Building Houses and Latrines in Baja California Mexico
Construction Group Leader - What you need to bring.
What follows is a complete list of the tools and equipment your group will need to construct a house in Mexico. This is a minimum list. You can certainly add or replace items from this list to suit your groups specific needs.
(Note: Pictures of tools and their links are only for illustration. Many other makes and models are readily available)
Typical Generator by Coleman Note: If you are unable to obtain a suitable generator, contact Baja Christian Ministries and let them know before your trip. A few are available in Mexico but they must be reserved well ahead of time.
1 or 2 Skilsaws with 100' extension cord.
Some groups also bring a chop type saw. If you decide to bring a chop saw, you may want a separate set of saw horses
for the saw.
A Reciprocating Saw with wood cutting blades, is also a must.
A Sawzall is the reciprocating saw of choice for most house building teams. You will
want to bring blades for wood cutting, both 6" and 12". You may also want blades for cutting holes (small blades that can turn sharply) and some blades that can cut nails (in case you make a mistake!).
Both DeWalt and Milwaukee make a cordless version. They work fine as long as the batteries are charged.
2 Sawhorse sets
Pictured here are a good example of portable saw horses.
Click on the picture for a link to the manufacturer for more information.
This style works well and can be transported easily. They adapt well to uneven ground and are very strong. The picture above shows two different sizes. You will need two sets of two for this project.
1 - Electric or large battery powered drill with 5/8" & 3/4" bits.
You will need a drill capable of drilling several dozen holes. A good quality pistol type hand drill will work fine, remember a long extension cord. If you prefer cordless drills, remember to bring extra batteries and the charger.
Many different kinds of kits are available. From simple hole saw kits
to kits the pros use. Some groups prefer to order a pre-hung door. (At extra cost.)
If you use a pre-hung door, you will not need this tool.
Round Soft Milled Face
Drywall Hatchet
Nail puller
Important in proper installation of the drywall.
A special note about hammers. Many groups bring inexpensive, light weight hammers. Will the cheap hammers work? Sure, but not nearly as well as a hammer designed for the job. Building these houses requires framing, drywall and roofing. I have illustrated the basic differences in the three types of hammers. If you have one of these types, they will make your work much more fun, easier and faster.
