Stone countertops such as granite that may loose its luster over time can also be professionally polished using high speed diamond polishing tools. Polishing can be done every six months or depending on the overall condition of your countertops.

This year there are over 100 exhibitors lined up along with three days of workshops and lectures from all aspects of home design … decor, color selection, furnishing, illumination, etc.

This should be a great event and I look forward to posting photos and blogging from the show!!

In Zihuatanejo, the inclusion of water is paramount in local architectural design. Reflective and infinity pools are practically a trademark of exclusive resorts and dramatic private residences that are either beachfront or delicately balanced on precipices overlooking the Pacific. Skillfully crafted and illuminated water gardens, pools, ponds and cascades are all a common theme in Mexican coastal design.
Infinity pools

Probably the most recognizable water feature in Zihuatanejo is the infinity swimming pool. This type of pool has a zero or vanishing edge, which creates an illusion of water extending out to the horizon. Dramatically photographed in countless advertisements, journals and coffee table books, the infinity pool remains a highly desired and sought after element of local architectural design.

Infinity pools can be designed as both in ground or stand alone structures. Extensive and costly structural and hydraulic engineering is required to create an infinity pool; generally limiting its construction to upscale resorts and private residences. However, the dramatic visual of an infinity pool spectacularly illuminated at sunset makes the cost of construction pale in comparison.

Alternative to the infinity swimming pool is the dip pool or jacuzzi which produces a similar visual effect but costs much less to design and construct. Dip pools are ideal for homes with limited exterior space and can easily be added to a deck or terrace. They provide the appearance of water, allow for a refreshing dip and don’t require the amount of maintenance as a full sized swimming pool.
Water features

Water can also be used as a calming and meditative tool in landscape architecture. Creating water gardens, reflective pools, ponds, fountains and cascades are just a few ways to evoke relaxation and harmony throughout the home. Here, like in most coast regions where the idea of outdoor living is readily embraced, water features can be a way to bring the outside in and vice versa. Clever illumination and creativity in water feature design and construction is limited only to one’s imagination.
Materials

Overall, architects and designers prefer to use natural materials in their creation of water features. Polished and textured concrete, glass tile, rock, hardened earth and stone are most practical and aesthetically pleasing. Small Venetian tile is probably the most common finish for swimming, dip and jacuzzi pools. Venetian tiles have an iridescent glossy surface which creates an elegant appearance under water. Carved river rock and stone are typically used to create fountains and often used in the creation of salt-water pools. For in ground non-infinity swimming pools, textured concrete may be used as a non-skid surface around the edge of a pool while polished concrete may be used for the pool’s formation.
Illumination

Artistic illumination, either harnessed from natural daylight or produced by artificial lighting plays a key role in a water feature’s conceptual design. The entire form of water can be altered and enhanced by underwater lighting or the use of contrasting natural illumination such as cast sunlight and shadows.
Swimming pool elements

Swimming pools whether infinity or not can contain within them various elements such as stairs, bench seating, stools, etc. depending on their size and overall purpose. Seating areas close to the edge of a pool with an ocean view may be a consideration, especially for those wanting a front row seat at sunset. Carved out cup and umbrella holders, heating and jacuzzi jets are also useful details to include in pool design. It’s best to carefully plan out the design and installation of your pool as it will be difficult and costly to make changes or modifications later on.
Maintenance

Any and all water features require some degree of ongoing maintenance. Larger swimming pools, especially infinity pools require constant maintenance. Their hydraulic systems are more complex and must be handled and maintained by professionals who are well versed in proper care and servicing. Pool filters, vacuums and pumps must be cleaned regularly, as well as adding the proper mixture of chemicals to keep the water clean and aerated. Even small water features require regular attention. As this area is prone to both wet and dry seasons, both abundant rains and lack thereof can affect the functionality of a water filtration system. If a pool or fountain is left unchecked, filters and pumps can become damaged or clogged with debris. Employing professional technicians is imperative for keeping your pool, fountain or otherwise in tip-top shape.
Salt pools

Salt water pools can be a more eco-friendly alternative to the traditional chlorine treated swimming pools. Chlorine is produced through electrolysis by a chlorine generator, rather than having to treat the water with harsh chlorinated chemicals. Salt water is also softer on the skin and less of an eye irritant. It also tends to feel more refreshing than chemically treated pool water. From an economic standpoint, it can be less costly to own a salt water pool as the chlorine is produced by the salt itself rather than having to buy additional chemicals. Though salt water pools require less ongoing maintenance they are still not totally maintenance free.

Home appliances are no longer bulky hunks of metal and plastic; these days it’s quite easy to find stylish models for both budget and chic-minded consumers alike. Most well-recognized brands in the United States are also available here in Mexico, though their product offerings are slightly more limited. Eco-minded consumers will also note an improvement in the energy efficiency ratings of most household appliances, optimizing utility costs over time. Here we outline some things to consider when shopping for home appliances.
Traditional free-standing or built-in/under appliances

Appliances are not the ugly giants of the past. Their designs have been updated and streamlined to fit the needs and individual styles of their consumers. Traditional free standing appliances now come in various colors and finishes and are less bulky and more space efficient than their predecessors. Free standing or stand alone units are independent of any kitchen component and can be placed anywhere practical. When considering the kitchen floor plan and design, it’s important to factor in your free standing appliances to ensure optimal placement and functionality.

Custom or built-in/under appliances are an interesting option for those who are looking for a clean, uniform appearance. Built-in units tend to be slimmer and shorter and are concealed either under or behind a matching kitchen door, cabinet or counter top. The advantage of using built-in appliances is the ability to create a seamless kitchen design. The main drawback to built-ins is their cost; they tend to be significantly more expensive as fewer are produced. If you are considering built-ins, it’s important that your architect/designer and builder are all well versed in proper installation of these units as they require precise specifications for proper air flow and ventilation. If not, there may be damage to both the appliance and the kitchen component in which it’s housed.

Gas burning or electrical appliances

Electricity is a limited and expensive resource in Mexico. Rates are regulated by the government through CFE (the national utility company) and fluctuate considerably depending on the time of year and overall energy demand. Energy costs increase during the summer and at the year’s end. During summer months, energy costs are driven up by the higher demand for A/C and at year-end to cover CFE’s equipment and maintenance fees, along with a nationally mandated yearly bonus which is given to all CFE employees. CFE’s aging infrastructure is in need of a serious overhaul; frequent power outages, surges and brownouts are a common occurrence here in Zihuatanejo. Therefore, it’s important to buy energy efficient and consider gas-burning appliances whenever possible.

An alternative to electrical is LPG gas, a more economic choice. Most homes and condo complexes have a 300 liter or larger stationary gas tank, which is filled as necessary. LPG gas in Zihuatanejo is rated at $5.53 pesos per liter, and depending on usage, a 300 liter tank may last up to several months. Although electrical appliances may use energy more efficiently, they may over time cost more in Mexico than in the United States. Those appliances with electronic or computer automated features are more susceptible to corrosion, short- circuits and deprogramming due to the high humidity and salt content of our local environs. Although the normal cycle in Mexico is 60Hz/ second, unreliable service by CFE may cause undue wear and tear on electrical appliances.

Opt for appliances from reputable manufacturers; GE, Whirlpool, Maytag and LG are all well recognized brands with reliable local service technicians. Most all of these brands can be sourced at home stores such as Sears and Liverpool. Higher end models such as GE Monogram series are normally special order items. The retail price of these products is generally twice that of their U.S. equivalent and lead times for special orders can be lengthy. Higher end models are also more difficult to service locally and find replacement parts for when and if the occasion arises.

Imported or nationally manufactured appliances

Considering the variety of built-in and stand alone appliances available in Mexico, it makes sense to buy these products here. Aside from supporting the national economy, there is a major advantage to buying in Mexico when it comes to warranty and servicing. All brand names mentioned in this article have a local office and provide general service, maintenance and part replacement. They also honor product warranties. Imported appliances, especially high end American or European products will be harder if not impossible to service here in Zihuatanejo; eventually leaving you with a very nice looking but ultimately useless piece of equipment.

Bottom line is when shopping for your home appliances; consider these factors as part of your overall decision making process. The best home appliances are well-designed, reliable and will require only minimal ongoing maintenance. They are the workhorses of your household and choosing them with the appropriate due diligence is time and money well spent.

While most of us lean towards buying ready-made furnishings from our local Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware, here we are limited in our store-bought options. However, you can have just about anything built to fit and probably at a fraction of what these similar pieces would cost you in a fancy home decorating store. Of course, it helps to have a bit of imagination and the ability to visualize the piece, its design and materials and more importantly where and how it will fit in with your décor.

The best way to begin conjuring up your new table, bed frame, entertainment center, cabinetry, etc. is to start looking through decorating magazines, catalogs and on even the internet as a source of inspiration. Start out with some basic ideas of style, design and materials. Photocopy or tag pages from home decorating magazines and interior design books so you have an idea of your aesthetic and can decide what material to use.

Once you have a more concrete idea, a simple room layout or sketch will suffice; be sure to take accurate measurements so you know how much space you have to work with. You can fill the room with representations of each piece of furnishing; it doesn’t have to be too detailed, just to give you an idea of how your furniture will fit together and get you closer to the ideal size and location of each piece. You can either work independently or with a home decorating professional in order to come up with a plan that fits your style and interior space.

Using your room basic layout, you can start to think about materials for each piece; wood, bamboo, upholstered, rattan, wicker, iron, leather, glass, stone … the list goes only as far as your imagination and decorating aesthetic. You can choose to furnish in sets or bring together signature pieces that create an eclectic funky mix. In other words, you can get creative when the pieces are made to order. Modern, contemporary, rustic, colonial or coastal there are craftsman who can create a look that represents your individual style and taste. Once you’ve decided on materials and have a basic sketch and design, the next step is to find a skilled artisan that can craft your ideas into reality.

When it comes to finding talented artisans and quality crafted furnishings, several regions of Mexico stand out among the crowd. Among them, Guanajuato, Guadalajara and Michoacán, all of which are easily accessed by car or bus and can be visited on either day or weekend trips. Each region offers a slightly different style of handcrafted artistry and materials to choose from. In larger towns and cities there are typically a plethora of shops, boutiques and galleries that showcase their custom built furnishings. Most work directly with private clients or their decorators to create unique heirloom pieces or furnish an entire home. You will find that styles and cost vary, depending on the artist’s recognition (both nationally and in some cases abroad), experience, materials, etc. It’s best to shop around extensively before deciding on with whom to work with. Also, whoever it is should share a similar vision or work in a similar style to what you are looking for. Otherwise, it can be difficult if the craftsman has other ideas or styles in mind.

If you are looking for custom but built closer to home, Zihuatanejo and its surrounds are home to a wealth of small independent craftsman, whose humble workshops may not rival those of San Miguel or Tlaquepaque; however you can certainly find several diamonds in the rough if you know where to look. Above all, you must have a bit of patience with any custom built piece, whether constructed here or elsewhere. Hand crafted furniture making is an unhurried process that no matter the material cannot be built as quickly or accurately as machine-fabricated products. However, hand crafted pieces are typically of higher quality and as each is a unique creation, its imperfections often become part of its charm.

A few things to consider before building custom. Take accurate measurements! There’s nothing more disheartening than bringing home a beautiful new piece of furniture only to find that it’s too big or too small for the space. Also make sure to measure hallways or staircases where the piece will have to fit through in order to arrive at your front door. Know that no one can be expected to get inside your head. The closer you can get to a detailed drawing and design, the more akin your finished piece will be made. Even so, each person’s interpretation of the same drawing will be slightly different and the piece may not come out exactly the way you envision. Allow some room for creative interpretation; it will spare you frustrations and in the end you will have a beautifully furnished home that can’t be bought in any store.

Foundation & Framing

The first of your ground-breaking work will be concentrated on the construction of the foundation, which, once completed will serve as the basic footprint, defining the layout of your new home or condo.

Basic electrical and plumbing installations are laid throughout & the skeleton of your home is constructed, taking shape as walls, arches, entryways, ceiling, stairs and any structural elements. Your home’s framing is also laid, deriving much of its stability and strength from the very fact that it rests upon a properly-installed foundation.

Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing

Mechanical “roughs”; electrical wiring, plumbing, home cooling system, cable & telephone installations are completed. Pipes and wires are still exposed, as there are a few more stages before the interior is complete.

It’s important during this phase to check and double check the work being done because once the walls are sealed, these installations become much more difficult and expensive to access. An engineer should also be onsite to inspect all of the installation work.

Insulation & Sheetrock

As homes in this region of Mexico are rarely treated with insulation, the next step towards a finished interior is the application of drywall/sheetrock, which serves as interior walls & ceiling material.

Once applied, your interior will begin to take on more of a finished form, allowing you to envision the layout of each room and if you haven’t already, begin to think about furnishings and decor. Here is also where you can test color samples & textures and play around with different wall coverings.

Exterior & Landscaping
Exterior finishes such as roofing and facade, along with any trim or coverings (palapa, pergola, overhang, etc) are nearing, completion. Decks, terraces, walkways, fountains and other external elements are underway. If you are building a pool, this is likely when the process will begin. Landscaping elements such as trees, flowering bushes and grass are added.

Interior Finishes

In this phase, all the final details are taken care of, including installation and testing of electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems and the installation of doors, windows, floor coverings, countertops, cabinets, tiles, appliances, mirrors, lights, faucets and fixtures.

This is probably the most exciting and involved portion of the construction process, as your home is finally ready for the finishing touches. This is the perfect opportunity to get involved with an experienced professional who can help you furnish and decorate according to your taste, budget and lifestyle.

Sealing
Gaps are sealed from the inside out and a layer of waterproofing is applied to the exterior. This will prevent leaks and will also protect your home from humidity and heavy rains during the wet season.

Cleanup & Walkthrough
Any remaining construction materials and rubbish are removed and the area is cleaned and ready for inspection. It is recommended that you perform a walk-through inspection of your home with your architect/builder to allow time to fix any problems you find.

During the the walk-through you will have a chance to ask questions about the mechanical systems and appliances. At this time, minor repairs, such as paint touch-ups can be requested. Be sure to do a follow-up after repairs or fixes have been made to confirm that everything is as you want it.

Warranty Period
This period can vary, but generally extends a year or more after the closing. The warranty should specifically reference what kind of problems the builder is responsible for and the builder should let you know what to look out for during the warranty period.

Now that you have an idea of what to expect from the construction process, here are a few things to keep in mind;

• You will be asked to make decisions early in the construction process. This is because time is needed to order and receive materials and also because some units are too large to install in the later stages of construction.

• Each stage of the construction process has an approximate duration that builders strive to meet. However, a number of factors outside of the builder’s control, such as adverse weather conditions and availability of labor and materials, can extend these durations.

• Keep in touch with your builder or construction manager, ask questions early and stay informed about the status of your building project.

The burning question is … what happens now?

Well, if you’ve already decided on an architect then half of the battle is already won. Assuming you are ready to move forward, here is a basic overview of what you can expect over the course of your home building project.

Like any project, the construction of a home, whether in Los Angeles, California or Zihuatanejo, Mexico, follows a basic set of steps.

Although materials and methods may vary, understanding the general construction process can help you wrap your arms around what may seem like a very daunting project, especially if you are building here and living elsewhere.

It’s important that before moving forward with any building project, you feel comfortable with the team of professionals who will be carrying out the work. This means that you and your architect, builder and/or construction manager are all on the same page (and hopefully speaking the same language).

Pre-Construction
During this time you will be meeting, likely more than a few times, with your architect & project staff and reviewing plans, designs, materials, cost and honing the finite details. Once the plans and budget have been agreed upon and approved by you (the client), it’s time to put a project schedule together.

If your architect or builder isn’t able to deliver a project timeline it’s best to bring in a construction manager who can pull all of the ends together and focus on keeping the construction and delivery phase on-track.

Typically, in the pre-construction phase, a service agreement is signed between you and your architect, builder, construction manager and/or other project staff. This is generally a widely accepted formality and you won’t be considered rude or insulting in requesting one if your architect doesn’t automatically provide it.

However, you may find that certain well sought-after local architects will not sign a contract, something that you as a client (should you choose to move forward) will have to be 100% comfortable with. If the choice is made to work with this person, they should have such an excellent reputation and client satisfaction rate that there would be absolutely no doubt that your project will be delivered as promised. Enough said.

Budget Estimates
Creating a budget estimate or financial plan for your home design/building project is not always an easy task. Before building you should already have some idea of how much you intend to spend on your overall home building project. Your budget estimate will be made up of several factors, including your home design, floor plans and construction costs.

Home design and drafting costs will vary greatly depending on the intricacy or simplicity of the project, square footage and also the individual design & drafting fees of your architect or builder.

Construction costs also vary greatly and depend heavily on your home design & floorplans. The majority of your construction costs will come from the brick & mortar (materials, labor, equipment, etc) but also fixed costs are factored in such as construction permits, licenses, insurance, etc.

A budget estimate should include an itemized account of the basic construction materials (concrete, rebar, conduit, plumbing, etc) as well as your interior & exterior finishes. In order for this part of the budget estimate to be completed you will need to make some decisions as to the quality of your finishes. Finishes include flooring, facades, countertops, illumination, wall coverings, fixtures, tiling, etc. and in most cases will also include major home appliances.

It’s important to make decisions on finishing materials early on as there are often extended wait times for purchase and delivery of these products. As most finishing materials are purchased outside of Zihuatanejo and undergo a laborious process in order to arrive ready to install, it’s important that their wait-time be factored into the overall construction timeline.

Here also is where your costs can exceed your initial planning. If you are looking for what is considered “luxury” finishes such as marble flooring, granite countertops, stucco facades, brass fixtures, then you may consider downscaling size wise to adjust your overall construction costs. However, if it’s space you’re after then you may have to settle for less costly finishes in order to adhere to your construction budget.

Remember, you will also need to figure major home appliances into your budget. National name brand manufacturers have several different lines to choose from, however keep in mind that their models are generally one step behind their foreign counterparts even though the cost may be the same or often higher. Negotiation and attention to detail is key in drawing up a budget that works for both your economic and construction needs.

Paperwork Processing
Once you have approved your budget and home design and made the first payment (which is typically 20-30% of the overall cost) the architect or builder will begin all of the necessary paperwork to move forward with the groundbreaking work. This includes construction permits, insurance, environmental impact reports and so on and is often a lengthy process. The timeframe for each project can vary but generally expect several months of paper pushing before the actual construction work can begin.

Your refuge. Your sanctuary.

A safe haven which will always greet you with a warm embrace and a cool place to lie.

Identifying the architect or firm who possess that special ttrait, characteristic & style which best speaks to you and utterly moves you is difficult enough in your own backyard, let alone here in Mexico. However, the bright side of building here means that you have access to some extremely talented architectural professionals that elsewhere in the world would completely be out of reach cost-wise. This isn’t to say that quality comes cheap, but relatively speaking it is still “affordable” to hire from the top.

Once you’re ready, embarking on your quest is similar to taking up any new task … using a little common sense and plenty of due diligence.

First Steps
The first step in choosing the right architect is to find an architect who is based locally (in this case Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo). Locally-based architects/firms are familiar with local construction codes and permits and can often make the initial construction application process run much smoother.

This is especially crucial when there is environmental impact involved as these reports are often lengthy in obtaining and pushing through local municipal channels. If an architect is based locally chances are he will already have an established relationship with the environmental engineers and municipal agents that oversee and regulate this intial process.

Additionally, local architects are well aquainted with the types of materials best-suited for these coastal environs. Unless you are a big developer planning for a large-scale development, it’s best to concentrate your search to a local level.

Contacting an Architect
Some local firms have a current website, while others simply have a phone number and physical office. If you are contacting the firm through their website and they are in a position to act on your request quickly, you know they are interested in your lead.

If you make first contact and do not hear back for a while, the firm may already have sufficient projects keeping them busy. Of course, if you are in the area, call them directly and make an appointment.

Meeting an Architect
Familiarize yourself with each firm’s mission statement and design philosophy, along with their current work portfolio. Make sure their style agrees with your vision. Before making contact, think of some specific questions you would like to ask; write them down and bring them with you.

Discuss your priorities in terms of timeframe, cost, quality and make sure the architect is on the same page. Take your time during your meeting to really get a feel for the architect and if he/she doesn’t offer first, ask to be introduced to the members of the firm. Remember, the firm will be working for you, so the first impression you get should be a good one.

Researching an architect or firm
Ask the architect to provide at least two references and follow up with them. Ask them what their experience was working with the architect & his/her firm. Find out if they ran into any problems along the way and if so, how were the problems taken care of. Mistakes can often be made during the construction process and it’s important to know that they are handled responsively. If possible, visit a few completed projects and do thorough walk-throughs to check for attention to detail.

Employing an architect
Once you have made a decision on which firm you will be working with, make sure you are given a clear project timeline, detailed project budget and payment schedule. Normally, an initial deposit of about 30 to 60 percent is requested in order to purchase materials and in some cases, order certain products such as appliances or home accessories that require a significant lead-time. Make sure that whatever payment plan is agreed upon, you have a calendar of work approval and payment milestones so as not to hold up the building process.

Overseeing the Process
Now that you have selected an architect and the work is to begin, you may request that your architect send you regular updates and if possible, photos of the ongoing work under construction. If you are living outside of Mexico, it’s a good idea to contract a project or construction manager.

Employing an independent, professional project or construction manager allows you to closely monitor the progress of your home construction via email through weekly progress & photo updates, giving you more overall cost & quality control.

So now that you have found your paradise, why not build a home here?

Yes, it’s possible to have your cake and eat it too. Why not live where you love? If you’ve fallen in love with a place and can honestly see yourself living there and loving it why not take the plunge? Well, this is half the struggle simply because there is a major difference between loving a foreign culture and living in it. You can love a culture for its richness, its diversity, its foreignness from your own … however living in it, well that can certainly be a challenge.

What really attracts us to the Mexican culture is its warmth, carefree spirit and ability to remain indifferent to the stress and pressures of the outside world. This quality is what makes us yearn to shuck off the invisible shackles we (in the western world) have created … to money, success, economic growth, 401Ks, luxury automobiles and other iconic symbols of economic stature. Yes, we care about money and we care about getting things done … quickly and correctly, the first time around! Well, that right there is just too much of a first-world ideal to expect when you are living in a third world country. And unfortunately for all of its economic and population growth, most of Mexico still remains third-world. But that is exactly why its attractive to us. And that is exactly why it is difficult for us to actually live here and not just love it here.

But … and yes, there always is a but … if you are willing to see things from their perspective sometimes, compromise, forget a few of the basic principals you were taught, you can be very happy here. And you can make a very nice home here. But you have to be willing to make those compromises which isn’t always easy.

So, getting back to some things you should consider before building your dream home in Mexico.

Local construction methods are basic, labor intensive and time consuming. The majority of homes built on the Pacific coast are made of brick, mortar and concrete. The methods are simple and they require a great deal of man power. At the rate of pay in other countries, this would make construction totally prohibitive but since the average pay of a day laborer in Mexico is around $150 pesos (sometimes even less) it’s easy to see why these labor intensive methods are still in use here while elsewhere in the world there are power tools that take care of the same job in less time and with less effort.

As a very basic example, there are no pre-formed materials being used that would allow for electrical conduit or plumbing installations. This basically means that for every wall that is built there is a crew of guys chipping away at the brick & mortar to make lines that will be used for plumbing and electrical wires. This is a completely labor intensive process and a major waste of human resources. However, simply put this is just how things are done. And it’s employed from the construction of very simple homes to the building of large beachfront developments where millions of pesos/dollars are being invested and where delivery time lines are or should be crucial.

Project methodology … what’s that? Most Mexican architects, even the famous ones, do not have project or construction management teams. They may have an engineer overseeing various projects at the same time but there is no one dedicated to one project at a time, making sure things are being done correctly and according schedule. Project methodology and project time lines are generally not put to use in local building projects.

Mostly, the process is defined (loosely in some instances) by the architect and the client is almost never involved in that process other than to make occasional visits and at some eventual date, to be handed over the keys. If the architect is famous and in high-demand the client is not expected to complain about how long the project is taking or that certain aspects of the project are not up to snuff, but rather they are to be thankful that the architect actually accepted their request to build in the first place. In most cases its considered disrespectful to criticize an architect or builder, especially if they are a national and their client is foreign.

However, things are changing … slowly albeit but they are changing. Some architects have hired project managers to appease their foreign clientele and also to get their project completed quicker and more efficiently. Most however still don’t see the full value of having a dedicated project manager … leaving much room for improvement.

If you want your creature comforts you are going to have to pay for them. Major home appliances and electronics that we may consider as part of our basic life-support package are not considered wholly necessary here. Rather, they are deemed luxury items and taxed heavily in accordance. Additionally, the Mexican line of appliances from big names like GE, LG and Maytag tend to be simplified and smaller versions of their US counterparts but still end up costing the same if not more. If you’re thinking European or professional brands like Viking, they are almost unheard of around these parts. Sure you could buy them elsewhere and have them shipped, but when it comes to professional installation or servicing … fuggedaboudit … that four thousand dollar range you just bought will be as useful as a chocolate teapot.