Building a home is a substantial investment, which is why it is very important to find a good home builder that will guarantee the final result will be exactly what you expected.

If you bought land within a residential project, the developers usually already have a selected builder which is great considering that they have already done all the hard work of going over their profile, experience, etc. Yet, it is still worth to get the information from the developer and do your own research.

If, on the contrary, you are handling the construction process yourself, you will need to make sure to find a company that can guarantee the high standards you need, the process of finding a good home builder in Costa Rica involves time and care, a reputable architect or civil engineer in the country can help you in this process, your real estate agent is usually a good source  since they are commonly visiting various projects . You can also get information from the Costa Rica Construction Chamber.

Here are some additional tips that should help you find a good home builder in Costa Rica:

1) Make a list of companies that have been recommended or you have come across while doing your research, don’t make it too long, choose between 3 and 5 in total. Call to request a meeting, but try to visit their offices or current projects, this will give you a better idea what kind of company you are dealing with.

2) Make a short list of basic questions you need to ask, which should include: Experience, credentials, portfolio, materials they prefer using,providers and of course warranty.

3) Get a quote and a timeframe; make sure they get you a vert detailed quote broken down by stage.

4) Once the company has provided information on credentials and experience look into the projects they’ve mentioned.

5) Get the names and credentials on the professionals that will be in charge of each part of the project, including electrical wiring and plumbing, more often than you would think builders have someone not qualified doing this work to save money.

6) Depending on the area you are building get information on costs of transportation for the materials.

7) Find out if they are following the country’s seismic code recommendations, the same goes if you are building in an area prompt to landslides. If you are building close to the ocean ask for recommendations on materials.

8) If a builder’s quote seems too good to be true in comparison to the rest you’ve received, proceed with caution. The same goes for very high quotes, higher doesn’t necessarily mean better.

In Costa Rica it is not uncommon for a company to give you a quote and then make changes, or even claim something wasn’t included along the way, so be very very clear about what you want and go over the quote with your architect and the builder, clarify the costs.

When you ask about the experience they have make sure they give you examples of previous projects in the same area you are building, and houses similar to what you are looking to build.

Ask if their workers have the necessary working permits and are properly registered and insured; perhaps you think this is not your problem, but if anything where to happen to a worker while your house is being built (work accident or injury), it will give you peace of mind knowing the company has everything in order.

Finally, revise the contract with your lawyer before signing and make sure it includes the quote, time frame, and the information on the warranty.