Chile Forum

Does anyone have any experience with Smithouse homes? We had already been speaking with them about building our new house at our farm before the earthquake, but since our current house was destroyed in the quake, the need to ink a deal is extremely urgent. I don't like being rushed into these decisions, but we are afraid if we wait there will be major delays. Right now since we've been working with them, they're still telling us they can get it done in 90-120 days. They promise that their homes come completely finished and with insulation and good windows (we chose to upgrade to double pane windows). But I haven't heard anything about them from anyone else, and also haven't found much on the internet (which I suppose is probably good since happy people don't usually post).

Now is your big chance to go see how well their work stands up. It seems the guys that there is a pattern to the guys that failed structures in the earthquake also had big problems and complaint before from the owners for little details.

Right now, I am sitting in a socovesa home that is fully intact with hardly any even cosmetic damage, let alone serious structural damage. They have our full endorsement.

Speaking of home building companies, does anyone know if they build 'modern' - ala Frank lloyd Wright, lots of glass, and flat roof - homes? I still see the same architecture that was used half a century ago. They all look the same with the typical high pitched roof, red Chilean tiles etc.

Smithouse in particular has been very adaptable in their designs. We managed to come up with a design that looks nothing like a cheesy tiled, faux-alps style vacation home. Not quite FLW, but when we were planning our original custom-designed house, our architect and the builders he contacted were positively itching to do something modern like that. Way too modern for us, as it turns out. I have seen a few of these uber-modern houses but they seem to be more tucked away behind hills and things. There is one in particular on the camino al lago between Melipilla and Litueche that is relatively new and seems to have withstood the quake quite well, contrary to most other buildings around there. I sense that the designers and higher-end builders really like doing that stuff, it's more the people who don't want it.

Thanks for the info Allegro. I'll keep an eye out for your posts during the next few months before we go in September and decide then if we want to talk to Smithouse.

Good luck with the house.

A

I'll also be watching for updates and more info - best of luck with your new home - Lana

is there any way for you visit houses that they have already built...say...5 years ago? that should give you a good idea about the quality of their work. talk with as many of their previous customers as possible.