Remodeling - Not without it’s Challenges

Consider the following before you attempt a remodeling project:

• Standard construction is concrete block. That means it is difficult to rewire, change the plumbing or move walls.
• The original plans may not be available. If you want to add a second story, you need to know how the first story was built!
• Even if you find the plans that does not mean the house was built according to the plans. Cutting corners is a national pastime with builders and the Architects or Engineers doing the inspections can often be paid to look the other way.
• The original construction may not be of sufficient quality. A survey by CFIA - The Costa Rican Association of Architects and Engineers found that over 50% of the buildings were built with defective concrete.  In other words that footing may not hold up under the weight of a second floor.

If you want to proceed, you will need a good Civil Engineer and a good Electrical Engineer. We suggest that you contact our sister company if you wish to remodel an existing Tico structure.