subject: Factors To Consider In Buying And Building In Costa Rica [print this page] Moving to a foreign country will not be the easiest thing you have done. Renting before buying or
Building is probably one of the smartest things you can do. There are many reasons for this.
Sometimes people come here and buy a piece of property for some time in the future. Others buy and
Then start building.
Before you do either, travel all around the country. What are the advantages and disadvantages of
Each area? Talk to people who live there and ask all the questions you can think of. There are so
many factors to consider both before buying and building. Let's point out a few of them. First is
Location. Consider the issues: Availability of water and what is its source? Are you more of a beach
lover or Costa Rica Mountain Person? For the beach lovers consider the beaches. Are they clean, near a river
and possibly alligators, are their rip tides, can you really swim or are they shallow and sandy, etc.?
Do people complain of no-see-ums. Is there a beach road near your desired property with much road
and truck noise?
If you are interested in mountain property, how are the roads to access this property? Again, is there
water from mountain springs? Is there electricity, internet and phone? How safe is this property; is it
secluded away from others? How accessible is this property in heavy rains? How far do you have to
travel to the nearest store, gas station, car repair place? These are some of the considerations for
location.
Once you have found the best location for your home, hotel, villa or whatever, have bought that piece
of property, created a corporation, now you need to find a builder. I sincerely suggest renting a
villa or house nearby and again talking to those who have had experiences with Costa Rica building. One goodidea might be to find some houses or place you really like, look at the details and then ask that person who did their building, or even ask if they general contracted the building might they consider beingyour general contractor. The general contractor can find locals to do the building or know of a goodbuilder. Get several opinions.
Now it time to start building. Where will you live while you build? Plan to move here and do not
fall for a turnkey operation. You may regret it and it will most likely cost you more. Live nearby in a
rental villa or house and plan to visit the property every day. Keep track of your inventory and
inspect what is done each day. Keep tabs on everything. Your best bet is to build a guest house first
and then live in that while your house is being built. While the guest house is being built live in a
rental that you can safely leave every day. Robberies occur when occupants leave the premises.
Rental in a hotel/villa is ideal. That way others are always around. Rent somewhere where there is a
Locking gate. Dogs are great property watchers as well. While you are watching and inspecting the
Building site on a daily basis is sure someone is guarding the rental property.
