS

12 years ago

#17

Hey you two!聽 This post is not about storage.聽 It is a comment about sharing the experience of the move. I just read this thread and loved it. You are both spot on with your approach to moving, the changes involved, and what to do with your belongings, as well as the fluctuations of feelings prior to moving abroad.

My Belizean home is in San Ignacio, but I am thinking perhaps the southern coast might be nice - below Placencia. It appears that most people that move to Belize end up in Ambergris Caye, so that meant I did not want to live there. To each their own. Ambergris Caye is beautiful, but I am a country girl so I need some space.

It's nice to know others that are planning to move abroad are going through the same type of feelings and chores. It's most definitely a bonding experience.

All the best to you both and your families........
Regards,
LAN

Brigitte B Serial expat

331POSTS

12 years ago

#18

2flyaway - If you have an idea about the size of your storage building, concrete/wood, windows/bars etc., I'd contact Tobar/RG/Linda Vista to give you an approximate quote.
Either of them could probably have a shell up in no time.

sunnybrook77 Active member

66POSTS

12 years ago

#19

kristinanadreau wrote:
Kris聽 got to do something besides fool around on the net.聽聽looking forward to seeing you soon.聽聽kris

I love to do landscaping, so hoping something might happen with that, or the horses.聽 But i don't imagine there are many horses around Corozal.聽 We will meet soon.聽 either in Nov or December!聽 Exciting!

sunnybrook77 Active member

66POSTS

12 years ago

#20

Love2Travel4Sure wrote:
LAN聽 I just read this thread and loved it. You are both spot on with your approach to moving, the changes involved, and what to do with your belongings, as well as the fluctuations of feelings prior to moving abroad.
All the best to you both and your families........
Regards,
LAN

I loved SI, but my husband was totally turned off by the city/gutters/clutter.聽 I'm a country girl too and who knows, once we are there a couple of years I might be able to convince him.聽 But i doubt it.聽 he is looking forward to sitting on the beach with his beer.聽 We'll see.聽 But I think Placencia is too far away from everything even for me. and even more so further south.聽 Ambergris was definetly out of the question.
聽 From all I have read I'm thinking will just be bringing sheets and some clothes.聽 Everything else appears to be readily available and even some second hand sites are around.聽 I don't want to live lavish, just beach comfortable.聽 Question for you - do you have a freezer?聽 Seems it is not the norm.

Prestonia Active member

65POSTS

12 years ago

#21

Wilhana Oldham on the Western Highway (maker of hot mamma's) has storage units for rent.聽 They may have sold the building to someone else now, but the storage units are still there, close to unitedville.

There is also edgar's storage, but that's in Ladyville, near belize city.

Brigitte B Serial expat

331POSTS

12 years ago

#22

I have a chest freezer, and love that I can store my extra sugar, flour, rice etc. in it.
Plus it comes in handy for make ahead meals, keeping coconut water and juices.
When I find bulk herbs and spices, I keep them in the freezer as well.

kristinanadreau Guest

0POSTS

12 years ago

#23

Most expats who are real cooks, will have freezers to store staples and meals they prepare in advance.聽聽A few just shop and cook daily, like the Belizeans.聽聽Depends on the tradeoffs one is willing to make.聽 the freezers both chest and uprights, all sizes are readily available without horrendous over pricing.聽 the only issue is the cost of the electricity.聽 are you willing to pay?聽聽are you off the grid?聽 all comes down to what you personally want most.

Brooklyn2Belize Member

1POSTS

12 years ago

#24

I've just recently been thinking about making the move to Belize in the future, maybe 2 or 3 years as I'll be 45 then for the QRP.

Have you thought about purchasing a shipping container and sending your stuff down in that.聽 You could then have it brought to your property and use for storage.聽 Probably one of the more secure options.聽 Whatever is longer term storage could be left in it and then weld the sucker shut.

2flyaway Contributor

178POSTS

12 years ago

#25

Brooklyn2Belize:

We tried to find a place to purchase the shipping contain and then ship it. All shippers would not sell a container, and would only ship their containers. So we are planning to ship items down in a contain that they provide. I will be down there long enough ahead of time that I can likely get a workshop built.

life begins at.... New member

4POSTS

12 years ago

#26

First of all, I am jealous as hell....its getting dark by 8pm now in septemeber and I can't imagine another winter here. This is what lead me to this forum. My wife was in belize last march and absolutely loved it. We are planning to go in Feb or March.I am going more for reconnaissance than anything. I am done with winter and some much more.... I am hoping to be out of here within the next 3-5 years.

As for outbuilding, I always swear by a garage package if I were building here to start off with at a lake site.聽 Perfect temp/permanent solution. Not hard to put up and the price is right. However I can't answer that question in belize. I am curious as the availablity of materials etc.

cheers

Prestonia Active member

65POSTS

12 years ago

#27

life begins at.... wrote:
First of all, I am jealous as hell....its getting dark by 8pm now in September and I can't imagine another winter here.

cheers

It gets dark at 6 in Belize.聽 Seems so early....

life begins at.... New member

4POSTS

12 years ago

#28

Prestonia wrote:
life begins at.... wrote:
First of all, I am jealous as hell....its getting dark by 8pm now in September and I can't imagine another winter here.

cheers

It gets dark at 6 in Belize.聽 Seems so early....

yes, I spent time in maui and didn't like that it got dark at 6pm. But I can handle that if it means no snow. One thing I do like in the great white north is the long summer days. I like it when sunset is 10pm in the summer, but its really tough when its dark by 4:30pm in the winter.

2flyaway Contributor

178POSTS

12 years ago

#29

Life Begins at...

We certainly are happy to be going. Counting the days for sure. 1 month left before I leave for the advance settling in.

Have built a garage in Canada with a garage package. Works well in our climate in middle Alberta. I don't know that there is a 'package' in Belize. Will be finding out more soon as I hit the ground there. Termites are certainly a concern. Concrete block seems to be the popular building material there that lasts.

September in Alberta has been very nice. The weather has been a bit warmer than the normal. The thought in my head was this was the month to visit Canada in the future.

When I have been in Belize it starts getting light at 0530 hrs and is dark at 1830 hrs. I expect that is the same all year round. I am a morning person so I will be up and enjoy the morning with the birds and other animals waking up. I plan on doing a lot of reading, so the evening should be good with that and the solar powered LEDs.

4evrHawk Contributor

176POSTS

12 years ago

#30

Not true in the summer it starts getting light at 4:30 am. As for when it gets dark, never paid attention to that.

Whats important is to find a place near the Ocean where the breeze is blowing in...like the Jam Rock or Blues Bar and restaurant.

Prestonia Active member

65POSTS

12 years ago

#31

Earliest sunrise in June聽 is 5:20 am

Latest sunset in June is about 6:30 pm.

2flyaway Contributor

178POSTS

12 years ago

#32

Thanks Prestonia. I was not far off in my observations. Of course mine were in Dec, March, and May. Of course the closer to the equator, the less variation.

kristinanadreau Guest

0POSTS

12 years ago

#33

Here in Corozal, while it is not sun up, it does begin to "glow" in the east around 4:30 am.聽 the birds start calling to each other then.聽聽I seem to notice it is dark after 6 pm.聽聽We are close to the equator here so there are not the great changes in daylight hours like there are in the north.

Prestonia Active member

65POSTS

12 years ago

#34

I guess I didn't think of that -- in Corozal you can see the glow on the horizon over the ocean -- we can't see that in Cayo -- always a hill or tree in the way.

At my place, everything is in shadow by 3:30 pm and the shady loving bugs come out.聽 You learn just to cover-up or go inside at that point.

2flyaway Contributor

178POSTS

12 years ago

#35

I went to a site that displays the sunrise and sunset for a given location. So the location for Belize is Belmopan.

Dec 21st: 06:20 hours to 17:26 hours.
June 21st: 05:22 hours to 18:32 hours.

I am surprised that there are 2 hours difference between the long and short days.
Forgot to look if that was civil or aviation sunrise/sunset as there is a difference in the definition.

I have charts that would tell me the values for San Ignacio and for Corozal. For my purposes now this is close enough.

Prestonia Active member

65POSTS

12 years ago

#36

I just know that the best hours to work outside are from about 7am - 10:30 ish and 3 pm to 6.聽 With a nice lunch and siesta in the middle.聽 I suspect wherever you are in San ignacio it will be similar.聽 Better to push your hard work into the earlier hours.

Brigitte B Serial expat

331POSTS

12 years ago

#37

2flyaway - those hours sound just about right.

billem Active member

31POSTS

12 years ago

#38

if you want secure storage I would invest in a shipping container.you can purchase them in belize city.many of my friends have them and never have a theft problem,as far as building a house its better to not have any wood touch the ground ie.poles to suspend your house above the ground.termites will come from underground and eat your house before you even know it. concrete is the only way to go in belize.you can put your wood house on a block 1st floor and also get some secure storage in the block portion of your house