Pura Vida translates into “the pure life” or “the simple life.” It is a commonly used phrase to say hello, good-bye, everything is great, and everything is cool! Pura Vida is not just an idiom in Costa Rica; It is a way of life in Costa Rica.
To enjoy the full benefits of Pura Vida, you must take that first step: designing a House in Costa Rica.
Whether you are still in the process of dreaming about Building a House in Costa Rica. Or you have taken the plunge into Pura Vida and are currently active in designing or building in Costa Rica. I want to share some trade secrets to save you time and money.
As the founder and CEO of Finish Touch Enterprises SRL. I would also want to help you in laying out and designing your dream home. Your house’s design is crucial. Because the more organized, structured, and knowledgeable you are about designing and building in Costa Rica, the easier the start-to-finish transitions will be.
This article is specifically written as a starting point to create the demeanor to approach Designing a House in Costa Rica
Let us take a moment to digress…please read my articles about the designing processes, the steps involved to progress your custom home design. Articles of your involvement and what you should communicate and methods of communicating with your architect or designer. I have also written articles explaining professional involvements to complete a design and permits and what costs to expect. We at Finish Touch Enterprises feel the best approach to relieving anxiety and skepticism is to educate people to understand the mechanics of Designing and Building a house in Costa Rica.
Designing and Building a House in Costa Rica on Paper
Any design model needs to be built on paper before it can be transformed into a tangible construction. You should be working closely with your architect and builder to develop details. That will include concise measures, materials, and delivery schedules.
Realistically, you should allow approximately 4 to 8 months for designing and permitting completion. As well as attaining the required permits before construction can begin. Do not rush your design process! This is a common error I see too often. People want to start building today. Without a good design and concise details, your project could soon turn into a disaster. Try not to under-evaluate the importance of a complete and concise design.
Of course, even people who live in Pura Vida in Costa Rica, experience anxiety during this phase. That’s why I wrote this and other articles: to help you design your dream home effectively, efficiently, and with the least amount of anxiety. This is and should be a pleasurable experience that you want to be proud of, for years to come.
Our Ideology of House Design
Our ideology at Finish Touch Enterprises SRL is to work closely and personally with every client and reduce any stress. One way to allay anxiety and stress is to have accurate, organized, and detailed-design plans, and permits. Having a staff taking care of all the details big and small. Sourcing specifics and unique elements, preparing imports if necessary. Having a team on your side positively certainly reduces concerns, doubts, and fortifies confidence.
Even if you don’t choose to hire Finish Touch, (my personal recommendation), the success of your project directly results from competent, experienced professionals. I make myself available for any who may have questions on concerns. You don’t have to be a client to make contact with me in this regard. With my Canadian background, I am always pleased to help.
Rule #1: You are The Boss when designing and Building a House in Costa Rica.
As I mentioned in a previous article, the people you hire may know all the terms, codes, and methods you don’t, but they still work for you. You have the right to be as involved as much as you want in the design process. Asking questions and holding professionals accountable are “not bothering them;”. Asking questions and holding professionals accountable is good customer service. In my past experience, I have had clients who were involved with every nail, screw, rebar, light bulb. While other clients were, “don’t call me until your done”. Either way is right. This is your investment, this is your home, this is your project. Your architect and builder are obligated to deliver to you results. Including answering all questions of concerns, doubts, or uncertainty.
You are the boss.
Typical Beginning to Designing and Building a House in Costa Rica
The first professional with whom you’ll speak is a Licensed Architect.
It is the architect’s responsibility to draw the picture of your dream home. Most architects do not have engineer training; therefore, the primary focus is on aesthetic and cosmetic attributes. The architect will take your ideas and visualizations and create a drawing on paper.
A good architect will work with you through multiple drafts until the visual on the paper matches the visual in your mind. He will sketch a design with function, spirit, and artistic taste.
Produce a result
For your design to function well after you are satisfied with the general layout. It may be necessary to involve other professional services.
An Electrical Engineer is mandatory on all Costa Rican house designs. Also, it’s important if you are able, to participate in the electrical design. Electrical codes are very much out of date in accordance with our electrical demands. We have many more kitchen appliances, entertainment center appliances, bedroom gadgets, and we demand more convenient receptacles for charging units. In addition, there is ambient lighting, task lighting, wall washing lighting, landscape lighting. As you can see, many elements that you can participate in for the electrical design.
Depending on the size of the home, you may not be required to employ a Structural Engineer. But having a Structural Engineer on-hand to review your preliminary plans before the detailed drawings are prepared benefits you. This would include, a comprehension of the soil studies for footing size. Lintel calculations, rebar sizes, frequency of rebar, structural roof design. etc.
Your Architect will generalize your structural footings, columns, and tie beams. In other words, that glass wall you envision may need some structural reinforcement. Even the Architect’s final drawing is ill-defined without the engineering reviews.
House Designing prerequisites:
Because soil tests are not mandatory, people often overlook soil tests. However, do yourself a favor and get soil studies on your lot. You, your engineer, and your builder need to know the structural characteristics of the ground, water dynamics, and filtration.
Also, you could even go a step further and ask a Structural Engineer to review the soil-studies results before designing a house. I personally have more than 40 experience in construction. Have I got stories for you, from those who chose to skip certain engineering steps. We at Finish Touch Enterprises SRL include soil studies in our Architect Agreement. It is a part of your package and we also send the results to CFIA when submitting for a permit.
Note References for Designing and Building a House in Costa Rica.
Designing and Building a House in Costa Rica or any place is a complex process, which should not be executed by one person or a single architect. Pura Vida really does take a village. Hiring the right team to make your dream house in Costa Rica a reality will make the entire journey easier and more cost-effective. Designing and Building a House in Costa Rica is your first step toward the Pura Vida.
There is no sure way for putting together your team of designers. Every case and situation is a bit different. You don’t want to hire someone overqualified as it is an unnecessary expense. But on the contrary, you don’t want to hire someone underqualified. As your end result could cost you much more than money. Finding that sweet spot is knowing how to choose the team in the first place. Not just the yellow pages, (that don’t exist in Costa Rica either).
There are articles on this website that if you take the time to read will give you the tools for choosing your team. Take notes to what is relevant to your situation, know the right questions to ask, and know what answers should come back. This can be fun and exciting as you will begin a whole new friendship. Make sure to include Finish Touch Enterprises on your list for interviews.
Attributes of Designing and Building a House in Costa Rica
If you’re reading this article, you are probably considering designing and Building a House in Costa Rica. Or at least, dreaming about designing a house in Costa Rica.
Lot Attributes;
Let’s talk about
some essential design and property attributes. This is the first step of putting together a vision. That is the attributes of your lot. To name a few would be; the lots focal points, topography, trees age and species, neighbors, sun travel, mechanical noises, or possible nature noises, rivers, any existing attribute that may influence the design elements. More details here
Personal Attributes;
Having your personal attributes on hand makes the process of designing and Building a House in Costa Rica enjoyable and less stressful. We recommend preparing by creating a “Designing a House in Costa Rica” Binder with Photos and Notes. Not every attribute I discuss will be relevant to you. So in keeping with the Pura Vida, jot down only those notes that are relevant to you.
Taking notes and creating a binder will not only help you stay organized but also help you see your dream become tangible. You can designate specific sections, such as designs, permits, soil studies, photos, expenses, electrical fixtures, plumbing fixtures, and schedules. Also, you can even incorporate my articles in your binder for easy reference.
Have fun with your Designing and Building a House in Costa Rica Binder! Decorate or stylize your binder to reflect your aspirations and ideas. If you have not already done so, please, read the article: Costa Rica Architect Firm, which will explain what Finish Touch incorporates into every one of our designs. Including your home and budget.
In your quest for the Pura Vida home, Two Attribute Categories deserve consideration: Property Attributes and House Attributes.
Designing and Building a House in Costa Rica: Property Attributes
1) Existing Topography in Costa Rica
When designing a home in Costa Rica, Property Attributes come first. What are Property Attributes? Primarily, existing topography (i.e., slopes, hills, terrain, and angles).
Americans often refer to the Western United States as God’s Country. Costa Rica is also God’s Country.
Industries and prefabricated housing do not dominate the landscape. Nature created the land in Costa Rica, and Nature does not make mistakes.
Therefore, to fully enjoy all the beauty that Costa Rica has to offer, you probably want to keep the main features of your property as they are.
Topography analysis provides engineers with the necessary information they need. For creating property access, including a place to park and maneuver vehicles.
Your actual home design may naturally conform to the side of a mountain or hill. Understanding the basic topography and property elevations contributes to the home-design layout.
Which may include two stories, a basement walk-out, a raised or non-raised bungalow. Or split-levels. Knowing the topographical benefits and limitations ultimately dictates how the house, perimeters, walls, and stories will be laid out.
Why do you have to know all this stuff? Knowledge is power and power is confidence. From a design point of view, you want to minimize the cost of your house’s foundation. Or having to use budget funds for retaining walls.
2) Your Design’s Focal Point
That underlying beauty and variety of landscapes in Costa Rica create natural-design focal points. Which vista do you want to keep with your morning cup of coffee? Would you prefer a canopy or an oceanic view? In the evening when you are sipping an adult beverage on the pool terrace? If such a view does not exist on your property, then we will design and make one. With tropical lush flora.
Do you even want a veranda? Knowing the focal point of your house design allows you to plan for particular house attributes. This is your dream—and Costa Rica is the most spectacular place to live out your dream. So take advantage of every property and house attribute you can when designing and Building a House in Costa Rica.
3) Sun Travel On Your Property
There is an abundant amount of sun in Costa Rica. Which is probably one of the main reasons you want to escape North America. We have approx 8 hours of full sun rays per day compared to approx 3 hours of full sun in Canada and the northern states. I shouldn’t have to explain the health benefits of the sun. We’ve all learned a lot about the natural vitamin D and benefits of vitamin D against the covid calamity.
In addition, this amount of sun allows us to harvest its rays to produce electricity. With an average of 8 hours of direct sun rays, the payback time for alternative energy of Photovoltaic is less than 5 years. Wow, just imagine, free electricity for life.
The path the sun travels across your property can help you optimize your living space. From a design point of view, sun travel considerations for windows locations, window sizes, location of bedrooms. Sunsets, sunrises, sunny areas, and shaded areas. Most people take this for granted. Nonetheless, we use it to your advantage.
4) Privacy Considerations
Even in Costa Rica’s Pura Vida, you may want more privacy. When you’re having fun by the pool, or entertaining people for a bbq. Perhaps a romantic moment with that special one. In any situation, you want to feel secure, safe, and with complete privacy. The list could be endless for reasons wanting your own personal privacy. Therefore, your designer needs to analyze the best way to achieve this. From house layout, house positioning, live fence, elevations, windows, or if necessary a wall.
If there is an adjoining lot with no structure, then your designer would have to make an educated assumption as to where a structure would be constructed. There is also noise pollution that may be a part of this equation. Not often, but sometimes we need to pay attention to outside noises. If this is so, then we would consider a water feature to drown out sounds, or plant trees that attract certain birds.
This is an attribute that can be easily overlooked. It is a simple issue and can save a lot of future frustration if taken care of early.
In Summary
Property studies are essential in designing. Eliminating some house attributes to accommodate existing property attributes will save you a ton of money. If necessary get several observations from various professionals. Or consider an Architectural Firm like Finish Touch Enterprises that has a full complement of professional designers and engineers.
So, before you embark on designing and Building a House in Costa Rica, understand your property advantages and disadvantages beginning with the conceptual design.
House Attributes
1) Purpose of Designing and Building a House in Costa Rica
When designing and Building a House in Costa Rica, you will want to consider your house’s purpose. Is your home: an investment you’ll be renting for extra income. Or is it a part of a retirement plan.
Let’s not forget the ideal purpose of a
permanent residence. Would be to accommodate a work schedule and retirement plan. But still have the relaxing and welcoming humbleness. I place to feel accomplished, and create new lifelong memories.
Or perhaps a vacation get-a-way for the family. A vacation home can generate income if you choose, or be reserved specifically for your family and friends. When escaping the cold climates, or big-city hustle and bustle rat race. Where better to hang your hat than in a tropical, serene setting in Costa Rica, where it is summer every day of the year. Coupled with a refreshment.
Each of these purposes contributes to design attributes. An example would be that vacation homes would want to focus more on social areas and outdoor living. Smaller closets and storage, outdoor kitchen, and so forth. We may also recommend for a vacation home is to have two master bedrooms and two guestrooms are beneficial. Because two families often travel together.
Or perhaps you are planning on a house exclusively for retirement and family visiting. Then, you may want to incorporate more luxurious elements like a serenity pool, an impeccable garden landscape, and outdoor lighting. Budgets would be higher on finish elements and decorative elements. Like, architectural decorative ceilings, gourmet kitchen, smart home technology, etc.
This truly can be your dream home, do not limit your imagination or life. Pura Vida!
2) Lifestyle-Activity and Impact Ratio
Once you communicate the purpose of your house. Especially if the home is for your personal use. Then you’re going to find it easier for choosing your home’s attributes and elements. Beginning with, assessing your Lifestyle-Activity Impact Ratio. Meaning, are you very active, sports-oriented, competitive. Or more sedative, relaxed, laid back, more visual for gardens, water features, birdhouses.
Many elements are reflected in the pool design. A pool can be a play pool with lots of splash and spa exercise. Or a pool can have cascades, infinity, fire, and water features.
The surrounding area of the pool can be active with an outdoor kitchen, casita, studio, area for horseshoe competitions, or other lawn games. Or the pool can have interesting terrace level characteristics, serene lighting, bar, chalupa, hammock, or other relaxing themes.
Besides lifestyle characteristics, there is age can be included. Are there children or grandchildren that should be considered in the design attributes? This can be especially important for vacation rental purposes.
In that binder, you are going to have fun making. You may wish to designate a section for Lifestyle-Activity, Impact Ratio, so your architects, engineers, and builders can adequately accommodate your needs. Communication among you and those professionals working for you is crucial. Remember what I said earlier: You are The Boss! Ultimately, your home should be designed to your standards of comfort and reflect your traditions.
3) Spirit of the Home
A house, no matter how innovatively or luxuriously designed. It is still just a house until it is lived in and the inhabitants give their home a Spirit. You want your house to have a personality, which reflects you.
What curb appeal do you want your home to have? A Mexican-Spanish façade with a modern interior, Columbian or Mediterranean architecture with a more traditional interior. Or simply a modern beach house.
Do you want stone-work featured walls, more natural-rough woodwork, or a low-maintenance stucco finish? Don’t forget Costa Rica’s mountains lend themselves to Mountain architecture or even vertical-building designs.
When your home has its own spirit or character, this will dictate how you feel when you’re in the home.
This is why you want to communicate clearly to your designers, engineers, and builders what kind of home and specific features you want. Even if you end up with an over-stuffed binder with many ideas. Including notes, photos of houses and environments (especially helpful to designers), drawings, and scribbles, I would much rather sift through many ideas with you. Discovering what you like. Rather than your asking me or whomever you hire to make those decisions for you.
What spirit do you want your home to have and what kind of spirit do you want to live in?
We, at Finish Touch Enterprises and all other quality architects and Costa Rica home builders, follow systems for designing and building houses. Only you can make a house a home filled with joy, sharing, and wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. Let us help you build you a “home” beyond just a constructed house.
4) Budget
The final house-design attribute is budget. The budget may be the most critical aspect of designing and Building a House in Costa Rica. Because you can get so much more for your money in Costa Rica than in North America.
With that said, I understand that nobody wants to “break the bank” in building their dream home. The lower cost of a higher standard of living is probably one of the reasons you are designing a house in Costa Rica.
Conveniently, we utilize “Thumb Calculations” of what things generally cost per square foot or square meter as a starting point. A detailed list of costs is outlined in these two articles: Home Designing Service and Customizing a home in Costa Rica.
“Thumb Calculations” help us determine the size of your home, pool, Casita, garage, outdoor kitchen. Once we have established a preliminary design, we can calculate material quantities, such as linear feet of cabinetry, porcelain tiles, number of showers, ceiling fans, and other plumbing and light fixtures.
With this information, we can accurately calculate how much building your dream home in Costa Rica will cost. From the preliminary drawings, we can make adjustments until the design and the budget balance.
Again, whether you hire us or not, please contact me at Finish Touch Enterprises. I will be glad to answer any questions and help you find a place to start if that’s what you need. My only regret about moving to Costa Rica is that I did not move here 10 years earlier. I want you to experience the incomparable Pura Vida in Costa Rica.
Conclusion on Building a House in Costa Rica
With information from the 4-property attributes and the 4-house attributes, you can compose an anti-project design, which enables us to propose preliminary designs and
budgets. This proposal, which can be adjusted to balance the design and budget, is for your review.
- Anti-Project of the project overview
- Lot-access and parking
- House position and foot-print layout
- Pool position and foot-print layout
- Outbuilding position and foot-print layout (i.e. garage, casita, pool, outdoor kitchen, etc)
- Landscape-preliminary design
- Floor plan including kitchen, closets, bathrooms, and furniture layouts
- House elevations and 2D exterior views of the front, rear, right side, left side with proposed finishes
- Preliminary budget with finishing and overall building details. We offer our clients style, unique design, custom finishes, over 20 years of experience, free consultation, and a full staff of professionals.
Follow our series of building articles to empower you toward the success of your project’s completion:
- How to Hire a Builder
- Costa Rica Architect Firm
- Designing And Building a House In Costa Rica Attributes (this article)
- Home Designing Service Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Home Builders
- Methods Of Building In Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Custom Home
- Costa Rica General Contractor
- Interior Design In Costa Rica
- Finish Touch Furniture SRL
Costa Rica Home Builders | Build a House | Custom Homes
/in Articles About Building, Building a House /by Michael PechbrennerChoosing a Costa Rica Home Builders Class
Finding reputable Costa Rica home builders is paramount to the success of your project. Knowing what questions to ask and how to check the viability of the builder.
Above all to how to know their competence of construction methods.
A builder’s personal stability will ensure building stability. Even more, a General Contractors’ license is available in Costa Rica but is not mandatory.
Consequently, a licensed builder is more apt to provide you with quality as he will be compelled to government warrantees administered by the CFIA.
Depending on the type of home you’re building, there are different levels of construction value, which will determine the level of construction expertise you will require.
To explain, the more complicated your Costa Rica real estate homes for sale design. Then the more qualified your Costa Rica home builders should be.
Likewise to hire an over-qualified builder to build a ‘tico style’ home. Contrarily could be more expensive than what you really should be paying.
The following article will break down these construction values. Which will guide you to a process of builder selection. In addition, the article Building A House in Costa Rica will help you hire a builder. Once you have identified the class you require.
The categories for your understanding are:
You should note that no one has left school with the title ‘Builder’. Whereas all builders began as a tradesman and advanced into the building. As a result of their ability to facilitate the trades to complete the project. Included with years of experience.
Furthermore, the builder becomes familiar with the trade processes. Which he can quickly recognize a fault with the material. Or perhaps a poor installation is being performed.
Which he can rectify before it becomes a disaster and expensive to fix. Therefore, experienced Costa Rica home builders should be your first choice in all categories.
Another option not mentioned in this article:
There are several ways of finding qualified Costa Rica home builders. Firstly recommendations are always a good source. However, you should know the person making the recommendation.
Often the one making a recommendation is a friend, family, agent, who is posing as a client of the builder. I have seen blogs where it appears the builder is answering questions. While in reality it is staged, scripted and it is all theatrics. Therefore, qualify who is making the recommendation. Hold reservations when reading dialogue on Facebook.
Two-Faced Builder:
Finding someone who claims to be a Costa Rica home builders. However in reality their main business is not associated with building.
Perhaps they own a hotel or restaurant as a primary business. This has higher risk factors that require a little more due diligence.
This type of builder does have stability and is rooted. Although as a hotel owner and not the area of expertise you require. Similarly, would you hire a dentist to fix your car? If you are considering this ‘class’ of the builder.
You will want to ask:
If any of your answers are ‘no’ to any of these questions. Then you need to ask yourself what cost can reflect back on you. Could it involve fines with the ministry of labor? Perhaps a lawsuit from someone who was hurt on the site?
Criminal problems back on you from Hacienda for payroll withholding taxes? Could it break an established friendship between you and the restaurant owner? Will he need a dentist after your done with him? Read my article Building a House in Costa Rica for hiring advice.
Tico Style Homes:
This style of home is referring to a basic house structure. The term “Tico Style” is in no way meant as a condescending adjective.
On the contrary, this is the most economical way of homeownership. Furthermore, Tico style homes have many natural attributes, which I mention in my post Designing Your Cool House (coming soon) to keep the house cool.
In addition, there are ‘Tico Style’ prefab home designs. Which are available at your local building supply store. These houses are not labor-intensive and can be completed in 6 to 8 weeks. Also works great if you’re wanting to construct cabanas or rental properties.
These styles of homes don’t provide comfort, aesthetics, or curb appeal. Meaning they provide shelter, bathroom facilities, no cabinetry. Commonly kitchens are usually concrete top with wood shelves and no doors.
As a result, these homes are very simple, very basic. Which don’t include insect or mold deterrents. Nor insulation values and no acoustic values. Furthermore no ambient values and often generic and economical materials. Including flooring, windows, plumbing and electrical fixtures, etc.
Tico Style House Attributes
I have seen some of these homes finished off pretty nicely. Which may include window moldings, rafter tails, and other finishing accents. In addition, they generally have large eaves for shade and covered front porch areas.
Which provides shading on the house for natural cooling. Furthermore, stucco finishes give pleasing colors.
Because these homes have great cross ventilation. Together with an open attic area allowing breezes to pass through. Your best option for cooling comfort is a fan.
These homes can be 50% concrete and 50% wood. Or 100% concrete. These homes can be secure, and safe.
Recommended Costa Rica Home Builders:
The recommended builder for this type of home is to simply hire a Maestro de Obras, which is a foreman of construction. Of course, every construction worker in Costa Rica is familiar with tico-style housing. When choosing a Maestro de Obras, you will want to confirm he is a working Maestro de Obras. Unlike just a technical adviser as many consider themselves. Meaning he needs to be working with the crew with a tool in his hand.
Furthermore, Maestro de Obras will be knowledgeable in all aspects of the construction. Therefore you should have a few test questions. Particularly regarding electrical and plumbing. To explain, electrical and mechanical installations are consistent. Whether or not tico-style home or mansion home. Therefore, you want to make sure your mechanicals will function correctly.
Setting Up Administration
You will still need to administrate the purchase of materials, as well as the scheduling of deliveries. In addition, you will want quality control over materials. Also to make security provisions to guard against theft. Furthermore, you will want to coordinate bi-weekly payroll.
Most banks have payroll services. Moreover, this will keep you legal. Although Nicaraguans don’t have work visa’s you can still register their passports. For the reason that they will receive CCSS and INS coverage. Most importantly to stay legal and don’t bypass this responsibility.
If your out of the country and cannot perform these administrative duties, alternatively you can sub this out to someone you trust. Commonly architects often will be the technical administrator for materials and labor. For the reasons that they are already visiting the site for weekly inspections.
North American Style Home:
This is a category that most people reading this article will fit into. To clarify that North American-style homes will incorporate engineered systems. Including additional materials to provide us with comfort, and ambiance. Furthermore considerations for aesthetics, security, and insect and mold inhibitors.
Normally, it was recommended to hire a North American builder to construct these homes. However, I have met tico builders with equal qualifications Which present knowledge, and honesty towards successful project completion. Unfortunately, the language barrier has been a deciding factor for many owners. Although this is a shame as many great tico builders are capable.
Recommended Costa Rica Home Builders:
This builder should demonstrate stability, as well as he should own tools of construction and precision, together with the knowledge of the mechanics of products.
In addition to having experienced crew (prefer permanent crew). Most importantly to have a General Contractors Carnet with CFIA, and be bi-lingual.
Finding a builder that holds all these characteristics can be difficult. Although they do exist. Which many of these qualified builders and general contractors.
The fact that likely they are exclusive builders to a development. Therefore more difficult to find as these builders have little advertising and a weak web presence.
Prepare a list of questions to interview your builder. For the reasons to recognize his knowledge and expertise. In addition, expand your boundaries for a qualified builder.
As a matter of fact, General Contractors are credited with projects throughout the country. After all the objective is to hire a qualified administer to complete your project. You may find the article Method of Building A House in Costa Rica.
Where to begin
The ideal situation here is, to begin with, an Architecture Firm. To simplify a contract with them for a complete package. To clarify this will prevent any miscommunication. In the event, if you have not committed to a home design. While you are at the beginning stages to prepare and support your expectations. So we invite you to read the series of articles in an orderly listed below.
If you do have your designs and you are looking for qualified builders, then I would refer you to hiring advice at Building a house in Costa Rica, and First Method of Building a House in Costa Rica, and Second Method of Building A House in Costa Rica. In general, these articles should give you sufficient direction. Furthermore the tools for interviewing and document control.
Facilitate responsibility
You may choose to have control over your material purchases. Therefore you require to hire the builder strictly for labor costs. In addition, you may have your own purchasing agent, who will scout out the best material purchasing prices.
Therefore, you only need to hire a qualified crew for installation. Although this may be true this is very uncommon of course. To clarify my point is that you may structure your build. Perhaps to utilize your expertise and hire out the other phases.
Key points
Smart Home Technologies:
This is growing in popularity quickly. Which does have a great presence in Costa Rica. Uniquely this is a competitive field. Whereas manufacturers such as Google and Apple are producing smart home technologies. Which you can control your home’s functions by your phone device.
These technologies for your home could include;
Receiving the communications from these systems through RF (radio frequency) or IF (infrared signal). Most commonly through wifi. Where a smartphone, tablet, or computer provides interface controlling. Specifically towards controlling air conditioning, lighting, cameras. Possibly electrical backup redundancies such as solar systems.
Smart home technologies provide you with the ability to turn on lights. Including unlocking the door for the maid, or feed the cat. Furthermore water the grass, and clean the pool. Specifically performed remotely from locations anywhere in the world with internet connectivity. In addition to starting the car to keep the battery charged. This list continues to almost infinite.
Recommended Costa Rica Home Builders:
It would be beneficial if your builder has a background and knowledge in telecommunications. For the reason that outfitting your home with smart technologies. Specifically requires a working knowledge of telecommunications.
Which include the installations of wireless networking systems. Also, UPS backup systems, and low voltage manifold installations. Thereupon knowledge of communication wiring usually with cat-6.
As well as knowledge of wireless systems similar to mesh internet installations. Additionally backup systems for data and security. Perhaps solar system technology for off-grid calculations.
Choosing this builder is the same as choosing a North American Style Homebuilder. However, your test questions should revolve around technology as well as structure. Equally important that provisions should be included in the design for future additions.
To clarify this technology advances with new gadgets constantly. Therefore your builder should have some experience with importing products. For reasons that many of your systems will most likely come from outside the country.
Builder and Designer liason
Not only your builder but your designer as well, including your electrical engineer. Should have a working knowledge of smart home technologies. In addition to standard home wiring designs smart home system designs differs tremendously. Therefore, smart home technology designers and builders should be sourced.
If you’re deciding to go with a smart home design and build. Then it is most likely you have a general idea of the systems you would be interested in. This is truly a project for Method of building a house in Costa Rica, and Costa Rica General Contractors.
Vertical Builds, Mountain Homes:
Often mountain real estate properties have steep grades. Which include slopes from front to back or back to front or side to side. Most likely your designer will be very creative.
In order to use the natural topography. Additionally, they will have provisions for stormwater management. Together with utilizing creative structural engineering of cantilevers, and anchoring systems.
Your designer will create lot access for a place to park a car. Perhaps this may be the only area of ground manipulation. Whereas the house design may ‘spill’ off the mountain. Which incorporates engineering ingenuity. From the results of weight dispatches, fasteners available, lightweight materials, and flexibility. While collectively staying focused on focal points, privacy issues, sun travel, and all attributes towards home designing.
A builder’s responsibility to constructing a home. Although he only needs to follow the blueprint specs. Often there are on-site decisions to be made. Whereas your builder should have a good understanding of engineer. Especially when it comes to engineered systems, cantilever, and fasteners.
Recommended Costa Rica Home Builders:
In addition to your builder, it would be advisable to have a structural engineer. Specifically registered as the responsible for weekly inspections.
Knowingly two heads are better than one. Which designing the very ‘bones’ of the structure. Together with the installation of complex engineered systems. Most importantly, this discussion is in regards to safety. Therefore, it is paramount to govern your project correctly upfront.
Although this may sound a bit shallow. Notwithstanding my experience when I have built mountain homes.
Accordingly, I have had better success. As well as better home advancement. When I assign a crew of good physical condition.
In light of a typical workday where there are verticle climbs and descents. Together with carrying heavy articles. Therefore, having a physically fit crew will keep a moderate pace of advancement.
A common issue on mountain builds is where to store materials. Often, we have had to move the living bodega several times as the home advances. Your builder should be a good thinker with much foresight for project advancement, material delivery, material unloading, and storage.
Alternative to a single builder
For a better chance of success, it would be advisable to have a team of designers and builders. For this reason, it will save you an abundance of money and headaches. Also, you may read Costa Rica General Contractors and Costa Rica Architecture Firms.
Calculating the weight of the house design will help calculate the delivery costs. As often materials need to be transferred to a smaller vehicle to manage the mountain road grades and corners.
Therefore, the owner should be open-minded to material choices. For example, a solid block concrete home will have much weight. Which will require a heavy anchoring system.
As well as contribute to several thousands of dollars on the foundation cost. Together with several thousands of dollars on material deliveries.
The photo I have here is a house design called ‘Casa Sorento’. Specifically designed for mountain construction. The design includes a solid concrete construction on the mountain surface.
Transitioning to a lightweight material of steel and glass. Ideal for cantilever design which only requires lightweight anchoring. At the same time will require fewer deliveries.
As well as lighter material therefore more material per delivery. Notwithstanding a proficient advancement. Equally both ways you save money with a superior result. The result is a beautiful home with a low cost to build. Contact us for more info
A builder of this type of home will require a working knowledge of:
These types of builds can be complexed and technical. Therefore you will want a builder who came from the top of his class. Consequently, this may cost a few dollars extra. Make your decision wisely.
Feel free to contact me if you wish for any further information on this type of build. As well as furnishings
Following our series of building articles (in order) will empower you towards the success of the completion of your project:
Custom Home Builders
/in Articles About Us, Building a House /by Michael PechbrennerWe are going to discuss what is involved to build a Costa Rica Custom Home with Finish Touch Enterprises SRL. Also, what is included in the cost of building a custom home with Finish Touch Enterprises?
One of the first questions that I am consistently asked is: “What does it cost to build a custom home in Costa Rica”? Surprisingly enough, this is a difficult question to answer. Because there are many variables that affect the price. So in this article were going to explain some detail that you may consider. In the event, your design and/or property have one of these variables that affect the price.
This article will go into detail about Finish Touch Enterprises standards. Which is what will be included in our building quotations. When an sq. ft price is given, it only represents a ‘general’ idea of cost. It is not until there is a design that an ‘actual’ price can be determined accurately. Whereas, from a drawing, we can calculate material quantities.
Costa Rica Custom Home Builders: Our Material Standards
This article explains the materials and methods that are standard in premium Costa Rica Custom Home Builders designs. I am going to explain the quality of the paint job.
To begin:
From fathers to their sons and to their sons. These methods are common practices throughout Europe and Central America and South America, which are still being practiced to date.
Furthermore, we are combining proven old building technologies. Together with new building technologies bringing you the best of both worlds.
Firstly Costa Rica is a small developing third-world country. Many material and fastener products that we take for granted in North America are not available here.
Therefore, it may need to be imported. Otherwise, we will improvise and manufacture our own. Even concrete trucks are scarce and usually, we need to mix the concrete by buckets.
Costa Rica Materials
There are no modifiers or fortifiers for building material products. Such as water-reducing agents, fly ash, accelerants, or retarders. Most products are raw materials. Sand, stone, cement.
Very rarely will you see laser levels or laser technology that almost every tradesman uses in North America. Equipment for precision is also almost non-existent.
These construction methods here remind me of when I was a boy. Following my father to a job site (he was a concrete contractor) and witnessing that tradesmen were actually craftsmen. Cabinets were made on-site, stairs were made on-site, plaster walls, hardwood floors. In today’s standard, these are now engineered systems, made off-site, and later delivered to be installed.
Also, things like decorative ceilings were done by hand with a sponge. Now, all these jobs have been replaced by engineered systems and machines. Craftsmen have been replaced by technicians.
In those days, they did things by hand. Carpenters would create carving tools from broken saw blades. As well as plasters would hammer their tack lathing to plaster crown moldings. Commonly, this is how things are still being done in Costa Rica.
No modern tools or equipment:
Without giving away my age, I have been old schooled for house designs and building quality. Through the years I have adapted to new and modern technologies.
In addition, I have been certified in 18 decorative concrete applications. Consequently, I have been credited with projects in Disney World, Busch Gardens, Universal Studios. Namely many resorts and residences throughout Florida USA. You can read a few of my qualifications at: About Us
Now I am bringing skills for Custom Home Building with the same old-school construction technologies. Adapting to natural elements, with no modifiers or chemical inhibitors. We all see that the older homes last forever. Adapting to these methods will make your Costa Rica custom home a treasure for a lifetime.
Costa Rica Custom Home Builders: Construction methods
Footing:
Costa Rica has a building code safety factor of 3, and our Costa Rica Custom Home Builders engineering uses a safety code factor of 5.
Meaning, our constructions are double the Costa Rica federal building code. Let’s keep in mind that a building code is not about quality.
A building code is setting minimum standards. Meaning you cannot go below this. Therefore, it is advantageous for you, your family, your investment to exceed these codes.
Homes built from solid concrete and steel contribute much weight. Which the weight of the bearing will need to be supported by reinforced concrete footings. The bearing rebar is placed ¼ depth from the bottom of the footing.
Costa Rica’s seismic conditions also contribute to uplift situations. So to protect the home from structure damage we also place reinforcing in the footing ¼ depth from the top of the footing.
As a result, the footing is reinforced top and bottom with continuous bars. The amount and size of bars are variable and will be calculated by the structural engineer.
These continuous bars are supported by stirrups that will be placed approx. every 12”. And this directly strengthens the tensile horizontal motion.
Dowels and columns and tie-beam:
We begin designing concrete columns, which will tie to the footing and to the tie beam (tie beam is the same as footing but at the top of walls).
These columns are strategically placed in all corners of the house by our Costa Rica Custom Home Builders crew. Also on each side of an opening (windows and doors). If a wall does not have corners or openings. Then a column will repeat no less than 3 meters apart. The number of continuous rods and stirrups will be designed by a structural engineer.
Also, tying into the footing are rebar dowels with a dogleg. These dowels will be tied to the footing every 2 ft., which will enter the center of a block cell that will be filled with concrete. These dowels will continue to the tie beam.
The footings, columns, tie beam. After this, we only need to place patrician walls. In addition to the heavily structural ‘bones’ that I mentioned.
Moreover, our Costa Rica Custom Home team continues to keep your family safe by using the 8-inch blocks on the exterior walls. Also, install horizontal rebar on every third course of the block. Which is 24″ separation, and the dowels are at 24″ o/c as well. All together is cemented solid.
On our designs, we avoid designing long straight walls. Not only for better attractive aesthetics. But also for reasons structural. The more corners we have, the stronger the structure will be. This was the description of our structural system.
Walls and roof:
We at Finish Touch Enterprises SRL use 8-inch blocks on exterior walls and 6-inch blocks on interior walls. Our closets will be steel studs and drywall. The block walls will receive 2″ additional inches of cement scratch coats and finishes. Resulting in approx 10″ final wall thickness.
Costa Rica Custom Home Builders: Advantages of Block Walls:
Foundation construction:
The foundation begins with a block stem wall from the footing to finish floor height. This height will be set by the architect and engineer to ensure a positive flow of stormwater management.
We then backfill the inside and outside of the home. Followed by the crew will then begin installing all underground services and service entries for electrical, plumbing, low voltage, potable water. Inspectors will pressure test pipe fittings and check for leaks before the crew prepares the concrete floor.
The concrete floor is slab-on-grade, which is reinforced with mesh and a vapor barrier. The base is compacted to no less than 88%. We also make the terrace (back porch, lanai, veranda) at the same level as the house floor.
When we open the bi-fold patio door, these are on a recessed track. And this makes your interior living room a part of your exterior living space all at the same level.
This has a striking effect when the same tile is transitioned through. Which increases your space of outdoor living and indoor living.
Now that the floor is poured, the walls continue to tie beam height. All receptacles, switches, plumbing, low voltage, venting rough-ins are installed by our Costa Rica Custom Home Builders team during the construction of the walls.
At the same time, the horizontal block rebar is protruding in the column cages, followed by forming the columns to tie beam height and pour the concrete. Continuing with forming the tie beam (viga corona in Spanish). This would include reinforced concrete lentils that will be poured over every opening whether it’s arched, elliptical, or square.
Reinforcing:
The reinforcing continues up to the tie beam. This includes the internal walls that will be of a 6-inch block with a tie beam that will connect to the external tie beam. Closets will be of light structural steel and drywall. Or will be made from wood from our manufacturing shop.
There is no Promax wire here in Costa Rica, which is used in North America. Similarly, install conduit, and later we pull each color wire individually.
I have seen many electrical installations with TSJ wire which is like extension cord wire. This wire has a very high voltage drop and a much higher heat rating. It is not recommended to use this wire other than connecting a series of lights like pot lights, which should never be used as feed wire or for receptacles.
It is very important that we take into consideration the blueprint’s electrical layout. As receptacles and switches are cemented into the walls and they cannot be changed later. Nor adding new ones. I will speak more of the electrical systems later in this article.
All the cement walls and concrete beams are trued by installing a scratch coat on both sides of the wall. This is called repello grueso. Which will make the walls perfectly level and the corners at a perfect 90 degrees.
The interior wall will receive an additional coat called repello fino. This repello prepares the wall for a smooth plaster, which will prepare the wall to receive paint.
Your finished wall dimension will be 10 inches thick. With tons of protection from elements. I don’t know of any engineered wall system equivalent that will return you the same results.
The home begins to receive a white clean color:
Also, many insects and frogs do not like calcium as it burns their feet. Thus, protecting your home further from those unwanted critters from coming in or nesting.
Houses can be unoccupied for several months at a time with no fear of mold generating. Make a note of this as most Costa Rica Custom Home Builders do not use these types of products.
The iron will be red steel or galvanized depending on the location of your property. If you are close to the ocean we recommend galvanized, which is corrosion resistant but light in structure. Accordingly needing additional perlings as galvanized has less structural strength.
Therefore, the red steel is much stronger and does not require as many supports. Consequently being a little less cost-effective. We also, coat red steel with primer and corrosion-resistant paint.
Roofing dry in finishes:
On top of these trusses, we will put a layer of reflective insulation. The reflective installation is 97% effective and prevents heat from transferring into the house.
The reflective layer is on one side of the insulation. Therefore, it also allows heat to escape from the attic, which is exactly what we want. On top of the insulation, we dry in with a metal laminate.
You can read more of our engineering to keep your house cool here: This will save on your electric bill. I won’t go into detail about roofing material, our standard is decorative metal laminate. There are recommended material upgrades depending on the budget.
Should your home have clay tiles (optional upgrade) our Costa Rica Custom Home Builders crew will install them on top of the metal laminate. When installing clay tiles we put a rubber hose nailer for the tiles. This allows as a buffer shock absorbing for when we have minor quakes. A solid nailer would cause these tiles to break.
Costa Rica Custom Home Builders: Beginning of the Finishes
We are now getting into the easy and fun part because we are leaving the structural part of the construction. Thereupon we are entering into the finishing part of building a custom house.
The finishes for the best curb appeal and comfort will be a major part of the budget. Beginning with the ceilings, whether flat, sloped, cathedral, or architectural.
We install furring strips and drywall backers. Before drywall is installed the electrical connections will be completed. Ductwork installed. Air handler installed.
We also weld ceiling fan supports to the rafters. Once all electrical/mechanicals is completed, wires are pulled. We will close with drywall ceilings.
The receptacles and switches will be installed (not cover plates). Panel box breakers installed. Floor tiles installed, baseboard installed (using floor tiles). Cabinets are installed. Granites are installed. Second coat of paint installed. Light fixtures and ceiling fans installed. Plumbing fixtures installed.
Air conditioners are installed, and all touch-ups and cleaning are completed. Finally, the last coat of paint as we back out the door.
The exterior will be completed concurrently with the interior. Stucco finishes and stone veneer (if any) will be installed.
A maintenance-free PVC tabla will be installed for eaves. Decorative angled facia or facia and eaves trough will be installed. Either feature will be reviewed for each design individually.
Costa Rica Custom Home Builders: Notes on electrical
Electrical codes have not changed for the past few decades. However, our electrical conveniences have overwhelmingly increased. New kitchen gadgets and gizmos that require additional outlets. Entertainment centers usually require extra outlets. Phone charges are becoming common attributes to be installed in outlets.
When we do our electrical layout, there are considerations about where the entertainment center will be located. To accommodate outlets as well as low voltage systems.
Knowingly we’re going to require a few extra receptacles for TV, surround sound, modem, router, PlayStation Etc. In addition, we will include enough outlets in the kitchen as we have many kitchen appliances.
We will include a few extra outlets in the bedrooms and on the back Terrazas. Also, we will put an external panel box at the pool equipment house. This panel box may serve for landscape lighting, Rancho outlets, or any other exterior electrical requirement that you may wish to add on later.
Electrical switches; we generally plan three-way switches as we come in the front door and get into bed without being in the dark. Meaning you come in the front door, turn one light on at the end of the room you turn it off, and turn the next light on at the end of the passage to turn it off turn and so forth. Our bedrooms have 3-way switches that once you’re in bed you can shut the light off.
An important factor to study:
The reason I feel it is necessary to write a few paragraphs on the electrical layout is that most inexperienced Costa Rica Custom Home Builders outsource to an electrical engineer.
This engineer will layout your electrical design to code. He won’t include any convenience switches or outlets. Often you will never meet the electrical engineer to discuss your electric requirements. The result could leave you very dissatisfied. Our electrical demands have increased exponentially over the years. Receptacles with USB for chargers, motion switches, dimmer switches, rope lighting, accent lighting, ambient light colors. LED’s, incandescent, halogen, sodium, florescent.
The electrical layout and engineering is a key component of your home’s design. Equally for function and aesthetics. Therefore, a contributor to your Costa Rica custom home design.
Quality Summary:
The purpose of this article is to equip you with the tools to make your search for a builder more understandable and to help you prepare your interview questions to control your Costa Rica custom home.
We encourage you to read the series of articles in chronological order to have the best results when working with Costa Rica Custom Home Builders:
Finish Touch Enterprises SRL is a team of experienced Costa Rica Custom Home Builders, and we would appreciate being a part of your homeownership dream. We welcome you to include us in your designer and builder search and we hope to hear from you soon with your details.
Hire a Builder
/in Articles About Building, Building a House /by Michael PechbrennerHow To Hire A Builder
This article will be exclusively beneficial to those looking for How To Hire A Builder. We will assume you (the reader) are in the design stages and are needing to prepare for the next steps. This article will benefit you, and provide you with the tools you will need when interviewing potential builders/contractors. Knowledge of terms, awareness of conditions will provide you confidence and power towards making the correct decision. By learning how to identify their competence, and management skills of not just construction methods, but also financial budgeting skills. After all, they are building with your money, and do require skills in money management. In addition, you will learn to identify their stability. Which may be required for warranty issues that may arise. Or perhaps an element installed incorrectly that requires a re-install at his expense.
Building a house in Costa Rica is fun and exciting with all the steps including seeing a vision become a reality. Especially when making well-informed decisions of your team to make it so.
Analyzing the complexity of your project
Let’s begin with the complexity of your project. Nevertheless, knowledge of particular elements of your home design. Will govern the difficulty of your build.
Firstly,
in understanding the design difficulty. Let me explain by example; If your design is a prefab concrete home or similar, then the difficulty level is quite low. These are very common and all workers know how to install these without direction. It would be a waste of money to employ an architect or builder for this type of project.
Secondly,
for example, you are planning on building a North American-style home. With typical comforts like air conditioning, granites, porcelain, pool, insulation, and some passive cooling designing, accent lighting, quality wood cabinetry, and finishes. Then this type of difficulty would require more skills. As well as supervision, therefore, you may wish to include regular inspections from an architect/engineer. Your builder on this home should have a history of similar builds. There should be a reference to their knowledge of North American style standards and precision.
It would be to your benefit if the builder had some branding. Such as a website, signage, social media, or some sort of roots. This demonstrates stability at a novice level. Equally important, you may take a glance at your potential builder’s standard of living. How stable is his home life? Credit is very rare in Costa Rica and purchases are almost always done in cash. Therefore, his standard of living (stability) will reflect his financial management skills.
Thirdly,
In brief, your home design has complicated topography with steep slopes, multi-levels, a deep foundation, higher engineering systems. Of course, any of these attributes will perplex the installation of foundations, wall systems, and roofs. Likewise, smart home technologies or design elements require importing. In this instance, you would want a General Contractor. This would be a company established and rooted. Most likely owns a shop, owns vehicles with branding. Accordingly, he would have tools, have an office, and have staff.
Three Methods To Build
Hiring A Home Builder
The most difficult, but also the most exciting process is the designing stage. Use your imagination regarding what you want your dream home to be. Create files on your computer and begin to save photos in folders to share with your designer. Set the bar high, products can be produced in Costa Rica at a much reasonable price than in North America. Your builder will know this and how to make it happen. Especially, General Contractors who have their own shops for fabrication.
This house is not only an investment but also your home. For that reason, this home will generate memories from events and it will be a part of your life. Don’t hesitate to utilize professional engineers and architects who will examine and analyze all aspects of a design. Particularly, home functionality and curb appeal.
Here are some home attributes to consider
What parts of the house will get direct sunlight and more shade. This information will be a consideration when designing the location of private areas, social areas, and service areas. As well as, the best location for windows and other attributes affected by these traits.
Are you entertainers or do you live a more subtle life? These are huge attributes for designing social areas. Not just for size but controlling acoustics so there is less disturbance for the neighbors. This is done by size, the shape of social areas, and materials for reflecting or drowning acoustics.
What considerations for the number of people, size of family, and children? This will help the designer with common areas and create different areas for socializing. 12 people don’t usually gather in a group when socializing. Perhaps only at mealtime. Generally, they break off into groups. Therefore, we need separate areas for seating and entertaining. This is true for children as well. They don’t usually ‘hang out with the adults. They break off for their own fun.
You are the boss when Hiring a Builder
I am mentioning these attributes in this article because it becomes relevant to a builder during construction. These are the areas that will most likely receive the most changes (based on my personal 40 years of experience). We make the designs and blueprints as accurate as possible. However, in real life, it takes on a new perspective and in most cases, you, as an owner, will ask for changes. An experienced builder will spot early an area that would serve you better and bring to your attention before construction advances too far. Making a change to the budget by debit or credit is more simplified.
As the owner, you will review and approve all design and architecture recommendations and changes. You will want to be able to communicate with your builder at a high level. If there is a language issue, then make means for interpreting. The most common excuse I hear from crews when a major mistake/error occurs is “They didn’t say that I didn’t understand”. At that point, something got more expensive. Communication – Important when hiring a builder.
Personal Traits of Hiring a Home Builder
As you read the articles, you may wish to take notes and write any questions. Contact me anytime, and I will be more than happy to answer your questions. Knowledge is understanding and understanding brings power and confidence!
At Finish Touch Enterprises SRL, I want to help you with every step of building a new life in Costa Rica.
Generally, Home Builders in Costa Rica will fall into a couple of categories. When you interview your builder, you are going to want to analyze which of these categories does he apply. I personally use this method when I’m hiring new staff or crew members as well. You will recognize these categories from your personal life as well.
Category One
People whose 1st priority is to earn money. Their main focus is what is owed to them, and the second priority is the project. The traits you will see in this type of professional or employee is:
Category Two
People who love their job. When someone likes what they do, they can’t help but be successful at it.
Which Category Do You Want To Hire?
Let me share with you a couple of stories I witnessed in Category Two:
Staff working late:
Often, I will visit sites after working hours to inspect and review advancements. On many occasions, I pull into a site well after 5 p.m. I may find my truck driver washing the dump truck or crews working past “business hours” to finish a wall or section. This work is all with no pay. I do not pay overtime, so these people are working on their own time. Dedication and Integrity.
Staff working as a team:
My office staff wanted to participate in a sandcastle building competition as a Finish Touch Enterprises Team in Santa Theresa. My architect declined to participate; she wanted to complete construction drawings over the weekend, so she could submit the final draft for permits on Monday. I remember the office staff was annoyed with her.
My wife and I were out later that night, and when we passed by the office, the lights were on. Curiously, I peaked in the window. I was overcome with pride to see the entire office staff helping the architect finish the final construction drawings, so she could participate in the contest. The sandcastle building contest’s theme was global warming; the Finish Touch Enterprises Team with my architect sculpted a polar bear hugging the world and won first prize. Teamwork during and outside of work
Dedication to completion
A particular building job called for a flat concrete roof. The concrete must be poured monolithically, or all at one time to avoid cold joints. Concrete needs to be poured consistently wet-on-wet, but the morning of the pour the electricity was out, and water pumps couldn’t supply water. Our solution? We poured the concrete using buckets and buckets and buckets of water from the river, which significantly slowed the process. Although we had high hopes, it soon became obvious: we could not finish the pour in one day. My Field Manager solicited 30 men from other working crews, and 80 of my employees volunteered to help. The electricians set up lights on a generator, and the men worked until 10:30 p.m. We got the job done. Of course, I supplied plenty of pizza, chicken, and refreshments. Dedication to quality completion.
These anecdotes are some examples of employee hiring, professional hiring, or hiring a builder. These characteristics speak volumes about an individual.
Whom do you want to hire?
Even if you choose not to hire Finish Touch Enterprises SRL, I want to offer you the tools and knowledge to help you through the process.
Read through the article series below and after reading the articles, you will be confident to ask the right questions and know what you are required to do.
I took the time to write these articles to give direction to people who are considering: Designing and Building in Costa Rica. Hiring an Architect Firm, How to Hire a Builder. What questions to ask! Knowledge of construction methods. What to expect, and what to look for. Once you have these skills, you are sure to enjoy the entire experience of Designing and Building in Costa Rica.
How To Hire A Builder: Prepare An Interview
An analogy: If you try to explain to a mechanic how your car works, he will know whether you know what you are talking about, or not. On the other hand, if a mechanic explains to you how your car works, you will probably not understand what he is talking about.
However, you will be convinced the mechanic knows what he’s talking about because, well, he’s a mechanic. In reality, you will not know if he is a good or bad mechanic until your car is fixed well or fixed poorly. To learn if that mechanic is honest and is good at what he does. You first have to interview him.
Most importantly, it is to your benefit to know about the design and building process in Costa Rica to Hire a Builder.
The disadvantage of not understanding. Will allow the opportunity of an unqualified person, probably from category 1 from above. Too dazzle you without content. Similar to a mechanics explanation of a complicated system. Therefore, Let’s even the playing field and give you the knowledge, power, and confidence to hire a builder. With the tools to separate those who can and those who can’t. When it comes to hiring an architect or how to hire a builder.
Hiring a Builder: Prepare A Questionaire
Knowledge is power and confidence, so you already know (from this and the other articles) what questions you should ask potential employees and contractors, including hiring a builder. You are also going to feel confident in analyzing their responses. Additionally, you are able to fairly evaluate the candidates’ competence, their abilities to successfully complete your project, their stability, and their character.
Just from this article, you know how to spot Category One or Category Two characteristics.
Whoever you may choose to design and build your dream house. Keep in mind, you are the boss. What you say, they must follow. Not the other way around. It’s okay to question potential employees and contractors. You should conduct interviews before you hire a builder and analyze every builder’s and contractor’s professionalism, competency, and experience.
Here is a questionnaire template to help you hire Home Builders in Costa Rica.
Unfortunately, I cannot write these questions for you because not every situation is the same. This template is an excellent place to start.
How to Hire a Builder – Questionnaire Template:
Additional Sources For Hiring Home Builders in Costa Rica
You can contact me at any time with any questions or concerns. There are no consulting fees. My objective is to make the building of your dream house in Costa Rica an exciting and awesome experience.
Whether you hire Finish Touch Enterprises SRL, I want you to use my experience in your favor. Just fill in the Contact Form and let’s talk. I may even have some pizza and refreshments at the office. Again, you don’t have to be a client to speak with me; my goal is for you not to become a statistic.
If you read and take notes on the following articles, you will have a much better understanding of the entire house-building process and be able to proceed with confidence. Again, contact me at any time for further information.
Thank you,
Michael
Founder and CEO of Finish Touch Enterprises SRL; 40 years designing and building