It seems even labour is getting closer to North American pricepoints. I recall building in a nice area of Vancouver, construction cost were 150cdn per sq. ft again about 4 yeras ago...We built 4 years ago at about $100 a square foot
Bob K
It seems even labour is getting closer to North American pricepoints. I recall building in a nice area of Vancouver, construction cost were 150cdn per sq. ft again about 4 yeras ago...We built 4 years ago at about $100 a square foot
Bob K
It seems even labour is getting closer to North American pricepoints. I recall building in a nice area of Vancouver, construction cost were 150cdn per sq. ft again about 4 yeras ago...
$100 sq ft is for good quality and a good ballpark figure. But concrete and rebar and wood keeps going up and up.
Is that built to suit or buying something already made? Is that also for concrete block const?
It can be done for a lot less.
The $100 I mention was build to suit = custom.
As far as costs, my wife and I went with the builder to SDQ and Santiago on shopping trips.
We selected every tile, including roof, every toilet and faucet, every light fixture.... and so on.
Therefore we knew a lot of the costs. Much of the buying took advantage of sale pricing.
The big numbers are in the cement, land preparation (if thats needed) and the labor.
Ours is concrete block and wooden timbers/beams.
I could have squeezed the budget a bit harder, but I doubt it ever would get below $75.
Everybody chooses to live a certain way... our house is No American by any standard.
A good solar system will be be around $40-50,000...... I'm guessing here b/c panels were $1300 when I bought them. The market has changed. I just added two more - Sanyo 195W, $600 each. Not all panels are created equal. Some function better on a cloudy day. You really need to have good advice to get your money's worth... lowest price isn't always the way to go --- IMO. Read the performance stats.
As we said earlier, the simple answer to the simple question of "How much a foot?" is not simple.:ermm:
There are a lot of variables to consider.
All of our wooden doors were made locally, not prefab.
The big doors, patio doors are German... hurricane proof and VERY costly, but also a burglar deterrent and maintenance free, no painting/varnish needed EVER (PVC).
You can tint the stucco to avoid future painting expenses - we did.
Little things add up, but add to the enjoyment and lifestyle.
Gary, you need to look for your comfort level on quality and lifestyle. Some houses here are a bit less than what Canadians/Americans/Europeans are used to seeing. Nothing wrong with that.
The tropical climate allows variations in building techniques not otherwise available.
Yes Chip , all tiled roof with wooden beams and planking - not a cement understructure.
No , the windows and patio doors are the expensive German ones, PVC that hinge all ways - open normally, fold back and hinge open at the top. Ant way you want them to. Really expensive, but built for life.
The company is in Santiago
House is about 3000 sq ft.
My price involved, demolishing a casita that was here and preparing the site by levelling it considerably.
The interior and front doors are wooden, made locally but not mahogany, I don't think.
Builder is here in Cabrera, french Cdn and very reputable. As I said, on time - on budget.
We designed it with him.
Three buildings.... main bldg = kithchen, Liv room, dining room , office, 1/2 bath
Our main bedroom bath in another and a 2 storey 2 bedroom/bath guest house.
Garage and planta and laundry in a separate bldg (making it 4 in all, I guess)
Gary, as to time line, my contractor had a big bid in for a project and was waiting to land it..... so he had time for my little project.
I had him and his two project managers totally dedicated to my build and his core/best workers.
We were done in 7 months, more or less. That was considered quite a feat.
Hope this helps somebody...
I guess you could do it for $50 Chip..... but I always think of the Three Little Pigs story
Just curious, at $62/sq ft, does that include a swimming pool, parimeter wall, landscapeing, etc?We just finished, (will hang the doors this weekend) 850 sq. ft. 3 beedroom, 2 bath addition, 7 large and 3 small good quality double pane windows, 9 each solid aniroba doors, frames and jambs quality hardware, spanish tile roof, decent ceramic all through, bath fixtures very good, custom shower in the master bath and high vaulted ceiling 14 ft. in the center.
All columns and beams, all 1/2" rebar, all windows completly framed in by re-enforced concrete 6" x 8" top, side and bottom, pitched roof 2/12 all rebar 8" c/c both directions, kids 2 rooms have ceiling fans, Master has 2 each 72" ceiling fans.
oh and all 1 coat primer and 2 coats paint, Sherwin williams.....
All in every single bit for US$62.00 sq. ft.
I can not even imagine the type of palace I could build for US$110.00 sq. ft. WOW!
g'luck
For good quality ... not Lions Gate quality =) ... any realistic estimates ... thanks