Do’s and Don’ts Of International New Construction

[Robert Damato]

Ladies, Gentleman..

I am looking into building a vacation rental in Costa Rica, (4 bedroom house with detached ADU) anyone have experience in international new construction?

I am in a unique position with my minutes for money job to be able to be gone during the winter months, therefore be on site.

5 do’s 5 don’ts... or just advice... shoot!

Much appreciated! 

[Bruce Lynn]

1.  Never pay up front.  Pay for completed work, no matter what anyone tells you, no matter the story, no matter the circumstances, no matter how good the story.   Money often disappears anywhere and everywhere when you pay up front....every country....but probably worse if you are the outsider, don't speak the language, don't know the laws, don't know the systems, don't know the people.   I don't care if you have to pay by the day or by the week.  Pay for completed work.

2.  Building anywhere is always a headache....any reason you would't buy a completed project?

3.  Have the contract for the build job reviewed and approved by local attorney.  Be as detailed as you can.  Timeframes, quality, provision for rework, warranty, is the person you're hiring doing all the work, or are they subcontracting work, who and how are subcontractors paid, releases for finished work and payment.

4.  Who's buying paying storing provisioning the materials?