Costa Rica Construction – Building your own home from a distance

There are qualified construction management consultants in Costa Rica who speak Spanish and could supervise the laborers that you will need to complete your construction.

For over 15 years, I have been helping people who wish to acquire land in the Central Valley of Costa Rica, to build immediately or in the future, as well as those who currently own property and now wish to build a home. Having extensive experience in all of these areas, I am fully prepared to inspect and evaluate my clients land and provide computerized detailed plans for cost effective construction of housing.

I have been working with Costa Rican engineers, architects, topographers and lawyers for many years and can organize all the variables and costs to complete the construction of housing in Costa Rica.

Before closing on a property that you intend to build on, you need to make absolutely certain that you’ll be able to obtain a building permit for your construction plans. Do not rely on the opinion of the seller or sales agent concerning the ease of obtaining permits. This is technical advice that they are not qualified to provide.

1. Hire an unbiased professional to make certain the property has sufficient water, electricity, telephone and drainage. Consider his services as inexpensive insurance that can save you a lot of money and grief down the road. Do not rely on the seller’s opinion that these services are obtainable.

Many purchasers find out too late that the cost to bring the utilities to their property ends up costing far more than they were told. It’s little surprises like this that can end up costing you a bundle and ultimately depletes the funds you originally budgeted for the construction of your dwelling.

2. You need to make sure there have not been any restrictions placed on the land that could result in denial of your construction permit. Have a knowledgeable professional check at all of the following government offices:

a. Public registry
b. Ministry of Public Works (Ministerio de Obras Publicas y Transportes) for future road construction projects.
c. Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud)
d. National Institute of Housing and Urban Development (Instituto Nacional de Viviendo y Urbanismo)
e. Municipality (Municipalidad); where the property is located

3. Be aware that “environmental impact” is a very large concern in Costa Rica. Make sure there are no environmental regulations that may affect your land acquisition and construction plans, such as national wildlife refuges and areas protected by the Forestry Law.

4. If you plan to build a residence that is larger than 754 sq. ft. (70m2) your application for permits must include the following:
a. four copies of your construction plans
b. two copies of your property deed (escritura)
c. four copies of the permit checklist (hoja de commission)
d. two copies of your properties plot plan (plano catastrado)
e. one copy of your electrical design plan prepared by a licensed electrical engineer
f. written confirmation of availability of water from the Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillos (AyA)
g. one copy of your consulting contract with a licensed engineer or architect (contracto de servicios profesionales para consultorio)

A licensed architect or engineer is required to submit your plans and obtain the construction permits. Many of the professionals in Costa Rica speak English and perhaps would be willing act as your construction supervisor as well.

Good luck!

Written by Tom Rosenberger. With more than 25 years of homebuilding experience, 15 of which have been in Costa Rica, construction consultant Tom Rosenberger knows the ins and outs of building and remodeling a home in the Central Valley area of Costa Rica.

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.