Costa Rica Dream Home Construction Consulting

A former project owner recently shared this video with me about the architectural design process of the house I built for them between 2019 and 2020, just outside of San Antonio, TX. I have to say, this was one of the most unique projects I’ve worked on, and collaborating with such great project owners made it one of my favourites as well.

Mission Revival Home Story Step into a world where Spanish colonial architecture meets modern luxury. This stunning home by Dibello Architects captures the essence of history while off...

Just dropped this morning: Michael Alan and I chat about what North Americans should consider when building or buying a home in Costa Rica.

How to Buy/Build a House in Costa Rica w/out getting ripped off 'How to Buy/Build a House in Costa Rica w/out getting ripped off' I can't tell you how many people move to Costa Rica and get...

I want to thank a recent home inspection client, Terry Clark, for entrusting me with evaluating his potential home purchase during the due diligence period of his real estate agreement in Costa Rica. I know how busy life can be, especially when navigating real estate in a foreign country. Thank you, Terry, for leaving this review—your feedback is greatly appreciated!

A few months ago, I had the pleasure of speaking at the 2024 Costa Rica Expat Retreat. Here’s the video interview that followed with Michel Allen, the original Costa Rica YouTuber. By the way, I’m definitely not retired! lol

Retired to Costa Rica 3 Years Ago - the baby changed everything Chris and his wife, semi-retired to Costa Rica 3 years ago. Chris is a Construction Consultant, the guy that makes sure...

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐚

Ever since I can remember, I've been captivated by hand tools, heavy equipment, and building things. One of my earliest memories is being with my dad as he upgraded the electrical system in our Ohio ranch style home with new, safer components. I vividly recall pulling tools from his red metal toolbox and handing them to my dad as his assistant and shadow.

Working alongside my dad taught me the importance of using high-quality materials and paying close attention to detail. He'd say, "𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓, 𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔, 𝒂 𝒋𝒐𝒃 𝒊𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒅 𝒖𝒏𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕." Those words have stayed with me and guided me through many life journeys.

In 2009, after graduating from junior college with a Building Science and Industrial Electricity degree, I officially entered the workforce as a young adult. I began my construction career as a custom home builder assistant. Inspired by my boss and mentor, Tony Buff, I decided to further my education in construction and returned to school to study Building Sciences and Construction Management. During this time, I was also drawn to the military to help pay for my further education. I balanced my time between university, fulfilling duties as an Ohio Army National Guardsman, and working as a Custom Home Builders Assistant.

The technical skills I gained in college proved invaluable when I was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011. Overseas, I built and maintained our combat outpost's power generators and electrical distribution system, fully aware that the security and well-being of my fellow soldiers depended on me doing my job. Despite having significant responsibilities for a 23-year-old, I took comfort in my dad's words and applied his principles to my duties, knowing that doing the job right would help keep us safe and aid in our mission.

Though I was initially attracted to the Army for the student loan repayment and scholarship, I soon found that my time in service was a valuable education in itself. The Army instilled core values such as integrity, responsibility, leadership, and problem-solving skills. These values prepared me well for my transition to construction superintendent, a role waiting for me when I arrived home from Afghanistan.

Over the next decade, I advanced my career by learning from multiple home builders and industry mentors. I moved to San Antonio, Texas, and worked directly under two of South Central Texas's most prestigious custom home builders, Dale Sauer and Robert Allison, soaking up their decades of business and construction knowledge.

In 2018, after over a decade of mentorship from three different builders, I ventured into a second career as a real estate investor alongside my wife, Jasmine (Jas). We found guidance as members of a tight-knit real estate investment group, Lifestyles Unlimited. Jas and I sought out, purchased, rehabilitated, and rented single-family homes, realizing success in each project by applying my dad's wisdom to every endeavor.

Despite the COVID slowdowns in 2020, Jas and I were busier than ever. Exhausted and seeking a change, we decided to sell our investment properties and move to Costa Rica to prioritize a better work-life balance. Nine months later, our son Luca was born, and we obtained permanent residency in Costa Rica, which opened the doors for me to return to work.

Stepping away from homebuilding for a year made me realize how much fulfillment and pride construction brings me. So, I decided to start a construction consulting business where I could utilize my knowledge, and I seized every opportunity related to the construction industry, from volunteering at a local school for repairs to conducting inspections for friends building and buying homes and working on my own home with my 2-year-old son and shadow at my side.

Guided by my father's words, which have become my own, I now specialize in Construction Owner Representation, Project Management, and Technical and Compliance Inspections for new and existing homes. I have established a unique niche within the Costa Rican construction industry through my business, 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠. Working directly with local architects, engineers, and builders, I serve Costa Rica's expat community by implementing best business practices, building science, and North American standards for safety, functionality, and quality. I am dedicated to elevating building standards and delivering quality housing that stands the test of time, benefiting communities for future generations.

Christopher Drown
Costa Rica Dream Home Construction Consulting

Recently, I had the pleasure of an impromptu visit from Johnny, the host of "Johnny Knows Costa Rica" on YouTube. He dropped by, set up his camera and mics, and interviewed me about home inspections in Costa Rica. It was a great time and an excellent opportunity to share some insights.

Building Construction Inspection Tips & Tricks IN CR #costarica #travel #build #inspection #health If you need assistance with healthcare, Green Healthcare is here to help. We are dedicated to providing an unparalleled health service experience. Let us tak...

This is an older video of me from Sarah Elena’s YouTube. A fellow expat reminded me of it today, and I thought it would be a good one to share on my page to give others a bit of insight into my services.

-Christopher Drown

Construction in Costa Rica Phase Inspections with Chris Drown Email me at [email protected] to get in touch with Chris for your project!Book also if you're moving and would like to have a free consult to talk about...

𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞: 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞

One of the most common questions I get from folks looking to build a house in Costa Rica is, "𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔, 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝑰 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒂𝒚 𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆?" This question is always challenging to answer because there is no one-size-fits-all response. From the same set of basic plans, you could build a $1,500 per square meter home or a $3,000 per square meter home, with the difference coming down to factors such as location, engineering, construction materials, techniques, and finishes.

The concept of the best value, which balances getting the best possible product for the best price, varies according to each project owner's priorities and goals. Typically, the best value falls somewhere in the middle of a wide price range. However, achieving the best value requires a lot of upfront work during the planning phase. This includes vetting and assembling a construction team that understands your vision and goals and is willing to work as hard as you to achieve those goals, followed by value engineering and revisions during the design phase, and then meticulous oversight of accounting and construction during the build.

Value is not just about the lowest cost but about maximizing the quality and functionality of the home while staying aligned with the project owner's budget.

Send a message to learn more

𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐚: 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬

Building a house on the coast of Costa Rica can be a dream come true for those seeking to live in a tropical paradise surrounded by nature's splendor. However, this dream can become a nightmare of repairs and remediations without careful consideration during the design and construction phases. Costa Rica's unique geography and micro-climate pose challenges that must be addressed during construction to ensure a coastal home's safety, comfort, functionality, and sustainability. Here are some of the best coastal construction practices to incorporate into your Costa Rica Dream Home:

𝟏. 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:

When selecting a site, choose a location above the floodplain with adequate drainage and legal access to water and electricity. Avoid areas designated as protected ecological zones. Before purchasing land, conduct due diligence with a lawyer's assistance. Additionally, consult with local professionals such as coastal engineers, architects, or builders familiar with your area. They can offer valuable insights regarding topography, potential storm surges, and sun movement to inform your decision.

𝟐. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐚 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲:

Assess soil stability to determine the appropriate foundation design before purchasing a lot. If you plan to build on the side of a cliff, conduct a slope stability analysis to assess the risk of landslides during the rainy season.

𝟑. 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞:

Elevate your homes by raising the foundation at least 12" (30 cm) above the natural surrounding grade to safeguard against flooding, storm surges, and water runoff. In flood-prone areas, consider constructing on pilings for additional protection. Additionally, ensure proper land grading away from your foundation and other structural components to mitigate water damage and erosion. To understand the steps and components of constructing a sound foundation for your home, check out my “𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑯𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏” article.

𝟒. 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦:

Install surge protection, waterproof outdoor circuits, and corrosion-resistant components, and consider an off-grid or emergency power backup system. For more information, refer to my article "𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒐 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑬𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑺𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑪𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒂 𝑹𝒊𝒄𝒂".

𝟓. 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦:

To ensure a reliable water supply, install a potable water storage system consisting of properly rated and sized storage tanks. These tanks serve as reserve systems, particularly crucial during water conservation hours in the dry season. Additionally, consider incorporating water filtration systems to guarantee the safety of your drinking water. For further insights, refer to my article "𝑨𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒅 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒐𝒏 𝑪𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒂 𝑹𝒊𝒄𝒂 𝑷𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑭𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒔."

𝟔. 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬:

Employ durable materials like concrete, brick, stone, stainless steel, anti-corrosive coated metals, tempered glass, thermal reflective panels, and coatings to withstand harsh sun, weather conditions, and saltwater corrosion. For more tips on the best building practices to employ in Costa Rica, read my article “11 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝑰 𝑾𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝑰 𝑲𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝑩𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝑯𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒂 𝑹𝒊𝒄𝒂”.

𝟕. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬:

You can support the local economy and reduce transportation costs by utilizing indigenous materials like stone, wood, bamboo, and palm leaves for finishes.

𝟖. 𝐄𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:

Ensure adequate ventilation and facilitate fresh airflow in the home's living, crawl, and attic spaces to prevent mold and mildew growth.

𝟗. 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬:

Use proper insulation, seal all openings and connections between different components and materials to prevent water and insect intrusion, select roofing materials that withstand high winds, harsh sun, and blowing rain, and adhere to manufacturer installation specifications. Refer to my article "𝑪𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑹𝒐𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑪𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒂 𝑹𝒊𝒄𝒂."

𝟏𝟎. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬:

Reduce environmental impact by incorporating renewable energy sources like solar panels, water-saving fixtures, natural building materials & finishes, and passive solar design techniques to reduce energy consumption in Costa Rica's hot and humid climate.

𝟏𝟏. 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬:

Collaborate with experienced local architects, designers, engineers, and builders familiar with the unique challenges of building in your area on the Costa Rican coast. Refer to my article. "𝑪𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒂 𝑹𝒊𝒄𝒂" for the essential vetting in interview questions to ask.

𝟏𝟐. 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞:

Enlist the services of a reputable construction consultant to incorporate North American building standards, oversee accounting, aid in decision-making, ensure compliance with industry and manufacturing standards, perform quality & compliance inspection, and provide you with peace of mind throughout the building process. To learn how an Owner Rep can help your Costa Rica Constion project, read my article: "What is Residental Construction Owner's Representative." To understand what terms should be included in a Construction Contract that will protect your interests, read my “10 𝑬𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑪𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒂 𝑹𝒊𝒄𝒂 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑨𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕” article.

Following these best building practices will ensure your Costa Rica Dream Home is durable, energy-efficient, sustainable, and resilient against coastal elements. If you require assistance with your construction project, please get in touch with me for information about my Costa Rica Dream Home Consulting, Owners Rep & Inspection Services.

Christopher Drown
Costa Rica Dream Home Construction Consulting

𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐚: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐇𝐲𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡

Investing in Costa Rican real estate can provide lucrative opportunities for North American investors, who are often drawn in by the country's thriving tourism industry and tropical climate. What many buyers may not realize, however, is that ensuring the success and sustainability of a short-term rental property or dream home demands careful attention to specific construction specifications and standards. In this article, we delve into the significance and benefits of adhering to North American building standards when developing properties in Costa Rica.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞?

The U.S. has a rich history of evolving building standards and codes, drawing from extensive research, engineering advancements, and lessons from past disasters in diverse landscapes and climates nationwide. These standards are routinely refined and implemented by prestigious professional organizations such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the American Concrete Institute (ACI), and the International Code Council (ICC), which encompasses the International Residential Code (IRC).

With their research recognized globally, these organizations prioritize quality, functionality, and safety in their building guidelines, placing significant emphasis on durability and structural integrity. Such standards are crucial in mitigating risks such as structural, electrical, and plumbing failures and issues like water damage and mold growth— all common concerns in Costa Rica's developing construction industry.

Costa Rica has its own building codes and regulations. While some regulations, particularly those pertaining to safety and structural integrity during seismic activities, are well-developed, adherence to most other building codes can be lax. Additionally, these standards do not usually align with North American investors' quality, functionality, and safety expectations.

For example, residential construction standards for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems in Costa Rica differ from those in the U.S.. Common Costa Rican building hazards include inadequate electrical service size, overloaded electrical circuits, lack of electrical safety devices, nonsensical switch and outlet layouts, inadequate lighting designs, plumbing drainage problems such as foul odors, slow or clogged drains, and water supply issues like insufficient hot water supply, inadequate water volume, and low or over-pressured water line. It's also common for air conditioning units to be improperly sized and installed, leading to condensation leaks, difficulty controlling the home's climate, inefficiency, and high electric bills.

These discrepancies can be attributed to various reasons, the most prominent of which is the need for more skilled labor and knowledgeable oversight. In many cases, laborers are generalists, not skilled tradespeople, and the same crew responsible for tasks like tying rebar and laying blocks also handles plumbing and electrical work. This lack of specialization can lead to inconsistencies and deficiencies in installing electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems and cause safety hazards.

𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐇𝐲𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡

The main goal for the design and construction of these tropical investment properties should be a "hybrid" approach. Project owners should strike a balance between maintaining Costa Rica's charming residential aesthetic and the local construction methods while also incorporating North American standards for quality, safety, and functionality. This win-win approach minimizes the risks to investors of occupancy hazards and accidents in their personal homes and, especially for vacation rentals. Ultimately, this results in properties that offer the comforts and safety of a North American home while seamlessly blending into the local culture, thereby increasing their value and rental rates and maximizing the Return On Investment (ROI).

𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐲𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡:

1. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞: Investors planning to sell their properties in the future will benefit from adhering to North American building standards. Such properties often command higher resale prices due to their perceived quality and potential for higher Net Operating Income (NOI) as short-term rentals. Prospective buyers, especially those from North America, are drawn to properties that meet familiar building codes and standards, which minimizes problems during due diligence and inspections, streamlines negotiations, and maximizes profits for sellers.

2. 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: Compliance with North American building standards can significantly reduce liability risks for property owners. Properties built to these standards, with safety elements integrated into their design and construction, are inherently less risky investments. Properly implemented task lighting, three-way switches, GFCI and outlet placement, water temperature control, anti-slip tiles, handrails, tempered glass, emergency egress systems, smoke detectors, and uniform stairs can prevent the most common hazards and injuries in Costa Rican real estate.

3. 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬: Maintenance-free homes do not exist, especially in tropical environments. Costa Rica is situated in a region where Mother Nature is at her fiercest, and if you fail to construct your property with meticulous adherence to manufacturer installation specifications, she will reign supreme in exploiting any weakness you give her to reclaim her landscape. Instead of enjoying peace of mind as a homeowner, you'll find yourself engaged in a constant battle, tearing down shoddy workmanship and making repairs and modifications.

Implementing a design capable of regular and routine upkeep is essential to staying ahead of the elements and preserving the integrity of your investment amidst nature's forces.

𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐲𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Implementing North American Construction Standards into a Costa Rican construction project requires careful planning and consideration, especially for individuals who are not construction-savvy and may need help to articulate their vision while navigating the differences in building practices. That's why partnering with a qualified construction owner representative, such as Costa Rica Dream Home Construction Consulting, is crucial. With a deep understanding of both construction science and Tico business culture, I can provide the guidance and oversight you need throughout your project.

As your owner's rep, I will assist you in vetting and contracting architects, engineers, designers, and builders committed to meeting your requirements and implementing North American standards. During the design stage, we will collaborate closely to integrate North American design features while supporting your vision. This collaborative approach ensures that all details and specifications are thoroughly addressed early in the design process, leading to a more comprehensive final plan and accurate estimates from builders.

Once construction begins, rigorous quality control measures will be implemented to ensure compliance with Costa Rican and North American standards. This includes regular technical inspections, material testing, and verification of construction methods to maintain quality and safety. Additionally, I will oversee accounting, manage milestone payments, and serve as your primary advisor, ready to address any issues that may arise.

𝐈𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, implementing North American standards is essential for investors developing homes and short-term rental properties in Costa Rica. Whether it's ensuring quality construction, maximizing market appeal, or minimizing liability risks, partnering with Costa Rica Dream Home Construction Consulting offers numerous benefits for investors and project owners, ensuring high quality, functionality, and safety in their Costa Rican dream homes.

𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡! Before you start your project, let's talk. Find out how I can help you make the right decisions for your Costa Rica dream home. Message me about your project needs today.

Christopher Drown
Costa Rica Dream Home Construction Consulting

𝐽𝑜𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 2,400 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒-𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑣𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑦 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 Costa Rica Building, Buying, & Real Estate Development 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑝.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐮𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐚?
Congratulations, paradise awaits you. However, before you sign that contract, here is something you absolutely need to know. Preventing buyer's remorse when purchasing or constructing your Costa Rican dream home requires more than a walk-through with a plug tester; it requires a thorough evaluation tailored to your needs and vision. Those who have grown up or lived in the United States or Canada are accustomed to a particular approach to safety, functionality, and quality in their homes. Sadly, many North American buyers have found out too late that these are different from the standards for building in Costa Rica. These unwelcome surprises often lead to financial strain later on and really dampen the whole paradise thing. That's where my business, Costa Rica Dream Home Construction Consulting, can help.

𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐞: At Costa Rica Dream Home Construction Consulting, I am committed to setting the benchmark for home inspections in Costa Rica. Unlike many in the industry who benefit when the realtor benefits, my dedication is solely to my customers. I provide unbiased and uninfluenced assessments. As a U.S. Army Vet with 18 years of expertise in custom home construction, construction science, and real estate investment, I bring integrity, knowledge and experience to each inspection.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬? My process starts with a complimentary 30-minute consultation, which allows me to understand your unique requirements and vision for your future property. In this consultation, I also review any technical documents you may have. Next, with an agreement in place, I'll do my inspection. I dedicate 6 to 8 hours to thoroughly evaluating each property or construction project and delivering a comprehensive assessment to prevent those shocking post-purchase surprises. In addition to my keen sense of construction, I utilize advanced tools such as thermal imaging and ultrasonic devices, lasers, scopes, meters, and gauges. My meticulous examination ensures accurate insights backed with data, empowering you to make an informed purchasing offer or milestone payments on the property or project. After I complete the inspection, my clients receive a detailed report outlining my findings. My clients then have the opportunity for a one-hour consultation to discuss the report in depth, clarify my findings, and receive my professional opinion.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐨 𝐈 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞? Based in the Central Valley, I proudly serve clients nationwide, extending my services to every corner of Costa Rica.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐬? My inspection services are competitively priced, starting at $600. However, prices vary based on location and project scope.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐨 𝐈 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐭? I do it for many reasons. For one, it's what I do best! Who doesn't love using their expertise? It's also a bonus that in doing so, I get to help buyers, project owners and families like mine. Another reason, not to get too nerdy, is my work lets me be a detective. Conducting pre-purchase home inspections allows me to analyze various construction materials, methods in different applications, environmental exposures, and life cycles. I am constantly learning and growing, and that drives my passion.

𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡! Before you make a decision, let's talk. Find out how I can help you make the right choice for your Costa Rica dream home. Message me about your home and project inspection needs today.

Christopher Drown
Costa Rica Dream Home Construction Consulting

𝐷𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑠 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑎 𝑅𝑖𝑐𝑎 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑒? 𝐽𝑜𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 2,300 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑒 Costa Rica Building, Buying, & Real Estate Development 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑝!

𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐩 (𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲):

To thoroughly evaluate your potential builders, you must follow a structured process that efficiently and effectively narrows your options. To respect everyone's time, when you enter the tender/bidding process, your long list of applicants should be narrowed down to 2 - 4 quality builders that give you a "warm and fuzzy" feeling.

So, how does this process work?

1) When vetting your builder, relying solely on photos of completed work isn't enough; many crucial details can't be discerned from a portfolio alone.

2)Asking insightful questions will not suffice either; even subpar builders can provide convincing answers.

3) Similarly, speaking to references might not give an accurate assessment, as charismatic builders can leave a positive impression despite any underlying flaws in their workmanship and business practices.

These are all essential tasks in the process but are only the first steps before conducting technical site visits.

Visiting with the builder on the job sites is where you will learn the most important information about who this builder is.

It's essential to bring along someone with a trained eye or a third party who can objectively assess the construction process without being swayed by the allure of Costa Rica's scenery or the lustrous finishes of a New Home in a Tropical Paradise. While input from friends, family, and home inspectors is valuable, having a Qualified Owner's Representative with industry expertise spanning design, materials specifications, and best construction and business practices will provide invaluable insights to guide your decision-making process.

Many builders prioritize aesthetics over structural and mechanical integrity, mainly focused on the final stages of construction. To gain a comprehensive understanding, I recommend inspecting at least two projects at different phases of completion. Examining the "Gray Work" reveals the foundational strength of the structural and mechanical systems and long-term viability, while scrutinizing the finishes and their installation details of a Finished Product exposes the builder's stamina and commitment to quality. If numerous imperfections are detected in the completed projects, it may signify deeper underlying issues.

Ultimately, creating a visually appealing home that looks good in its first few years is relatively easy; the true measure of success lies in the competence of your architectural and engineering team, coupled with the integrity of your chosen builder. By prioritizing these factors and committing to regular maintenance, you can ensure that your home stands the test of time and remains beautiful for generations.

Christopher Drown
Costa Rica Dream Home Construction Consulting

𝐽𝑜𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑒 Costa Rica Building, Buying, & Home Improvement 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑝!

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I would like to publicly thank Sheila for entrusting me with her home evaluation during the due diligence period of her purchase agreement in Costa Rica. I understand how busy life can get, especially when going through the real estate acquisition process. Thank you, Sheila, for taking the time to leave me a review. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

Christopher Drown