building costs

[besagnota]

Hi,

Have been to Puerto Plata a couple of times and am seriously thinking of taking the plunge. Have found land but how much is it going to cost to build? I know it's a bit like "how long's a piece of string?" but what should I be looking to pay to build a four-bedroomed villa (about 150 sq.m.)? I am in contact with some local builders - just want to make sure no-one's pulling a fast one on me. Is it true you now have to submit architect's plans?

Also, how much do you need per month to "enjoy life" out there?

[NotLurking]

Originally Posted by besagnota

... Have found land but how much is it going to cost to build?

It depends on your taste and style.

Originally Posted by besagnota

I know it's a bit like "how long's a piece of string?"

very long

Originally Posted by besagnota

...but what should I be looking to pay to build a four-bedroomed villa (about 150 sq.m.)?

About RD$3-6 millions for a finished product. The construction cost per m2 ranges form RD$15k-30k and it depends on the quality of work and finishing material used.

Originally Posted by besagnota

I am in contact with some local builders - just want to make sure no-one's pulling a fast one on me. Is it true you now have to submit architect's plans?

This has ALWAYS been true! It is to your advantage to comply with all local building codes and have your property properly built and registered.

Originally Posted by besagnota

Also, how much do you need per month to "enjoy life" out there?

Again, it depends. You don't give enough info to provide you with a ballpark figure that might be acceptable to you. Think anything between US$1k-10k and it depends solely on your situation, lifestyle and habits.

NotLurking.

[rubio_higuey]

check out this thread

construction

[tflea]

OP - seems like you need to get the second question answered way before the first.!!

[besagnota]

Originally Posted by rubio_higuey

check out this thread

construction

<well, I'm really confused now. I'll just get several quotes like someone else suggested and compare them. I was thinking along the lines of Euros 120,00/150,00. The house will have two bathrooms, four bedrooms, lounge and kitchen/diner. Am I way out, do you think?

[rubio_higuey]

Well, according to this post in the thread I mentioned,
http://www.dr1.com/forums/486874-post28.html
and taking the median price of RD$20.000 per square meter, the cost for your 150 sqm house would be approximately 3 million pesos, or 70.000 Euro.
That is with higher cost builders (if you contract out).
If you oversee and hire yourself, you coudl save 20-30% off that.

[planner]

Overseeing and hiring yourself can be a recipe for distaster unless you know the system, speak fluent spanish and love to take a gamble......

[besagnota]

Thanks a lot, all of you. It's been helpful to hear your ideas. No, I don't know the system, I don't speak fluent Spanish and I'm not a gambler so I won't be walking down the road of "do-it-yourself". I'll keep you all posted as events unroll.

Thanks again

[is mikehunt there]

Originally Posted by besagnota

Thanks a lot, all of you. It's been helpful to hear your ideas. No, I don't know the system, I don't speak fluent Spanish and I'm not a gambler so I won't be walking down the road of "do-it-yourself". I'll keep you all posted as events unroll.

Thanks again

ive paid $550us m2 recently....??/// ive built a number of houses already for this price. for this money it is unlikely the house will include granite bench tops/designer bathroom etc. If you want these items it would seem that the price you must pay is around $700m2 and above.
i feel the houses ive built and sold are attractive and pleasing to the eye!...my opinion only! 3 years ago i was building homes for $350m2...prices have sky-rocketed according to my constructor

[besagnota]

Originally Posted by is mikehunt there

ive paid $550us m2 recently....??/// ive built a number of houses already for this price. for this money it is unlikely the house will include granite bench tops/designer bathroom etc. If you want these items it would seem that the price you must pay is around $700m2 and above.
i feel the houses ive built and sold are attractive and pleasing to the eye!...my opinion only! 3 years ago i was building homes for $350m2...prices have sky-rocketed according to my constructor

Presumably that price doesn't include perimeter wall or water tank or laying-out of garden? And of course it won't include a swimming pool. My figure of Euros 150,00 included all of the above so maybe I'm not too far out. Once again, thanks everybody.