need advice on building my own home in Costa Rica

[Avery Haines]

I have bought land with an existing concrete structure on it that was built 2 years ago. The construction is good, however, it is only a 1 bedroom home. I want to expand the footprint and add a second floor. I am located in Malpais overlooking the ocean. What products can I use to build with besides concrete? I’ve read about a product called “superbloque” that seems like a good solution. I was also considering wood. What about bugs in the wood, cost of the wood, wood rot etc…What type of wood would you use?
The other thought is steel. Is it sound? How about price? Would you finish in cement board so it feels like the whole structure is concrete?
Any information on building would be greatly appreciated. I’m going to head up this project myself and would gladly appreciate any advice on any part of the process.

Thanks, Steve

[pweisel]

I would talk to other’s who have built in your area and live there. They know who is good at construction, who is honost, etc. Make sure you speak Spanish. Treat the laborors as humans and as the fellow community members that they are. Purchase your own materials and make sure they stay on the site – lots of losses happen in this area.
Pete

[DavidCMurray]

Adding to what Pete says, talk to the locals about building materials and methods, too. SuperBloque is, essentially, large-size concrete block. It’s sold in an engineered system that makes construction fast and maybe a little less expensive. Some folks swear by it.

Whatever you do, don’t go too exotic. If no one else in the area is building with (say) concrete board over light steel framing, maybe there’s a reason.

[Author]

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