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!