Tom Rosenberger doing an inspection

Construction Standards and those Little Cultural Differences.

Tom Rosenberger - January 2011

Many people ask for advice when obtaining housing in Costa Rica. One of the most frequently asked questions is; "what construction standards can we expect?"

Most foreigners are accustomed to standard building materials and installation methods that are common in the USA, Canada and Europe.

If you have not spent much time in Latin America, you may not initially notice the lack of amenities that you have taken for granted your whole life.

Many times it isn't until after a foreigner has purchased a home in Costa Rica, and had the time to live in it for a while, that they realize the amenities they are missing.

Inspecting a new apartment building in San Jose

Here are some of the amenities that the average foreigner considers basic construction standards for comfortable living that may not be considered standard according to the local culture.

• Hot water from all faucets
• Vented plumbing
• Drains with traps and clean outs
• Sufficient & grounded electrical outlets
• Screens on windows that open
• Shower sprays located above our heads
• Garbage disposals
• 8' minimum ceiling height
• Weather stripping on doors & windows to keep the elements outside
• Countertops that are large enough to work on
• Cabinets finished inside with sufficient storage
• Ample closets with cleanable surfaces
• Insulation in walls, ceilings and attics
• Contiguous roofing, fascias & soffits that prevent moisture infiltration

If you've discovered other cultural differences during your pursuit of acquiring housing in Costa Rica, please leave your comments below so we can help each other to better understand and anticipate the challenges.

Costa Rica Homebuilder Tom Rosenberger

Written by Tom Rosenberger of CostaRicaHomebuilder.com With more than 25 years of homebuilding experience, 15 of which have been in Costa Rica, construction consultant Tom Rosenberger knows the ins and outs of building and remodeling a home in the Central Valley area of Costa Rica.