Comments on: Thoughts About Hiring Contractors in Panama

By: Don Ray

Don Ray — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 00:09:44 +0000

I assume you are talking about the Panama Canal and not some channel on the TV in Panama.

I suggest you check out the Panama Canal Website. Try this address http://www.pancanal.com/esp/contact/index.html

By: Juan Guillermo Millan

Juan Guillermo Millan — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 23:59:29 +0000

I am interested in sending my resume to someone in Panama in order to be hired by the new projects on the panama Channel.
Please send me the address where I can atach my resume.

By: Don Ray

Don Ray — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 20:51:49 +0000

There are good builders. But even with the good builders you still need to visit the site every day.

By: Stephen

Stephen — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 19:07:46 +0000

If anyone has had success with contractors in Panama, maybe it would be nice to point them out for everyone’s reference. Of course we should do our own due diligence.

Stephen

By: >Snake Eyes

>Snake Eyes — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:25:42 +0000

Hey Linda I totally agree on the “Idiots” who have homes built with “0″ construction knowledge. It totally blew me away in Costa Rica all the Gringos having homes and Condos built that acted like it was just another trip to Wal-mart! Push a button…instant home. Not me! I have been scr*wed before on construction projects right here in the states…LEARNED MY LESSON. Watch them ALL like a hawk! What do you want Linda a fast p*ss poor built home or condo or a slower built done RIGHT! When I’m throwing down a pile of money for a home, I don’t care who I make nervous, its my time and money…I tell the contractor: GET OVER IT!

By: Don Ray

Don Ray — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 17:39:15 +0000

Generally maybe but sometimes kinda sorta.

By: Linda

Linda — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 16:52:18 +0000

You’re absolutely right. It shows to go you that generalizations are generally incorrect…

By: Don Ray

Don Ray — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 16:35:34 +0000

Linda you are correct except for a lot of things you don’t need construction experience. For example. if you asked for 4 wall plugs in a room and you see them putting in only 3 you point it out fast. If you asked for a light switch by the side of the bed and none was put in that is easy to see also. No construction knowledge necessary for some things.

By: Linda

Linda — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 16:27:53 +0000

Hi Don Ray,
Thanks for posting Susan’s very relevant & timely article.

Another point to consider: ensure that your contractor is in compliance with the labor laws of Panama; not only ask to see timesheets but also copies of the planilla submitted to CSS and the receipts showing payments have been made. CSS can & will shut down the project if not in compliance.

To SE: being a presence on your construction site is a necessity. However, since most folks who come here & build don’t have a lick of construction experience, either “back there” or here, they wouldn’t know if the workers are doing their jobs correctly or not. So hanging over their shoulders will more than likely slow down the process, not speed it up.

By: Don Ray

Don Ray — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 14:34:07 +0000

You definitely want to have a good builder and then you need to visit the site daily as you say.