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Building Your Home in Costa Rica: Dream or Nightmare ? Part 1. | |
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This article will discuss residential construction in Costa Rica and specifically address the very important matter of planning for your new home. |
Cement blocks and rebar rather than the wood frame !
Traditionally homes in Costa Rica have been constructed using cement blocks and rebar rather than the wood frame that is so familiar to many North Americans. These materials make for high quality, durable, soundproof and earthquake approved structures. Recently, other techniques have been introduced to Costa Rican construction, such as insulated panels and styrofoam blocks. However, it should be noted that the market is wary of these new techniques. If you should ever find yourself in the position of selling your home, you may be at a disadvantage if you have not used the more traditional cement block and rebar construction, since the consumer often discounts the value of your home.
At the beach 20 - 50 % more expensive !
Construction costs in Costa Rica vary greatly from the Central Valley to the coastal beaches, primarily due to transportation costs and a lack of sub-contractors and suppliers on the coast. If you are planning to construct your home at the beach, you should plan for higher construction costs. The differential between Central Valley and coastal construction costs would typically range from 25% to 50%.
First rent in the area !
After selecting the region in which you are interested in building your home, your next step might be to rent in that area if you have not lived there already. Unfortunately, many dreams in Costa Rica are shattered when owners find themselves unhappy with their new locale. We have heard from people who find their newly adopted region too hot or too wet, too far from the culture and convenience of the city, or too isolated from friends and family. Therefore, it is wise to make several trips, or even spend several months, in your projected location before making a final decision.
Keep detailed records !
Once your region has been selected, the real planning for your home can begin. A vital step often overlooked by clients is to keep detailed records of ideas, meetings, discussions, phone conversations or anything else that may be related to your new home. The records in themselves do not need to take an extravagant form- a simple notebook will do. However, the information does need to be detailed and specific. Record dates, names, locations, product information and guarantees, discounts, taxes and all other information you come across.
Make notes of everything !
If possible, make your notes in the presence of the persons you are speaking with as they are far more inclined to be factual and accurate with their statements if they see you are recording their quotes or recommendations. At times, especially when the discussion involves prices or delivery dates, you can even ask the other party to sign your notes to confirm their agreement with your recorded data. This notebook will become your construction bible. You will refer to it constantly and it will serve as an invaluable source of information when settling disputes. People who keep such detailed records are more often than not the victors of anything ranging from a small disagreement to a large lawsuit.
© El Residente ARCR Administración S.A. San José, Costa Rica N.B. Like all information on the internet, this article may currently be incorrect or out of date.
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