Architectural & Engineering fees and permitting process in Costa Rica

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In order to start a Construction project, take note about this details to be follow:

1. Due diligence for the property - to guarantee your property into national institutions, this is paperwork, environmental approvals, and sometimes topography. It is recommend to have your property updated before start the consulting and construction process. It includes permitting notes to different public institutions (MINAET-AYA-ASADA-CITYHALL-ICE-MOPT-RECOPE-AVIACION CIVIL- POLO TURISTICO PAPAGAYO - ITC-ZONA MARITIMO TERRESTRE- CATASTRO NACIONAL -REGISTRO NACIONAL- OIJ ) and clarify with a short analysis how is your property, setbacks and reg lamentation. Ask for our specific services for your property, we do due diligence and topography as well. Prices must be reviewed with plot plan to quote formally.

2.Water feasibility strategy, if it is from a artisan well or recorded well ( water ministry department concession ), if the infrastructure does already exist next to the property, or has to be done, how many units will feed, if they comes from spring public/private, among other issues. in this case due diligence will allow us to know more about this issues.

3. SETENA strategy and analysis ( building impact for environment institution ), in regards of what are your develops interest, and this is very efficient if due diligence has been done. in this case valuation process has to be develop with specific environmental professionals, projects up 500 m2 or special projects as hotels or where houses, night clubs among others. It starts with D1 and the cost is about $ 2 000.00 ( will depends of land size and location ) and will let us know if PGA or EIA must be done depending the size of the investment. ( another studies and involve hydraulic and geological studies, soil labs, etc...). Payments fee sometimes is 50% starting, 30% once is inn SETENA, and 20% once is approve the D1 study.

This process may last from 2 to 4 months, if all the information about the property and your project idea is very clear, and at least you started the consulting process, below:

4. Consulting process: develop projects, site analysis, construction drawings and permitting process.

CFIA ( architects and engineers board of Costa Rica ) has a specific chart for different services, You can apply partially or total in regards of what your needs are, in the case the project becomes into steps ( cost separately may be higher for sure ), but also, on package by total and minimum of 10..5% fee, which includes:

A. Preliminary studies as site inspection, ground levels analysis, environmental analysis, strategy and paperwork for permitting, analysis reglaments as setbacks and restrictions, 0.5% fee. ( If paperwork has to be done by professionals, SETENA or due diligence, request more information depending the project.)

B. Pre-project ( not a simple sketch in a plain page...) full architectural design, 3D modeling, inside, outside, including outdoor infrastructure. In this case is much better to have this item CLEAR & APPROVED before doing drawings on the next steps, this will avoid misunderstandings and extra cost for redo-engineering. Includes materials list and finishes proposals. 1% fee.

C. Construction drawings, quality and detailed blue prints, electrical and structural design, plumbing and sewage system, windows/doors design and specifications, special equipment included, fences and outdoors labors planned, also soil laboratory, septic develop (treatment plants has different procedure..), and earth movements estimates. 4% fee.

D. Permitting, professional responsibility ( yes..., 5 years guarantee of the designs done by an engineer, architect and mechanics engineer). This includes follow up the process from CFIA to CITY HALL, sometimes printed copies ( signed ) are required cause some institutions does not work yet with Web platform. Includes construction work book and electrical forms. 2% fee.

E. Inspections ( TECHNICAL GUIDING) once you start the construction project, it includes site visits every 15 days maximum, filling construction book and electrical forms. This item will allow you be 100% guarantee the labors are being develop according the construction reg laments, electrical laws and mechanical parameters. 3% fee.

Payment method, complete package is 50% down payment, 20% once -pre project is done and accepted by client, 20% once CFIA stamps drawings, and 10% once city hall stamps drawings. When hire separately the services is 50-50 process.

The Consulting process last about 50 days, and permitting another 50 days, less or more, the important is to know how to do it, and which will be your facilitator for this purposes. Working together as a Project Management process, time and cost may simplify.

contact us and in 24 hours you will have response about your particular case, at jose@artesanocr.net

Kind Regards !!!

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