bags-to-beaches said:
Just out of curiosity. If you were building a simple concrete/brick home in the Santiago area with the following specifics, can you give us an idea of what the charge per square meter would be?
1. We are looking at a two story because the property has a grade (we think it has about a 30% grade) and an ocean view that we would like to take full advantage of. We propose to make the main level about 600 sq ft (55.74 sq m) and the upper level about 400 sq ft (37 sq m). The remaining 200 sq ft on the upper level would become a deck with a view. Are there any advantages in building a 2-storey rather than a 1-storey? It would seem realistic that the second storey should cost less per square meter than the first storey based on the fact that there is no foundation, no ground to prepare, etc. etc.
2. We propose to have two (2) bedrooms, 1 bathroom, laundry and some storage on the main floor and the living room, kitchen and 1 bathroom on the upper level.
3. Glass windows/doors in scenic areas (ie living room, kitchen). Wooden slat/screen windows on the main floor area (ie bedrooms, laundry, etc.).
4. On the estimated cost of building per square meter, what would be included? ie flooring, windows, reasonable tile, plumbing/electrical fixtures, cupboards/closets, etc. etc.
5. What types of options are available for roofing, what would you suggest and at what cost does this come in at?
Any other insight or suggestions you may have would be greatly appreciated!
Let's see if I can help you.
1. On your project the difference will not be a big deal. Go with your preference. It would seem to me, that a second floor would have a better and unobstructed view. The second story is cheaper but you must first invest a bit more on a ground floor strong enough to handle a second floor.
2.From your description sounds like a summer or vacation home.
3.If the home will be used only once in a while I recomend aluminum windows.(let me know how home will be used). For the simple reason that they are much stronger in case of hurricane. But there are many ways to make your home safe. If you like glass windows you can have wooden shutters on the outside etc.
4. Roofing, well I particularly fond of rebar rienforced concrete. This will withstand any hurricane that comes your way at you. But again there's other ways to go. Just make sure they can handle a h-cane.
5. You will be constructing in an area where i understand there is alot of new buildings going up(hotels ,homes etc.). I have not been to Samana in 4 years. I'll give you an estimate and this will include:
a)Imported ceramic floors of about 400 pesos square meter.
b)Prefabricated doors. polyurethane filled aluminum exterior.
c)glass windows
this is a nice, good size home in that you will need little rienforcing for a second floor. So you'll probably just have to invest in 8" blocks for all of the first floor and go with 6" and 4" on top. also try to have roof slope for better weather protection in the longrun. Make sure to have roof weather protected this can be done by Ferreteria Hache the 5mm sheets should be fine for this application. Stay away from a multi.directional slope for roof this is expensive.
Unless you want to go totally first class with this home you can pull it of with about $10500.00 a square meter. This is small so I'm guessing you do not want an arquitec to design.
Now that said let me make a disclaimer here. I know that transport for goods to the terrenas must be a headache. I use from time to time bricks made in Jarabacoa which is a 50min. drive from my home in stgo. and it cost as much as transport to Sto Dgo. Because of the huge inclines. Also I really don't know what materials you would be using. Here in DR we have the cheap(usally something made in china) the not so cheap(something with an unclear origin) the expensive(something sold in the usa) and the very expensive. So thats what you?ll be paying for. This will make a diferrence in the total cost of building yor home. If you have dolars and not pesos, waiting a few months won't hurt, the dolar is expected to gain a few points. Your best bet is to talk with someone that has done a similar home in the terrenas. This way you can find a reputable contracter that work's in that area.
