The Buying Process
Building
Contractors
When it comes to finding a contractor, your architect can be of service. The contractor and architect will need to work together so finding a contractor that your architect will work well with is ideal. Sometimes architects integrate downstream and have contractors that they are invested in. This is a fine option, but like the cable company says, when you bundle you sometimes get ripped off! Get quotes from several sources, but in the end, if the prices are comparable, take your architects advise.
When the construction crew shows up, it will be the foreman that communicates to the rest of the crew the results of the discussions between the client and the architect. Favor a foreman with experience above all. His crew will likely be made up of rough-neck illegal workers from Nicaragua that are brought in as cheap labor. They are typically difficult to deal with so an authoritative and veteran foreman is necessary.
The foreman will coordinate the logistics involved with the delivery of supplies and materials to the work site. To maintain accountability and reduce costs, you may choose to get involved with payment on each and every delivery. More commonly, people give their foreman a credit line to keep the process flowing and avoid micromanagement. Again, if your architect is hands on and has experience with this contractor, you should be fine. When working with the contractors, make sure you communicate with the foreman. This will ensure the best prices on the materials and improve accountability for him and his crew. It is customary to scrutinize the bills and invoices, this is not considered disrespectful in any way. Costa Rican professionals and service providers expect haggling and the foreman is no different.
Remember to make consistent site visits, have your architect make consistent visits and ask good questions to both the foreman and the architect. The building process will also include a couple visits from a local municipal agent. Establish a good rapport with them too. Typically in Costa Rica, they are lenient and turn the other cheek to most minor deviations from zoning laws and guidelines. Make sure that you are "cool" with the local surveyors and representatives that come on site.
