Building In Costa Rica, cont.

The building of my house has gone faster than I ever could have imagined. First of all, I sold new home builds for nine years. I watched and worked with a lot of really good builders. Not one could have done what this group of men have done so brilliantly and in such a short time. When I was originally told 4 months to build my house I knew from experience in the business that was not going to happen. Well, it appears I am being proven wrong.

My builder, Leonardo Quiros, and his workmen started my house the end of June. It is now September 2 and they are laying my floors! Everything is done by manual labor. They bent rebar to make the strong braces to pour the cement through to form my foundation. Hand dug all trenches and borders including septic tanks. Not to mention, not one time have I been out there that not everyone was working. No one just stands around, and all with a smile on their face. They are genuinely happy to be working.

The differences from building in the states and building in Costa Rica is the order in which they do things. The block walls went up before there was a slab floor. Just dirt. They ran the electricity and plumbing on the ground through PVC pipes and chipped into the block to place plugs and switches. After everything was in place they then poured the concrete for the flooring. I still do not have windows or doors, but they started putting the tile floors down today and will begin to paint this week. The windows and doors will be installed in approximately two weeks. Everything they have done has been to perfection.

I did not expect to be at this point in the build this soon, so I have not made final decisions on tiles, sinks and faucets. In this country if you find something you like you need to buy it then. Even in the big box stores they have it today and gone tomorrow. Last week I had to go into high gear when Leo told me they would be laying my tiles in the next two weeks. Luckily, I had already chosen and purchased my porcelain tile floors.

This past weekend my builder told me I will be moving into my new house in November. He expects to finish the end of October. I believe him!

They have done so much in just a little over two months that it is easier for me to post photos rather than to try to describe it step by step. All I can say is AMAZING!!!!

Pura Vida!

Paradise Is Not Always Paradise

I thought I would take a break from my building blogs to comment on a couple of not so pleasant things.

First of all, signing up for, paying bills for phone, electricity and internet at ICE is a "career." When you go there you need to allow for at the very least one hour. Sometimes longer. The system is so slow and inefficient. First of all the doors are locked and a guard lets you in and waves a detection wand around you. Next you sit in a long line of chairs. It's like musical chairs. One person gets up and goes to the desk where the one and only person checking through the 15-30 people is seated. The people move down starting with the chair the man was in to be next in line. Next, if you are only paying your bills you may pay there and leave. If you are needing to do any further business he then gives you a number, and you get into another row of chairs and wait for your number to be called. There are never more then three people in that area to help you. When one or two go on break, which of course they have to do, you just wait. Have I mentioned you need patience to live in this country?

FIRST LINE OF CHAIRS

SECOND WAITING AREA AND AS YOU CAN SEE 2 PEOPLE ARE ON BREAK, SO YOU HAVE ONE PERSON FOR ALL THE PEOPLE

The second thing is the government, starting July 1st, placed a 13% tax on services. I was told they were going to tax the food you buy at the grocery store also, but I did not think that would be right since it is a service tax. Well, I was wrong. I did a weeks worth of shopping today. My bill was 46,344.22 colones ($80.82) They added the 13% running my bill up 4,261. more colones ( $7.43) tax on food!!!! It's a lot for me to pay extra just because some past President and his cronies were career thieves. Of course, now the people of the country have to come up with it. I do not know how many of the population will be able to deal with an increase like this in their food bills. They simply do not have it. This is not a wealthy nation.

This tax is also on all services now. So, when my windows on my house are installed, cabinet installed, etc. I will be charged 13% for that service. This is going to cause me to have to cut back on some of the things I wanted to do in my home. Which at the same time takes the money I would have spent out of the pockets of those that would have made the money. I also believe this is going to stop a lot of growth in Costa Rica. 13% is not just a large percentage it is a huge jump from zero to 13% on food.

With all this said, I am still of the Pura Vida belief...

Pura Vida!

So It Begins

Building a house in Costa Rica has thrown me a curve. It is so completely different from building in the US. I sold new home builds for large builders for nine years. I watched them go from dirt to complete, and there is nothing in this that resembles that. Nothing!

First of all, I chose to build my home with the cement blocks. I had never experienced an earthquake until four months after I moved here. It scared me to death. So, needless to say, I want a home that is the strongest possible to stand up to future earthquakes. With the materials and design my builder is using my home can stand up to a 9.0 earthquake with little to no damage. It takes more time to build with blocks than with some of the other systems, but I am more than willing to wait.

The most amazing thing to me right off the bat was the fact that the workers were digging by hand and literally bending rebar with a vise to create the rebar structures to hold cement in place. This makes all the walls sturdy and strong.

The workers had to first dig two feet deep into the ground to put the rebar system and pour concrete into the trench with the rebar. This is the first step in a strong foundation to keep my house standing and in place during earthquakes. All done manually.

HAND BENDING REBAR WITH VISE

HAND TYING THE REBAR

THIS ENTIRE SYSTEM WAS HAND DONE! AFTER BENDING THE REBAR THEY THEN HAND TIED THE BENT REBAR TO THE LONG REBAR POLES.

ALL THE 2 FOOT TRENCHES WERE DUG USING A SHOVEL AND PICK!

Once the rebar was in the trenches the builder, using a small cement mixer and the rocks and sand they have on my property, made the cement to pour over the system. They used a wheel barrel to get the cement out of the mixture, walk it over and dump it into the trench. This was done over and over until all the trenches were filled. The next step was to place tall rebar poles into those cemented trenches where they will start lowering the cement block. This required a tall ladder. One man had to place the block over the nine foot rebar and another to lower it. They continued this several weeks getting all the block in place to create the house.

DUMPING THE CEMENT INTO THE TRENCHES USING A WHEEL BARREL

All the walls are now up and they are beginning to put the crown at the top. They put on another layer of the rebar system they build, pour in cement, and it is held in place with wood. Once the cement has set they remove the wood. This is to further strengthen the walls. From two feet under the ground to the top of the walls.

THIS IS TAKEN FROM THE FRONT SIDE OF THE HOUSE

THIS IS THE BACK SIDE OF THE HOUSE. ALL THE OPEN SPACES WILL BE CEILING TO FLOOR GLASS LOOKING AT THE VIEWS.

CROWN GOING ON THE TOP OF THE WALLS

Roof comes next!

Pura Vida!

Permission To Build In Costa Rica

After acquiring my land it was time to start the process of all the permissions I would need to build a house on it. First thing was finding a wonderful architect to help me design my home, and help me the entire way through the legal process. I found Laura Porras Chavez. She had been the architect on several of my friends homes. I cannot even begin to tell you how helpful she has been to me. I would be completely lost without her. First of all she speaks English and has been able to go with me to all government offices and translate. She has literally held me by the hand throughout this process.

I will say there have been a few times I went by myself. When I walked out successful I felt like high fiving everyone I passed. Little me in a foreign country completing legal transactions on my own!

I am going to nutshell the process. If you are thinking seriously of building you can always contact me with specific questions.

The first thing required before she could submit my blueprints for the building permit with the city government was to take them to the Federal College of Architecture (C.F.I.A.). They go over all the floor plan, electrical, plumbing, structural, stand up to a 9.0 earthquake etc to make sure it is legal to the standards of Costa Rica. This was at a cost of $250.00. Once we had this we had to take the approved blueprints to the city for a permit along with proof of insurance called, INS. It is a comprehensive coverage which cost $800.00. We also had to have a letter from the water provider and electric provider stating they would allow it. Some areas are over burdened, and there is no building allowed because of a lack of water. At the same time I had to have the city assess what the annual taxes would be. The cost of this service is figured at 1% of what their estimate of the building cost will be which they charged $700.00. My annual taxes on my home will be around $230.00 a year! Not a mistype.....After a four week wait I received my permit to build!

In the meantime I interview three different builders and got their prices to build. I chose Luis Carlos. He was the original builder I wanted to use, so I was very pleased when his bid came in. He was the builder on most of my friends homes, and they are beautiful. After I went to the water company and electric company and paid my deposits we were off to the races!

First thing was to get the lot ready. I will only build my home with all the rooms possible to face the views. With the rectangular shape of my lot it means building my home with the side to the street. My lot is not extremely deep because much of it goes downhill and uphill. They had to bring in a backhoe and dig out part of the hill to give me more space. One of the most exciting days of my life. I've never built a new home for myself, so this was huge!

Building 101 next blog.

Pura Vida!

Buying Property In Costa Rica...Continued

After several months of looking at properties that made me want to swoon because of the views I continued to find problems with availability of water, electric or price. I had actually looked around for about 6 months before this just seeing what might be out there, but really just dreaming. I had my area pinned down to where I absolutely wanted to be, but was having a hard time. Then one day I took my friend, George Lundquest, and my architect, Laura, to look at a property. When it was determined it was not going to work George mentioned a property in Galavista in Grifo Alto. I had friends that all lived there, which was why I was looking in the area in the first place, but never imagined I could afford a lot up there. The developer was wanting to sell it to get money to do some improvements to the area. I stepped foot on the lot, looked back at George, and asked him again how much the lot was and just simply said, "SOLD!"

Believe me when I say I bought this lot on faith that it really did have the view George and Laura told me it had. It was overcast that day and every day I went up there until I purchased it. They told me it had a lovely view of the Bay of Nacoya and the mountains on the three sides of the lot. I could see the mountains, which I was thrilled about, but just had my fingers crossed I'd have a peek of the bay. Mind you, I took George's word since I met him when I was 17 years old. He worked for my father at Haggar Slacks Company, and they remain friends to this day.

I actually still have not seen the view in person. They needed to finish the cement road going to my lot, and I just had not been going up there because of everything else I needed to do like actually purchase it, find a builder, work with my architect on the style and layout I wanted for my home, etc. Then one day my friend, Kristi, who lives right down the street from my lot walked down and took this picture of my view. It was still a little cloudy, but wowzers! The bright shiny part just above the mountain all the way to the horizon is the bay.

Normally, in Costa Rica, the seller pays for the contract. But in this case, he gave me a much reduced price, I was to handle the extra costs. My attorney, Gerardo Madrigal Acuna, drew up the contract in the name of my new corporation. And yes, I had to wait several weeks for my corporation to be registered before we could do the contract. From there it was easy sailing. We got the contract, all the legal descriptions and papers from the county, the Uso de Suelo, and my money cleared the transfer into my Costa Rica bank account with no problems. That alone was a miracle. We met the seller at the bank in San Jose and closed the deal.

From that point it has not been so easy. Everything is done on Tico time. Not a slam to Tico time. Things are just so laid back in the country, and tomorrow usually means yes, some day.

I will continue the trials and tribulations on the new money transfer laws and other fun things in my next blog. It's really not all bad. Things always work out in the end. It's just getting there sometimes.

Pura Vida!

Buying Property In Costa Rica

After living in the United States and knowing how to buy and sell property there who would have thought just a few countries south it could be so different. The only thing in common would be what pleases your eyes as the buyer, and don't get too pleased too fast!

I sold my darling Victorian home in Greenville, Texas in February. I came back to Costa Rica with money burning a hole in my pocket excited to purchase either an existing home or land. When I moved here I had a vision of exactly what I wanted. I wanted at least an acre with plenty of trees for privacy, maybe some water and a majestic view. After looking at all kinds of properties I had to come back down to earth and face the facts. What I wanted and what I could afford did not match up.

Next I started having friends tell me horror stories of people buying property here without doing their due diligence. I did not even imagine you needed due diligence past being offered the property and paying for it. That was actually when I first moved here. I quickly learned not to do anything here without the advice of friends and a local attorney.

In Costa Rica very few properties are listed on the few websites for the area. Each of the 3-4 sites would have not more than 8-10 properties and the same properties on each of the sites. The thing I found the most helpful were the Ticos I have met and become friends with. It's like small town USA in the 40s and 50s. The neighbors know where the properties are that are for sale. Not to mention, I went with my friend, Luis, and he just started knocking on doors around where I wanted to look and started asking. Without his Spanish I could have never done that.

I was finally locating some properties I was interested in, and it was time to get my corporation. In this country it is recommended that you put your home in a corporation you own rather than in your personal name. It makes it easier for inheritance, and if for some reason you get sued they cannot go after a corporation. I hired, Gerardo Madrigal Acuna, as my attorney. He was wonderful. He speaks Spanish, but his wife, Yorleny, can speak English. She was present for all meetings, so everything was made clear. The type of corporation I decided on is called a Sociedad Civil Corporation. It is for one piece of property and is not taxable. There are other types of corporations, but those are larger to enable you to add a business or other properties. This was far more than I needed.

The first thing I learned before purchasing a property was to get what is called an Uso de Suelo. This legal document tells you exactly who owns the property and if you will be allowed to build a home on it. You would think if it said you can build a home on it then you would have electricity and water. Not true. This is not the city or the United States. You have to check with the company or community (Asada) that supplies the water and find out if they will allow you to have any. Not to mention, Puriscal and Barbacoas are not allowing any new builds that require water because the demand is too much for the available supply.

I found a beautiful piece of property. The views were beyond majestic! When I checked with the Asada I found out that the nearest water to me was the last house before the many pastures going up hill from it. In order to get water from that distance the asada would have to supply a new pump to get it up the hill. The Asada did not have the money. I could pay for one myself if I wanted to. Then because it was so uphill once the pump got it there the flow would be very weak going into the house. That would call for another pump. Due diligence!

ICE (pronounced e-say) controls all the electricity in Costa Rica. I have friends that started their house over two years ago. It has been finished for 8 months. They still do not have the electric poles to their property. The moral of this lesson and others I heard of was do not purchase property unless the electricity is already there or on the street next door!

The knowledge of water supply and electricity narrowed down my choice and areas I would continue to look at.

Next blog I will continue my journey with you....

VIEW FROM THE PROPERTY I COULD NOT GET THE WATER TO

Pura Vida

Christmas in Costa Rica

December was a very busy month. Unfortunately, at the same time I had to learn to live without my laptop. The repair people here had to order the part from the States. I tried to get on my blog from my phone, but it would not let me in from there. Lesson learned. If you move outside the US and want to stay in touch with all your amigos and needs I am of the opinion you need either a tablet or spare computer. The ability to repair your electronics is here, but the supplies have to be ordered.

I flew in from my visit to Texas on Nov. 30th, and the first Christmas party here was Dec. 1st. Believe me when I say you do not have to worry about moving to Costa Rica without your friends. I cannot remember a Christmas season ever with this many parties and events to attend. There was my first CR high school graduation, Chichirones Festival with Christmas music as the theme, three birthday parties with one being a quinceanera, four Christmas parties and a New Year's Eve party.

The high school graduation here in Costa Rica is very different. Students here only go to school for 11 years not 12 like in the US. They do not graduate by alphabetical order. It was pretty random. They have entertainment! They had singers singing popular pop songs from the US sung in English, belly dancers that performed two numbers and at the end a really great mariachi band played. It was fun but took two hours with a small class. Two of my favorite Tico teens graduated.

Then there were all the parties.

Because I had to go home in November to take care of my house I was not able to turn around and go right back for Christmas. My sweet neighbors and family here in Costa Rica invited me to spend Christmas with them and their family. It was wonderful. They are so much like my family. They love each other, never argue over anything and laugh and laugh. They are just pure joy as are most of the Tico people. When they say "pura vida" they mean it. It is a way of life here.

I did make my homemade eight dozen chocolate chip cookies to give as gifts to my neighbors. I also made my annual Christmas photo with my dogs Gigi and Arianna, but was unable to post my Christmas wish for all of you this year. I hope everyone enjoyed a very blessed Christmas. Now to see what 2019 brings!

Pura Vida!