Building in Puerto Rico
Last activity 15 December 2023 by Deedee40589
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Good Day,
Thank you in advance for your helpful information. My wife and I are wanting to build our forever retirement home. We have purchased a lot and looking to start the process with an architect/engineer. We interviewed the first engineer over the phone and we thought his prices were high. He quoted us over $38,000 to get started with the plans, plus anywhere from $18,000-$36,000 to inspect the site once a month during construction. Plus permit cost and the cost for a dirt report/inspection. This all seems rather expensive for getting the project started and then comes the construction cost.
Would you be so kind to give us some sort of an idea of cost for a 2100-2300 sq ft home? Possibly a 4 bedroom with 2 bath?
Also are the construction prices the same for unfinished area such as garages and patios?
Thank you.
Rick R
Materials and labor you should expect to be around $400,000-$450,000(depending on finishes). Low end, if you find someone unlicensed who is doing the work themselves you should be around $150/SF finished but I’m sure you’ve heard the horror stories on the island with contractors. Most reputable licensed companies start at $190/SF for standard finishes and $225-$250 for mor custom finishes. Of course everything will depend on your final design.
@Chris1304 my husband and I are looking to have a 3000 sq. Ft. house built in or near rincon. Can you please provide me with any info you have on good trustworthy contractors.
@Chris1304 can you please share the info on any reputable contractors you have. My husband and I are looking to build our home in rincon or close to it. I've heard some horrible things about people getting ripped off and I don't want that to happen to us. Thank you in advance.
@Sharon Shay I'm in the process of building in Aguadilla. Its a very very slow process. Make sure the contractor is licensed and registered with DACO. Do not give a huge down payment break up the payments for each phase. The main problem right now is the lack of workers. Let me know if you want my guys contact. Take care good luck
We are currently building in Cabo Rojo. I ditto what G1977 has to say. It is a VERY slow and tedious process. Be patient but persistent. Our building supply company was very helpful in finding suitable builders for us. Also, you can ask your engineer who they work with. For an example, our payouts for our builder are broken down into 10 or 12 phases. We just started phase 1 this past week. We are two years into the process of finding and hiring a builder, etc.....three years in from when we first bought our lot.
@shapeyoursuccess if you can get your permits and all paperwork approved prior to finding your contractor this will definitely help them speed up the process! Definitely find someone you trust to get the job done, rushing that decision can be disastrous.
worksbyserralles.com
inhouseeverything. Ponce área. Tell them Eusebio sent you. Incredibly professional and detailed.
@William Cameron That is RIDICULOUS! I don't know how to put this nicely, but they may be taking advantage because you are a "foreigner". We are currently getting estimates to build by the beach on the east side of the island and we are at about $150 - $200 per sq ft (ALL IN). And this is with the higher priced construction companies we have spoken to (all registered and licensed through DACO).
Also, not sure if the area of the island makes a difference (you are on the west side), but we are building in a prominent area on the east side.
I am on the east side, Palmas Del Mar.
I know several homes that have been given estimates of $300 and more and I am purchasing a home, the appraiser used $358 per sq fit for his cost basis analysis.
But, good for you.
@diamonds27 can you share who your builder is?
@diamonds27 Hi, can you forward me the builder's information? I"m building soon in Manati. Thanks
@diamonds27 every build is different. It all depends on finishes, construction type, soil type, and layout.
$150 sounds insanely cheap unless you have a very simple build with limited finishes. That price point will likely lead most contractors to run out of money during the project. $180 is more reasonable for most simple builds. I’ve also quoted over $1,000/SF, this project had over $2M in glass alone. So not possible to look at a sf price and say if it’s outrageous or not. The entire scope needs to be looked at.
@William Cameron hey William, $300/SF is extremely reasonable for your build. Your build is not a simple box like most others on the island. Tons of glass and very complex build. If someone’s doing it for $300/SF I would pull the trigger with them. That’s a very fair build price.
@Chris1304 thank you! Do you mind sharing who you used? I’m in a similar situation. I just got a quit and for 2,000 sqf home it’s about $400k. I think that is outrageous.
@G1977 hi! My name is Maggie. I too am looking to build in Aguadilla and would appreciate your contacts info and number if you don't mind. I'm actually flying there this coming weekend for the Holidays. I'm actually looking to build an extension on our family home by adding a 2nd floor. I would greatly appreciate your Resources and contacts as I really need someone reputable. I'm hearing horror stories on Contractors and the process. I do have my own floor plans to start with, but need the Resources needed to get started. Have you began your build yet? Thank you in advance for any info you can kindly provide. Gracias
Maggie V.
@William Cameron We lived in Palmas for 6 months 2020-2021. It is a beautiful area. I could see why the price would be more in Palmas.
Hope everything is working out for you!! We are still on the hunt. Things are VERY slow on the island! LOL
@BoldConstructionPR We should connect. We just purchased another piece of land and now looking to build two homes. The whole process in PR is extremely frustrating. Started speaking to 3 builders and all are now not available due to labor shortages. They are all backed up almost a year. Really difficult to get anything done.
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@Pedro Marrero71 hello we are looking for a builder. can you please share you company/contact info? thanks!
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Hello everyone,
I would like to point out that professionals should not use the forum to promote their own services. They can freely register in the Construction and renovation in Puerto Ricoof the business directory.
Only genuine recommendations from members are allowed on the forum.
Regards
Bhavna
@shapeyoursuccess Hi! We are also going to build in Cabo Rojo and are in the bidding process with builders. We have about 3-5 quotes in process and we are building a pre-fab home. I see that you mention that its taken a few years for you to find a builder. Have you found one yet? Any recommendations? Have you worked with the permitting office there? Any advice is greatly appreciated 😊
@diamonds27 Hi, can you please share the names of the contractors you used/know? I'm building in Maunabo, and it has been a challenge to get workers.
Also, anyone knows of anyone who does stamped concrete? Thanks in advance for any and all information!
@shapeyoursuccess Any updates? We are also building in Cabo Rojo.
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