Hiring an Architect or Civil Engineer

By law in Costa Rica, all applications/requests for construction permits must be filed by an architect or civil engineer who is a member of the Costa Rican Association of Engineers and Architects (Colegio Federado dse Ingenieros y Arquitectos). These experts will review your plans to ensure the building meets seismic, electrical and other regulations standards.

How much will it cost me to hire an architect?

So that you know exactly how much you should be paying for these professional services, Buyowner Costa Rica has investigated for you. The following are the minimum rates charged by members of the Costa Rican Association of Engineers and Architects:

Preliminary study of construction plans and permits: 0.5% of project cost. Depending on the building project, this kind of study may or may not be necessary.

Pre-project design: 1% to 1.5% of project cost. However, if the architect holds meetings with you to discuss your needs, provides you with drafts of site planning, reviews construction plans and technical specifications of the project, he/she will charge 4.0% of the total cost of the project.

Once you have agreed with the layout and design of the property, the architect will draw up the plans. These will include a site plan, distribution plan, elevation and transversal and longitude perspectives, roof design and drainage, design of footings and support beams, structural plans, electrical design, mechanical and sanitary system design, interior finishing and construction. He/she will provide you with a list of materials necessary for the project and will prepare a construction budget.

Figure 0.5% of project cost for global budgeting; 1.0% for itemized budgeting.

Construction and project supervision

According to Costa Rican regulations, your construction project will require one of the following three types of supervision

A. Inspection: The engineer or architect visits the site once a week, inspects to make sure that the plan is being followed by the general contractor, informs you of the quality of materials being used and checks the invoices submitted by the general contractor. Average Cost: 3% of total construction costs.

B. Supervision: Engineer or architect visits your site daily and is more directly involved with the construction. Average Cost: 5% of total construction costs.

C. Management: Engineer or architect steps in to manage the whole construction project. Average Cost: 12% of total construction costs.

Buyowner Costa Rica advices you to make sure you understand the contents of the architect/engineer’s contract before signing it. This way you will be able to avoid any hassles and will make your real estate construction a lot easier.