Building a house is an ambitious project, in Uvita and Dominical, there are certain unique considerations to consider. For that reason, today we want to delve into the steps to follow to build the house of your dreams in the South Pacific of Costa Rica.
Steps to build a house in Uvita
- Land Purchase and Verification of Basic Services
Before buying land, it is essential to:
- Research the property: Before making any transaction, make sure to verify the legal status of the land and that it is free of encumbrances.
- Availability of water and electricity: Not all land in Uvita has easy access to basic services. Make sure that the land has availability for these services or investigate alternative solutions, such as wells or solar panels.
- Environmental Permits
Uvita, being in a region rich in biodiversity, has strict regulations. Before moving land or cutting down trees, you need to:
- Conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment: You will need to hire an expert to conduct this study.
- Obtain logging permits: If it is necessary to cut down trees, you will need to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) or the relevant local entity like Municipalidad de Osa.
- Preliminary project
The pre-project phase is essential to give shape and direction to your vision. During this step it is important to take the following actions:
- Design with an architect: Collaborate with a local architect who understands the climate and culture of Uvita.
- Paperwork: Familiarize yourself with local and national requirements for home construction. In Costa Rica, it can be a complex process and you may require expert advice.
- Budgeting: Consider not only direct construction costs, but also permit fees, architects’ fees, and contingencies.
- Construction permits: Once you have the design and budget, apply for the necessary permits to begin construction.
- Execution of the Construction Project
With everything in place, the construction phase begins. Be sure to hire contractors and workers with experience and proven references, and stay involved in the process, overseeing the work, and ensuring that plans and budgets are followed.
And, once construction is complete, perform a final thorough review of the property to verify that everything is according to plan and has been executed with quality.
Advice for the application for construction permits in Uvita
Now, as you may have noticed, building in Uvita is not easy. That’s why at Brav we not only sell the most beautiful and best-located properties in the area, but we also offer personalized advice to facilitate the construction process.
Currently, there are many complexities in obtaining permits, due to environmental regulations, the proximity to the sea, or the limited availability of drinking water, among other reasons.
We accompany our clients through the whole process, from the paperwork to the approvals from public institutions and local government. Contact us if you need advice or information about our available properties. Once you discover Brav, you won’t want to build anywhere else.
