Design & Build in Guanacaste

In 2026 our ranges are 1,500 to 1,800 USD per m² on a flat lot at a moderate standard, about 2,000 in a condominium, where the required finishes are higher, and 2,500 to 3,000 on a hillside. Earthworks and retaining walls are priced separately for each lot, and design fees are not included. The full breakdown is in our guide to the cost of building in Costa Rica.

Design up to the building permit takes 5 to 9 months, depending on the size and complexity of the house. Construction time then depends on the size, the lot and the season: the rainy months slow earthworks and slab pours. We give you a works schedule together with the budget, before construction starts.

The studio files them: the water availability letter, CFIA registration, the Ministry of Health for houses above 300 m² (about 3 weeks) and the municipal permit, 2 to 4 weeks in Santa Cruz. In a condominium the design committee reviews the project first. See building permits in Costa Rica.

We can review the drawings of a project designed elsewhere and tell you whether we can take on its construction. The review covers the permit status, how complete the drawings are and whether the budget matches the design.

Yes. We visit the site every week and send you progress reports with photos, so most decisions can be made remotely. We plan your visits around the stages where your presence matters most.