How to Construct Your Home on Land for Sale in Costa Rica
Building a gorgeous custom home where you can live or vacation is the ultimate dream. But going through the building process can be a daunting task if you aren't prepared, especially when dealing with the unique regulations and building restrictions of a place like Costa Rica. Don't let that stop you from building that dream home you've always envisioned! We'll walk you through the building process after buying land for sale in Costa Rica so you can know what to expect and where to find reliable contractors to support your construction.
Building Your New Home
Deciding to buy a property in Nosara is just the first of many choices you'll have to make on this journey. At this point, you'll need to figure out if you want a property with a structure or if you'd like to start from scratch with a new development. Buying a property with a home already in place lets you start enjoying Nosara right away, but constructing a new home will allow you to tailor everything to your desires. If you're leaning toward building a home, let's dive into everything you need to know right now!
Choosing the Right Lot
The land you choose to build on sets the stage for everything to come. That's why you should be careful when selecting land for sale in Costa Rica, especially in a location like Nosara where we have diverse areas and neighborhoods.
When it comes to topography, earthwork will often be necessary for prepping your land for construction. Often times on lower, flat properties it's necessary to raise the land to a certain level to ensure adequate water flow and drainage. It's important that this is done with the correct type of compacted soil to ensure stable ground for your foundation. This should never be achieved using standard topsoil as this does not provide adequate structural support for most construction types. It's also important to consider your neighbors when raising your property. In Costa Rica, it is illegal to shed water into a neighboring property without permission so you must take into account your surrounding roads and natural drainage areas as the primary destination for water mitigation.
It’s helpful to consider the lifestyle you want to live in Costa Rica. If surfing is your main goal, then selecting a property lot closer to the beach is a must. But if you want to soak in the most spectacular views from your new luxury home, a mountain property might suit you better.
Whatever type of property you're looking for in Nosara, our team at Wanderlust Sotheby's International Realty can help you find an unbelievable property for your future home.
Understanding Construction Costs
The next factor to consider when building a house is the cost. It's important to keep in mind that a Nosara property is an important investment and the elements can be harsh on a home. It's crucial to do things right the first time and not cut corners. More often than not, spending a little more upfront can save you thousands down the road. That said, developing affords you significantly more control over your investment as you can dictate exactly what you want.
The average construction cost for a house with standard finishes is around $190/sq ft. This number can vary greatly depending on the level of finishes you prefer. You’ll need to account for other general constructions costs as well, such as:
10.5% Architect fee
1.3% Permit fee
2.5% Insurance fee
A one-time voluntary ASADA impact fee based on the size, occupancy, and pool of your new home in Nosara. The ASADA is a volunteer organization that is responsible for providing public potable water.
Other fixed-fee services you can expect to pay for may include:
Topography Report – An estimated $1000-$2000, based mostly on the size of the lot.
Soil Test – Approximately $1,500.
Some of Our Favorite Local Architects
Finding an architect who understands your vision is essential to executing it. While there's no shortage of great designers in the region, here are some of the architects that we recommend at Wanderlust Sotheby's International Real Estate:
Salagnac — Lucca Spendlingwimmer & Evangelina Quesada
LOOP Design Studio
Studio Saxe — Benjamin Garcia Saxe
Prendas Loria — Donald Loria
VA Studio
AMQ
(https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063996875380)
Gecko Architecture — Olivier Von Der Weid
(https://www.facebook.com/GeckoArchitecture/)
While a quality architecture firm is important for any new build, there are many other construction roles that you’ll need to fill. From electricians and plumbers to foundation contractors and more, there are a lot of moving parts to consider. In most cases, your architect will have a group of contractors that they enjoy working with and you will be able to bid out your project and then select the best fit from that group. Those contractors can wait though; an architect should be the first professional on your list after a real estate agent, like the ones at Wanderlust Sotheby’s International Real Estate.
Making a Nosara House Your Home
Building in Nosara can take a lot of time and effort, so it's no wonder many choose to forgo construction and buy land that already has a home that’s built. While you don't get to have the final say on every aspect of the home, there are still plenty of creative ways to transform a house into a space all your own. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
Paint
A new coat of interior or exterior paint can go a long when you buy a luxury home in Nosara. You can choose new colors that match your personal tastes and gives your new home a fresh look.
Home Decor
A new home is a blank canvas for you to play with and the items you choose to put inside add tremendously to the look and ambiance. You can choose statement furniture pieces and hang personal items like your favorite pieces of artwork and family photos to fully round out your space.
Renovate
Remodeling is a great way to make small changes to an existing home without having to make a large commitment to a new build. You can customize areas of your home while keeping costs lower.
See Land for Sale in Costa Rica with Wanderlust Sotheby's International Realty
It doesn't matter if you plan on building your own custom luxury home or looking to buy a move-in ready structure; our real estate agents at Wanderlust Sotheby's International Real Estate will help you find the right property for your needs. We'll guide you through every step and show you an array of unique luxury properties and lots for sale, so you can feel confident and happy with your new investment.
Contact us today to take the first step toward owning a property in Nosara!