Construction Prices

Pingu · #1 12-26-2005, 04:49 PM

I've been looking at the construction prices advertised on some websites. In areas like Cabrera the prices are around $60-$65 a Square FOOT. Juan Perdomo's prices are $300-$700 per square METER. I think these are basically drastically inflated prices for the expat or whoever they can get into paying. Besides this, on the higher end of the scale, what kind of finishings are included in the higher construction price? Would it include crown moldings, high quality paint, complex roof designs and moldings, lighting???

I'm curious to know because an architect friend of mine put me on to the fact that some builders scheme prices and pocket substantial amounts by "billing" for things that they eventually pocket. I.E. They'll use less cement, They use leftovers from other constructions, etc. My main interest to know is what kind of finishings does the higher end of the spectrum include?

Hillbilly · #2 12-26-2005, 06:03 PM

Reputable builders are now costing out at between RD$15,000 and RD$20,000 a square meter for single family dwellings. I expect things to go up quite a bit in the new year as the "tax reform" goes into effect.

Things like molding, complex roofing structures and marble floors are extra. Houses in the DR come stripped...you have to put in all appliances. Some will come with water heaters installed, but that would be extra...they just do you the "favor' of installing it.

And yes, there are some good construction companies...

HB

Rick Snyder · #3 12-26-2005, 07:07 PM

Pingu,
The first question I have for you is are the prices you're quoting American dollars or Dominican pesos?

The second question is are these prices per floor space? If for squared floor space does this include the area taken up by wall space or not?

Regardless, let's just assume for a moment that you would be happy with a house 10 meters by 14 meters. The price you quoted in plan A would be $60 - $65 per square foot or $ 90,416 - $ 97,951 for the 1506.947399 square feet/ 140 square meters.

Under the price you quoted in plan B, $300 -$700 per square meter would be $ 42,000 - $ 98,000 for the 140 square meters.

I was discussing construction prices on the below link with other board members so you might want to check it out;

builders

If the prices you are quoting are DR$ then the prices are excellent even with the poor construction that usually takes place in this country. If the prices quoted are US$ then you are being taken for a ride.

With the prices Hillbilly quoted you would be paying RD$ 2,100,000 to RD$ 2,800,000 for the finished product.(US$ 65,265 - US$ 87,500).

Read the link I posted above it might be enlightening.

Rick

Pingu · #4 12-26-2005, 09:04 PM

The prices that I quoted are in US Dollars. This is why I find that the advertised prices on websites are usually ATLEAST 40% overpriced to lure an unsuspecting customer. Now, don't for one second think that I've even considered vuilding for these prices, I just wanted to confirm and make sure that I'm not the only one who thinks there's something strange about these astronomical pricings.

So what is an acceptable price for a top of the line construction villa. By that I mean some wooden flooring, marble floors, modern bathrooms, stainless steel appliances, gardening, lighting fixtures, etc... I've been getting quotes between $400-$700 Per sqaure meter. I still think it's a little skecthy.

Rick Snyder · #5 12-26-2005, 10:51 PM

Pingu,
What you are talking about is a house built basically to American specs and for that you will pay a hefty price. In this country of low labor costs and material costs below American prices there is no reason to be charged the prices you are seeing except to say that the only ones in this county that can pay that are the rich Dominicans and forgieners.

I have a nice, not American standards, 2 bedroom, 1 bath with a big laundry room,big kitchen, big living room and a 6' x 10' gallery. I helped build it and it cost me about US$ 5,000 5 years ago.

As I mentioned read the link I posted earlier for what materials cost here as this should give you an idea of how much of your money they are pocketing.

Rick

Danny W · #6 12-27-2005, 07:14 PM

I will be paying approx. $65 per sq. ft. for a house built by 1st. class American standards. I could pay less for the same house and be sorry later, or I could build a smaller Dominican style house for a fraction and be perfectly happy. There is a world of difference between the 2 types of houses, but if you go for the gringo style, the $60 per sq. foot range is what it costs. - D

Pingu · #7 12-27-2005, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny W

I will be paying approx. $65 per sq. ft. for a house built by 1st. class American standards. I could pay less for the same house and be sorry later, or I could build a smaller Dominican style house for a fraction and be perfectly happy. There is a world of difference between the 2 types of houses, but if you go for the gringo style, the $60 per sq. foot range is what it costs. - D

Yeah that's what to wanted to know. Does this price include stainless steel appliances, finishings, etc???

Rick Snyder · #8 12-27-2005, 07:54 PM

Anytime a person wants to charge you by the square meter, yard, foot or what ever you are going to be taken for a ride.

Using the figure of let's say $60 per square foot the cost of material will take up about 23% of that figure. Labor will take up about 30% which leaves you paying the owner 47% which he puts in his pocket.

Rick

Danny W · #9 12-28-2005, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Snyder

Anytime a person wants to charge you by the square meter, yard, foot or what ever you are going to be taken for a ride.

Using the figure of let's say $60 per square foot the cost of material will take up about 23% of that figure. Labor will take up about 30% which leaves you paying the owner 47% which he puts in his pocket.

Rick

Rick - Could you elaborate on those figures? I have a great deal of confidence in my builder, but I'd like to hear more. We are using that figure as a means of making preliminary estimates. After that, we will look for ways to reduce costs - like finding less expensive floor tiles, etc. This figure includes a large swiming pool, a 3500 square foot house with 4 bathrooms, etc.

I am all in favor of saving money. of course, but I am not an experienced builder, and I live in new York, and therefore will not be around to see the day to day goings on. Even if I was, I wouldn't have a clue anyway. I am willing to pay a little more with the expectation of getting top quality. - D

Hillbilly · #10 12-28-2005, 07:22 AM

Danny: Remember the old saw: "While the cat's away.......?"

That is what is going to happen with your house. Believe it or not, you could actually save money renting a little place and watching your house being built.

Rick: You make a good point about costing out the houses. Besides, who needs an "Americanized" house in the DR?? Sort of contradictory?

Anyway, construction here is always an adventure....

Regarding STAINLESS kitchen appliances...allow me to repeat myself. Construction here NEVER includes appliances!! NEVER>>>!!! In many cases it does not even include lighting fixtures beyond a bulb in a ceiling socket!!

HB