I want to build my dream home in Costa Rica, where should I start?
So you’ve seen the beautiful beaches, the lush mountains, and the pura-vida style and you finally decided: Yes! I’m building my dream home in Costa Rica. Excellent! I know I’m a bit biased but I promise: you won’t regret it!
Along with the excitement, I’m sure you have lots of questions: Now what? Where should I start? Who should I talk to?
I know that starting a construction project can be a bit complicated, especially if you aren’t clear about the process. Let me help you out! I’ve summed up the whole thing on these 4 simple steps:
- Know your budget
- Get a lot
- Hire a Costa Rican architect
- Let the magic happen!
Let’s dive into it:
- Know your budget
Now that you’ve decided to build your dream house, the first thing you should do is be clear about your finances. Part of your budget will be used for the lot and part for the construction itself.
If you do not have a lot yet, a good place to start is to get in touch with an architect. They will be able to give you an estimate of how much your dream home will cost. This way, you will know how much of your budget can be destined to the lot.
Later on, being clear on your budget will be extremely important to your architect as well, since the architecture process will take it into account while making design decisions. A good design is planned within budget.
- Buy a lot
If you already did, perfect! If not, it is time to start looking… Are you a mountain or a beach person? Are you looking for a large plot of a smaller one in a gated community? Either way, it’s always safer to check in with your architect regarding the quality of lots you’re eyeing and the expectation of your project. These are some things to consider.
- Hire an architect in Costa Rica
If you haven’t already, this is THE time to seek professional advice! When hiring an architect, they will need to know a few things about you and your dream home: what are your expectations regarding size, style, and general feel… ? It’s best if you have some ideas already but if you don’t, your architect will guide you through it.
The process is divided into several stages, starting with the concept design, where you will get to see how your home will look and feel.
By the way, every building in Costa Rica must comply with several building regulations. Also, designing for the tropics is different from designing for other latitudes. Costa Rica has lots and lots of rain, sun, and – depending on where your lot is – either really hot or really humid weather. This is why you should look for a Costa Rican architect rather than designing elsewhere and then having to pay a Costa Rican architect to “fix up” the design for it to work well with weather and code.
- Sit tight and let the magic happen!
While you relax, your architect will be working on construction plans, coordinating the professionals involved, and planning the construction process. The plans will then be submitted to permit procedures (to municipalities and other regulatory entities).
You should know, at this stage there may be still some more decisions to make: architecture and construction are, after all, an evolving process. Here’s a bit more about the design process.
Then, the construction will finally begin. Everything from foundations to finishes will be set in place.
That’s it! Now you can sit back and start enjoying your dream home in Costa Rica! 🙂
