Construction Project Terminology for STR Development: A Playbook Guide

1. Introduction

Understanding the appropriate terminology for construction project documentation is essential when developing and funding a Short-Term Rental (STR) project from scratch. This ensures clear communication between architects, contractors, investors, and regulatory authorities across different regions, especially when working between Brazil, Mexico, and the United States.

This guide outlines key terminology used in Mexico and the United States, provides citations for industry-standard references, and ensures compliance with the necessary legal and project development frameworks.

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2. Terminology in Mexico: “Memoria Descriptiva”

In Mexico, the equivalent of a Construction Specification Document is referred to as a “Memoria Descriptiva” or “Memoria Técnica.” This document provides a comprehensive description of a construction project, including:

• General Project Information (location, owner, architect, etc.).
• Material Specifications (types of concrete, steel, insulation, etc.).
• Construction Methods (foundations, walls, flooring, and electrical systems).
• Cost Estimation and Work Schedule.

Reference Source:

• Gobierno del Estado de Veracruz – Guía para la Elaboración de Memoria Descriptiva
  Official guidelines for structuring a “Memoria Descriptiva” document in Mexico.
  📌 https://www.veracruz.gob.mx/proteccioncivil/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/12/GUIA-MEMORIA-DESCRIPTIVA.pdf

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3. Terminology in the United States: “Construction Specifications”

In the United States, the closest equivalent to “Memoria Descriptiva” is the Construction Specifications document, often included as part of contractual agreements and technical blueprints. These documents follow industry standards, such as:

• CSI MasterFormat (a widely used construction specification format).
• Detailed Work Descriptions for each construction phase.
• Material Compliance & Regulatory Requirements.

Reference Source:

• Wikipedia – Specification (Technical Standard)
  Overview of construction and engineering specifications as applied in the U.S.
  📌 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specification_(technical_standard)

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4. Project Scope Documentation: “Scope of Work (SOW)”

In both Mexico and the United States, the Scope of Work (SOW) is a critical document that outlines:

• Project Objectives (purpose of the construction or renovation).
• Deliverables (specific outcomes expected at completion).
• Execution Framework (who is responsible for what).
• Legal Compliance (building codes, safety, and zoning regulations).

The SOW ensures clarity among all parties and serves as a legally binding reference in case of disputes.

Reference Source:

• Project Management Institute (PMI) – Scope of Work (SOW) Guidelines
  Best practices for defining a Scope of Work (SOW) document in project management.
  📌 https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/scope-statement-project-management-key-7273

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5. Glossary of Construction Terms

For professionals managing construction and STR development projects in the U.S., understanding industry-specific terminology is essential. The Long International Construction Glossary provides definitions for:

• Construction Workflows (Foundation, Framing, HVAC, MEP, etc.).
• Legal and Contract Terms (Bid, RFQ, Contract Drawings).
• Material and Engineering Terms (Rebar, Reinforced Concrete, PSI Strength).

Reference Source:

• Long International – Glossary of Construction Terms and Definitions
  📌 https://www.long-intl.com/articles/glossary-of-terminology/

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6. Summary and Recommendations

When structuring a STR development project from scratch, the following nomenclature should be used to align with industry standards:

Region	Primary Document Name	Purpose
Mexico	Memoria Descriptiva	Defines materials, methods, and project scope.
Mexico	Memoria Técnica	Similar to a technical report, used for compliance.
United States	Construction Specifications	Contractual document specifying materials and methods.
United States	Scope of Work (SOW)	Defines objectives, responsibilities, and work framework.

By using the correct documentation, your STR development project will be legally compliant, well-structured, and investor-ready in both Mexico and the United States.

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7. Citations for Reference

1. Gobierno del Estado de Veracruz – Guía para la Elaboración de Memoria Descriptiva
   📌 https://www.veracruz.gob.mx/proteccioncivil/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/12/GUIA-MEMORIA-DESCRIPTIVA.pdf
2. Wikipedia – Specification (Technical Standard)
   📌 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specification_(technical_standard)
3. Project Management Institute (PMI) – Scope of Work (SOW) Guidelines
   📌 https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/scope-statement-project-management-key-7273
4. Long International – Glossary of Construction Terms and Definitions
   📌 https://www.long-intl.com/articles/glossary-of-terminology/

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Final Notes

This document provides a framework for proper terminology usage when developing and funding a Short-Term Rental (STR) project from scratch. It ensures compliance with U.S. and Mexican construction industry standards, aligns with legal documentation requirements, and facilitates clear communication across developers, investors, and regulatory authorities.

A Memorial Descritivo

A Memorial Descritivo is a detailed document describing a construction project, real estate development, or architectural work. It typically includes information about the materials, methods, and specifications to be followed during execution. Here are some examples of Memorial Descritivo formats:

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Example 1: Memorial Descritivo for a Residential Construction

Project: Casa Residencial – Bairro Central, Los Mochis, Sinaloa

1. General Information

• Project Name: Casa Residencial – Família González
• Location: Calle Hidalgo 123, Los Mochis, Sinaloa
• Owner: Juan González
• Architect: Arq. Maria López
• Constructor: Construcciones Sinaloa S.A.
• Project Area: 250 m²

2. Foundation

• Reinforced concrete foundation with 250 kg/cm² resistance.
• Soil compaction and geotechnical study performed prior to excavation.
• Waterproofing applied using asphalt membrane.

3. Structure

• Load-bearing walls in concrete blocks (15 cm thick).
• Concrete columns and beams (3000 psi).
• Metallic reinforcements following NOM-002-CNA regulations.

4. Walls and Partitions

• Exterior walls in concrete block with stucco finish.
• Interior walls in plasterboard and brick combination.
• Paint finish: Acrylic-based paint, semi-gloss.

5. Roof and Ceiling

• Flat concrete slab with thermal insulation (polystyrene).
• Waterproofing with asphalt membrane and white reflective paint.

6. Flooring

• Porcelain tile (60×60 cm, beige) in all indoor areas.
• Non-slip ceramic tile in bathrooms and kitchen.
• Stamped concrete for outdoor patio and garage.

7. Doors and Windows

• Main door: Solid wood, natural varnish finish.
• Interior doors: MDF with white enamel paint.
• Windows: Aluminum frames with 6 mm tempered glass.

8. Electrical Installations

• 110V and 220V circuits for different appliances.
• LED lighting throughout the property.
• Circuit breakers and grounding system in compliance with NOM-001-SEDE.

9. Plumbing and Sanitary Installations

• CPVC pipes for cold water and PEX pipes for hot water.
• Septic tank system with proper ventilation.
• High-efficiency water heater (gas-powered).

10. Finishing and Painting

• Interior: Matte acrylic paint (two coats).
• Exterior: Elastic waterproofing paint.

11. Special Features

• Solar panel system (3 kW capacity).
• Smart home automation (lighting and security cameras).

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Example 2: Memorial Descritivo for a Commercial Renovation

Project: Remodelação de Loja Comercial – Centro, São Paulo

1. General Information

• Project Name: Modernização de Loja – Shopping Central
• Location: Avenida Paulista 1000, São Paulo, Brasil
• Owner: Empresa XYZ
• Architect: Arq. Roberto Silva
• Constructor: Construtora ABC Ltda.
• Total Area: 180 m²

2. Scope of the Renovation

• Expansion of main entrance and new glass façade.
• Redesign of interior layout for better customer flow.
• New lighting system and climate control.

3. Walls and Partitions

• Demolition of existing drywall partitions.
• Installation of new lightweight partitions in glass and aluminum.
• Interior finish: Plaster with latex-based paint.

4. Flooring

• Vinyl flooring (commercial grade) in customer areas.
• Epoxy-coated concrete in storage areas.

5. Electrical and Lighting

• LED track lighting for display areas.
• New emergency exit signs and backup power supply.

6. HVAC System

• Installation of split air conditioning units (18,000 BTU).
• Automated ventilation system for air circulation.

7. Exterior Façade

• New glass storefront with aluminum framing.
• Company logo in stainless steel with LED backlighting.

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Example 3: Memorial Descritivo for a Low-Cost Housing Project

Project: Conjunto Habitacional Los Mochis

1. General Information

• Developer: Inmobiliaria Desarrollo Urbano
• Location: Zona Norte, Los Mochis
• Architect: Arq. José Ramírez
• Construction Company: Construsinaloa S.A.
• Total Project Area: 1,500 m²
• Total Housing Units: 20 casas (75 m² cada una)

2. Structural Components

• Concrete foundation with compacted sub-base.
• Load-bearing walls in precast concrete panels.
• Lightweight aluminum roof with thermal insulation.

3. Interior Features

• Flooring: Polished cement with optional tile upgrade.
• Doors and Windows: Standard aluminum sliding windows and hollow-core wooden doors.
• Paint: Acrylic paint, white.

4. Plumbing and Electrical

• Cold water system with PVC piping.
• Electric shower heaters to reduce costs.
• 110V electrical outlets, LED lighting included.

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Final Notes

These examples showcase different types of Memorial Descritivo, depending on the project scale and complexity. A well-prepared memorial ensures:

1. Clarity in construction details for all stakeholders.
2. Legal compliance with building regulations.
3. Efficient project planning for cost control.