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By law, all applications for construction permits in Costa Rica must be filed by an architect or civil
engineer who is a member of the Costa Rican Association of Engineers
and Architects. These experts will review your plans to ensure the
building meets seismic, electrical and other regulations standards,
it is therefore advisable to contact a reputable, license architect
or civil engineer to guide you through the construction process. A
word of advice, we highly recommend to work with a bilingual
architect or civil engineer or have your agent/interpreter with you
at all meetings of construction projects.
Here are the minimum rates charged by members
of the Costa Rican Association of Engineers and Architects:
The involvement of a license architect or civil engineer in a construction project is
divided in two phases A-Construction plan and permits. B- Control
and execution.
Construction Plan and Permits:
1- Preliminary study of construction plans and
permits,: 0.5 percent of project cost. These studies may or may not be
required, depending on the project.2- Pre-project design: 1
percent to 1.5 percent of the price of the project cost. The
architect or engineer and client will meet to discuss construction
details and requirements. 3- Construction plans and
technical specifications: 4:0 percent of project cost. Once the
client and architect or civil engineer agreed with the lay out and
design of the property, then the plans are drawn. In Costa Rica a
complete set of plan include a site plan, distribution plan,
elevation, transversal and longitude perspective, roof design,
drainage, mechanical and sanitary system design, design of footings
and support beams, structural plans, electrical design, , interior
finishing and construction.4- Budgeting: 0.5 percent for global
budgeting, 1.0 percent for itemized budgeting. He or she will provide you with a list of
materials necessary for the project, and will prepare a construction
budget.
Control and Execution
Construction and project supervision.
The regulation authorize three kinds of supervision:1- Inspection: 3.0 percent of total
construction cost. The engineer or architect visits the site weekly
to inspect and make sure that the plan is being followed by the
general contractor, they verify and informs you of the quality
of materials being used, and checks the invoices submitted by the
general contractor. 2- Supervision: 5.0 percent of total
construction
cost. Engineer or architect visits the site daily and is more
directly involved with the construction.
3- Management and
Administration: 12 percent of total construction cost. The architect
or engineer is complete responsible for the execution and completion
of the project.
Before you sign any of this contracts, be sure to have a thoroughly understanding of its
contents, (i.e. fee structure, what is included in the fee, architect
or civil engineer responsibilities, etc.)
Building Permit
You must get a construction permit to build a house of more than
70 sq./m. (750 sq./ft.)
The permits are file at the Permit Reception Office. The plans will be review studied by
representatives from the Roads and Transportation Department, Housing
and Urban Development Department, Electricity Department, Water
Department, National Electrical Services, Costa Rican Architect and
Engineer Association, the Health Department and the local
municipality where the property is located.
You will need the following:
1. Four copies of the construction plans
2. Four copies of the property cadastre plan (plano catastrado)
3. Two copies of the property deeds
4. One copy of the architect or engineer's consulting contract (Contrato
de Consultoria)
5. Approval from the water department regarding availability of water
6. One copy of your electrical design plan approved by SNE.
You will also need a construction permit from the municipality where
your property is located. Each municipality creates and enforces
building codes for construction project in its area.
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