[Rita]

We agree totally about the do-it-yourself method, especially since we are not even close to being fluent Spanish speakers. We have a general contractor,and labor contractor. Our lawyer assured us that the contract written for us is a mirror of the one for her recent construction. The only problem was that we did not know that she and now we are responsible for the workers comp and social security. Now that we know that is how it is often done here, which is different from the way it is done in NY, we just need to adjust. Our biggest surprises in our experiences in Costa Rica are just the differences in laws and practices but we’ll adjust. It’s a different system and that’s part of the reason we’re relocating. Thanks for the words of wisdom.
Rita

[Rita]

David:
Thanks so much for the info. What you say makes sense. I hope we can find a way to get in touch with everyone who has given us valuable tips and information like this so everyone can come to our house warming. We can’t wait to become part of the community even if we are way up in Tilaran.
Thanks again,
Rita

[Rita]

Great information about workers’ comp insurance but was that $1800 for 23 houses that Stan was building and $1800 for 1 house that David built? Big difference!!
The question about property owners’ liability insurance is still outstanding. I hear construction insurance isn’t available but can we get some sort of policy to cover liability for anyone other than the workers? Obviously there will be others all over our land. Thanks again, Rita

[Rita]

Thank you, all. I’ll talk to them.

[Rita]

Stan:
Are you saying that the builder is responsible to pay the workers’ comp and he might be trying to get us to pay it instead of him? We assumed that INS was like construction liability insurance which we the owners should have in case someone gets hurt. Do we not understand the system? Leo is a wonderful architect and he designed our house but it was too expensive to bring him and his builders to the Tilaran area. We are now using local people and just want to be sure we’re checking the checker.
Thanks,
Rita

Edited on Jan 06, 2008 17:24

[Rita]

Hi Everyone:
We called Banco Nacional and they showed us where to find the online screen to add someone to our favorites. It’s in the CUENTAS dropdown menu, then click on INGRESAR A FAVORITOS and add the account you want to add to your favorites. Once you’ve added the information, you can go back to the other screen and the new account should be in your favorites. Please let me know if this works out for you.
Rita

[Rita]

Jcomp:
My daughter and her Tico mother-in-law met with Luis in January and we really liked him then we weren’t able to get hold of him after March. Did he move, is there a different number? We’re back in the area next week and really want to reach him or his brothers. Can you help?
Thanks, Rita

[Rita]

apexit
From those of us who are financial neaderthals, could you please spell that out with more detail? We’re getting ready to build in CR but are still in the US. Are you saying take out a mortgage from a US bank or a CR bank and use our CR property as collateral? Then what type of account do we use to invest the mortgage money? Banks aren’t giving much lately (as far as I know) so please help me understand this.
Thanks,
Rita

[Rita]

Where does Leo live, we’d like to talk to him about the Tilaran area?
Rita

[Rita]

Ruth:
We really like Jim and Renee and they were going to get hold of Minor to see if he’d be interested but they’ve been too busy, I guess. Anyway, how can I reach the people who built the B&B in Tronadora, that’s pretty close to us?
Thanks for the leads, we need all we can get. Contractors are so busy.
Rita

[Rita]

Everything sounds very sensible. Does anyone have experience or know architects or builders in the Tilaran area? We’re hoping to build a modest home this season or next and want to start talking to people.

[Rita]

Thanks for the info, we’ll consult with an attorney.

[Rita]

We’ve heard wild ranges of prices for building pools. One contractor was considering it another section of the house and put a cost on it at the same rate. What kind of experiences do you all have?

[Rita]

You just bought a lot in San Luis? We will be building just off the Tilaran-Arenal road overlooking the bay at Buena Vista. When do you plan to build and, if I may be so bold, are you retirees? We are from upstate New York on Lake Ontario, my husband retires in May and I’ll continue to work for about 3 more years. Then we hope to be in Tilaran long enough to apply to pensionado status. Howdy, neighbor!

[Rita]

We are also planning to build and move to Costa Rica in the next year or two and the directory everyone already recommended would be great. As I go through the various message boards, I’ve concluded that Costa Rica changes its laws quite frequently. A summary of the most recent laws, like immigration, building, squatters, traffic, etc. would be helpful. Finally, for those who would be comfortable, a list of expat recreation clubs and meeting places would be wonderful so us new comers could find those already established in the community.

[Author]

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