The Construction Industry in Mexico and the Role of Self-Construction
In Mexico, the construction industry is undergoing a transformation driven by the adoption of new technologies, sustainable materials, and an emphasis on energy efficiency. These advancements are gradually revolutionizing the design and construction of living spaces. However, this progress has not yet reached one of the most significant segments within the sector: self-construction of housing.
According to data shared by building materials company San Cayetano, 60% of construction or home renovation projects in Mexico are carried out through self-construction.
The Significance of Self-Construction in Mexico
This statistic indicates that four out of ten units of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) related to housing are generated through self-construction. This not only highlights the strength of this sector but also underscores the potential that comes with its evolution.
“Self-construction is a traditional sector that struggles to embrace change. That’s why we have focused on transforming things over the past three years. Our goal is to invite people to learn about new processes, methods, and materials that will make them more efficient both technically and economically,” said Óscar Montoya, General Manager of San Cayetano Materials.
Promoting Innovation in Self-Construction
Despite the lag, some companies are working to bridge this gap. San Cayetano Materials has implemented three strategies to foster innovation within the self-construction sector:
- Promoting secure self-production of housing. The company encourages individuals to build or improve their homes with technical support and access to essential resources such as advice, affordable materials, and educational programs. This strategy aims to reduce the housing deficit, particularly in low-income communities.
- Access to sustainable and intelligent materials. Through its eight stores in Mexico City, the company provides self-constructors with eco-friendly materials like Calidra ready-mix solutions and Novaceramic bricks, which offer thermal properties and energy efficiency.
- Training and collaboration networks. The firm offers workshops and courses on new technologies and materials, as well as budget optimization training. It also promotes networks of self-constructors to share experiences, knowledge, and create opportunities for self-employment.
Initiatives like San Cayetano’s Materials pave the way, but self-construction innovation still faces significant challenges. Collaboration between companies, suppliers, research centers, and communities is necessary to fundamentally transform a sector that, if it evolves, could play a crucial role in addressing Mexico’s housing deficit.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current state of self-construction in Mexico’s construction industry?
Despite advancements in the broader construction sector, self-construction of housing lags behind. Sixty percent of construction and renovation projects are completed through self-construction. - Why is self-construction significant in Mexico?
Self-construction contributes to 60% of the housing sector’s GDP, indicating its strength and potential for growth. It also presents an opportunity to address housing deficits, especially in low-income communities. - What strategies is San Cayetano Materials implementing to promote innovation in self-construction?
San Cayetano Materials is promoting secure self-production of housing, providing access to sustainable materials, and offering training and collaboration networks for self-constructors. - What challenges does self-construction innovation still face?
Significant challenges remain, including the need for collaboration between companies, suppliers, research centers, and communities to transform this sector fundamentally.
