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Finding a Architect in Costa Rica
You've found the perfect piece of
Costa Rica real estate in
this tropical paradise, and you want to
build on it. You have likely got at least an idea of what you want in your head,
maybe even the drawings,
and now you need an architect to make this dream into a reality.
There are a few different ways to get the process of selecting an architect in
Costa Rica started.
One option is to get a recommendation from a friend or family member who's
already dealt with an architect.
Word of mouth advertising is common and that is how many Costa rican architects
get their clients.
Or, you can get a complete list of all licensed and registered architects in
Costa Rica from the
Federated Association of Engineers and Architects (CFIA, 202-3940,
www.cfia.or.cr)
This is one of the best options, since all architects have to be registered by
the association to
practice in Costa Rica.
If one of your first contacts in Costa Rica is a real estate agent like Karen
Real Estate, you can obtain a list of architects with whom we regularly work.
For a list of architects we work with please email karen@karenrealestate.com or
call us.
Once you have decided on an architect, the next step is negotiating the fees.
The CFIA sets minimum fees for architects' services (see table below), though
some charge more. Then come the blueprints. Getting the drawings and blueprints
will take about 4 months. Once you have those, you need to get all the necessary
permits, which will take at least another 6 weeks. Then you can start the
construction, which will for a 300 square meter house will take at least 11 to
12 months.
If you bring your own drawings from your home country, a challenge can arise for
the architect in translating them.
One of the primary challenges for both you and the architect is speaking the
same language regarding the building plans. Usually foreigners come down here
with a house design that they had an architect back home draw up. However, these
designs need to be adapted and revised when they get here.
The drawing or in this case redrawing, of plans will cost a minimum fee set by
the CFIA of at least 6% of the estimated value of the house. So, if your house
has been valued at $100,000, you should expect to pay at least $6,000 for the
additional drawings.
If you need architects that we work with, please email us at
karen@karenrealestate.com
Minimum Architect Fees
The following architect fee information is set by
the Federated Associations of Engineers and
Architects (CFIA). The percentages shown represent the minimum charged by the
architect based
on the estimated value of the house, which the client negotiates with the
architect. In total,
the fees the client will have to pay to the architect can range from 10.5-18% of
the value of
the house.
Phase 1: Construction Plans and Permits
Preliminary Studies: 0.5%
Pre-project Design: 1-1.5%. The architect meets with client to discuss
construction requirements
Construction Plans and Technical Specifications: 4%, including site plan,
drainage, electrical design
sanitary design, etc.
Budgeting: 0.5% for overall budgeting; 1% for itemized budgeting
Phase 2: Control and Execution
Inspection or Supervision: 3-5%. The
architect will visit the construction site at least once per week to
ensure the design plans are being followed.
Administration: 12%. The architect follows
through with execution of every aspect of the project.