land for sale in costa rica - finca las brisas construction process and costs                                

Construction Process 

1. Review with the architect you are using the construction specifications, material list and sustainability requirements provided by FLB. 

2. Have preliminary drawings (perspective and floor plan) drawn up for villa along with building materials list and color palette  selection for submission to FLB architectural review board for approval. 

3. Once FLB approves preliminary drawings, finalized architectural renderings should be completed and then again submitted to FLB for final approval.  Also at this time, lot owner should make connection to adjacent FLB water and power lines so as to bring utilities to building location.  Power and water on site are required for building permits. 

4. A Costa Rican certified architect then submits plans to the Costa Rican Architecural College (Collegio Architecto) for approvals. 

5. Once approved by Collegio Architecto then plans get submitted to the Municipality of Nicoya for final approval and release of building permits. 

Costs:  

1. Architects typically charge a 10% fee as a percent of total construction costs.  So for example if you are building a villa that will cost $100,000, they will charge a fee of $10,000.  This fee includes all designs, submissions and ongoing, regular inspections on a monthly basis for ensuring the construction portion of the project is following the proper building codes, plan specifications, appearance, and quality desired by the architect.  

2. Building permits and approvals from Collegio Architecto and the municipality of Nicoya - total cost: (Not finalized, posted soon)

Timing:  

The process of submitting to the Collegio Architecto and then the Municipality of Nicoya should take approximately three months until a building permit is issued for construction to begin.  FLB requires that construction take place between the months of April and August so as to minimize disruption during the high visitation season of November through March.  September and October the rains are too heavy for any significant construction projects to be realistic.

Selection of Architects and Contractors: 

FLB will have several architects they can recommend, but any architect can be used, provided they adhere to FLB's architectural guidelines. 

Construction can be performed by FLB's own crews, or lot owners are welcome to utilize their own builder provided that the builder follows the guidelines set forth in the architectural and construction specifications provided by FLB (currently being finalized).

IMPORTANT:  More details concerning the building material list, construction process and other requirements concerning construction are contained in the FLB Landowner's Agreement.

Please contact FLB to request a copy if you are interested in the details.