Answers to questions we've been asked on building in Guanacaste

[cost] [other questions] [our changes to plans] [plan info & questions] [how to start]

COST:

The cost of a casita at this point in time is approximately $60.00 to $65.00 square foot + $1,800 for plans. Along with that you will need to pay all permit fees, INS, and taxes to date.

Q: Please tell us what is not included in this price that will be an additional cost to us, for example: Electricity: for example electricity boy & meter & wire from pole to box or is this included in the price?

A: Yes, this is included if the house stays within 10 meters from pole, price will increase to accommodate the higher gauge wire needed and more trench digging time.

Q: About your building tools, ie. cement. mixer, ladders, drills, etc... Do we have to pay for them and are they ours at the end of the building process? Or is this part of your commission?

A: All tools will be provided by us, except the cement mixer. This we rent for 60.000 colones a month. We do not recommend buying tools for the guys as they break often. If we buy tools we can continue to use them in the future if they last, or if they break its not your responsibility. We will not be charging you any tool rental fees.

Q:Taxes? (property taxes are paid up to date)

A: Your taxes need to be paid to date, including 2008, to get your building permits.

Q: Is "Pine" tongue & groove included in this price because tongue & groove wasn't in the pictures.

A: Malina tongue & groove tablia is included in this price, other woods such as guanacaste and pochote could raise the price some.

* Some things not included in this price would be your driveway, any excavation work, all backhoe work, your irrigation system (even though we recommend doing the digging while we have the backhoe at your property), basically things outside the footprint of your house.

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OTHER QUESTIONS:

Q: Our plano is still in another's name but its in ours in the National Registry, do we need to have the property resurveyed?

A: This is not necessary to build but is recommended for you personally. It would smooth the permit process but can be done in the future. We are having property resurveyed now and a new plano written in their name, estimated at #2-300 for 7000sq/mt. If you don't do the complete switch, surver will have your old plano stamped by the Registry with your name appended to show that officially its yours in the books even though it doesn't say. There is no extra charge for the latter.

Q: How many gallons is the hot water heater you install?

A: All plumbing is US standards and we offer two options within this price. We recommend a large "on-demand" water heater powered at 220 volts to lower electric costs, or we can install a regular heater with a 40 gallon tank. When left standing, water can take on a sulfuric smell until the water has been refreshed.

Q: Is the bodega set up for washer/dryer (vent)?

A: Yes, there is venting in the bodega for a washer and dryer.

Q: Will the roof rafters support the weight of the tile roof if we decide to install at a later time?

A: Both steel and wood rafters can hold the weight of a tile roof, but we need to know your long term plans so we can construct the rafter system according to weight/support ratio necessary. Either system will be included in this price.

Q: Are there outside outlets besides by the kitchen area?

A: Yes, if you would like, at no extra charge. This is not recommended for wet areas.

Q: Explain bathtub again (bathtub with spicket and shower head & nozzles)- is that an extra cost?

A: That is not an extra cost. You will have your regular shower head and water controls but with this you'll also have a tub outlet that can be plugged and the cement floor will step down 12 inches for a small tub. THis is great for small children to play and cool off in. Again, you need to let us know if this is what you want. (not included/no charge)

Q: Where exactly are electricity outlets throughout the house?

A: For the interior there will be an outlet on each of the four walls in the bedrooms, 1 per bath, one on each wall in the living room, and four in the kitchen. For the exterior, we will install 4 watertight outlets which we recommend placed under the eves.

Q: When is the best time to build?

A: We can build anytime throughout the year, but January is a great time to start because it is dry and cooler. Since you should do most of your excavation for septic and irrigation first and lay your driveway, it is nice to get that out of the way when the ground is stable and not soaked with rain.

Q: How much excavation do you recommend for starters?

A: It's a good idea to get as much done as you can while you have the backhoe at your property. There is limited amount of machinery here, so if you have the backhoe, use it as long as you can.

You'll definitely want to dig for your septic tank and your drainage system. You'll need to also dig for your electricity and water supply. You'll also want to dig out any trees and stumps in the vicinity of your driveway and lay down lostrate so material trucks can get in and out safely with your supplies. You may also want to get a basic irrigation system going which you can add to later.

Q: Do I need to order materials ahead of time?

A: Though the amount of construction here is increasing rapidly, at this time you still will not need to order ahead of time. We will try to always stay a week ahead of schedule with ordering materials so we don't have any lag on the jobsite.

Q: Is this house wired for lights and a fan in the main room?

A: Price includes two fans in living room, and one in each bedroom.

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OUR CHANGES TO PLANS

Q: Can we change our plans?

A: No problem, just as long as we have solid dimensions for permit fees (based on sq ft) and to figure out our rood lines, etc. Plans are not in stone so you can continue to think and dream about your house until its time to build. So much changes when you see it all laid out on your property. The best way is to have a general plan to follow but to be open to your ideas as they come and to think ahead.

Q: Can we go up with block two courses higher than the plans?

A: No problem.

Q: Can we change a back window to a door? Is this included in the price?

A: Yes, this can be included.

Q: Is there an outside shower and can you add a spicket for feet? Is this included in price?

A: Yes, both are included.

Q: Can you pain the inside walls white?

A: OK, but it might be off white. We recommend lower section to be a darker color or pine trim to avoid mopping stains. No extra charge.

Q: Outside stucco. We will show you the color and we understand it is an approximation.

A: OK. Stucco is offered in about 12 colors, mainly light earth tones. We will match as close as possible unless it is very different we can send a sample.

* Clear glass is included in the price, the cost of darker glass will determine price increase, should be a small amount of money.

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PLAN INFO AND QUESTIONS

Q: How do I get funds to you?

A: We will set up an account for you and give you the number and address so you can deposit money to us directly in our bank in the US. Or two other Costa Rica banks transfer to Banco de Costa Rica / HSBC / BANEX

Q: How will we see the plans?

A: We can email you a set via computer or mail you a set.

Q: What is included with the cost of the plans (taxes, stamps?)

A: This cost includes two printed sets of plans (one for the job and one needed to be stamped), inspections by (unknown) and then all the leg work from getting the plans tamped, etc. by the architect saves us lots of running round, and makes things really smooth. The cost of taxes and stamps are not included as explained above.

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HOW TO START

Q: What do we need to get started?

A: We will need your plano number and passport number for starters. Then we should meet to see your house sketches, placement on your property, and to make sure you have electricity and water to your property corner. This is a necessity for your permit process. You will also need a driveway at this point to get material trucks in safely with your building supplies.

The hardware store will be very unhappy with us if their tires pop on broken stumps coming to your property. We will have an estimate for you when we know where the house is going.

After we have your plans in order we will have a better estimate for you as far as building costs go. At that point we can give you a schedule of draw amounts and dates needed. We start the job with funds from your first payment and then we will send you images via computer for you to see the progress and feel comfortable making payments toward the next stages. That is, unless you are here during the building process.

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