Can you guys give me some info on the Mennonite homes? Are they worth it? I've thought about buying one and finishing the inside with drywall and putting stucco on the outside.

All opinions welcome

Where is your property located?

They are not fancy, they are a pretty basic house, they are very affordable and quick to get built and setup. All in all I think they are a good deal.

If you're on a tight budget, a mennonite house makes sense. They are fine and the mennonites are, as far as I know skilled, honest and quick builders, but you will not get a very nice house without adding a bit to the basics they provide.

If I were to buy a basic mennonite house, I would do the following relatively cheap improvements:
1. a layer of tar paper.
2. a layer of R-11 insulation.
3. 3/4" drywalls.
4. consider "real" windows, at least in bedroom or other rooms where a/c might be installed in the future.

Alternatively, talk to local builder Jim Hanna, who has built many very nice and reasonably priced wooden houses on the island.

Good luck...

I have a mennonite house which was half the price of anyone on the island -I have ac -it does not and has never leaked -it is built sturdier than most-it does not move in high winds-I am very pleased with everything about it-also it took 6 weeks to build-no-one can beat this.

It also has a fine kitchen as I recall !

Anyone know the approximate current price per sq.ft. for a mennonite house in San Pedro?

I cannot remember the exact price, but they are outrageously cheaper then anything else out there.

I think we may be confusing prefabricated house constructed (and erected) by Mennonites with bespoke houses built by them. The former are incredibly cheap and excellent value, and given a modicum of care last a long time. There are quite a few on the island.

My own house was bespoke built by Mennonites about 12 years ago, and while doing some long-overdue maintenance recently I've had a close look at the quality of construction and materials used. Both are superb. I was in the house during Hurricane Dean a year or two ago and I was very impressed at the integrity of the house even under an onslaught of (I was told) 120mph winds.

I don't know whether there's one "Mennonite house" or a range built by different Mennonites, but it seems to me they're very good basic houses.

For San Pedro I suspect they build the pieces (trusses,walls etc.) and assemble them later?