Expat Community > Costa Rica

CaseyHalstead
Joined 2012
Posts: 5

Constuction Materials Information Needed Please help

12 years ago

I have 2 sets of questions

1) I am going to start a hobby farm/reforestation project and build a small off grid home with minimal tourist infrastructure (a couple roofs with platforms for camping and a "Cabin" or two with a shower house) in September. I am going to use alternative and sustainable/local materials but cant get any idea of the cost of things like that.

Does anyone know the cost of: -a dump truck of crushed concrete or gravel or sand or lava rock or wood chips or river rock or sawdust or rice hulls (w/delivery w/o delivery)
-Per kilometer delivery cost (heavy vs light items)
- Borax treated Bamboo Posts; 2" vs 4" vs 6" (3 or 4 or 5 meter)
- Simple thatch roof cost per square foot or meter (1000 sq/ft or 100 sq/m) or just the thatch material cost.
- Bags of cement
- Pallets
- How easy is to find cheap used/salvaged materials like windows / glass panes / kitchen or bath fixture / sliding glass patio doors. Do they have good recycled material stores like we do...in San Jose or smaller cities.

2) I have decided I am going to ship as little as possible but I know I will have to take a few key items.

Would you buy these things here or there:
- Solar Panels and Batteries and ac inverters
- 2 man auger (3 to 5 hp) w 6" and 12" bits
- Memory Foam mattress (and another thin one for making seat cushions)
- Generator
- Low watt or DC appliances for off grid
- Lawn mower / weed wacker / wood chipper
- uv water sterilizer (I cant find out if these are common or unheard of)
- Glass panels 3' x 3' or 4' x 4' or 3' x 6' or 4' x 8'
- Can you get pallets for free there like you can here

I know everyone says bring your tools but does that include things like gas powered auger/mower/chipper/generator

I'm pretty sure the appliances need to come from here but I could order them online and have them delivered there as part of the $500/6 month import exemption

The solar and accessories are a big one. What are the odds I find a deal on it all there (or find someone jumping ship and selling a system). This is by far my biggest expected expense.

I would expect the glass and foam would be the silliest to ship. But I already have the mattresses and could probably get glass free on craigslist. I saw a $700 sliding glass door for free yesterday! Any idea what kind of duties you pay on a $700/free door

I am hearing good things about shipping a pallet with a company that handles customs...does anyone know a good one or agree that it is the best way to get the large heavy essentials.

I am 35, have "lived" in Costa Rica and the Bay Islands (a total of about 1 1/2 years of mixed tourism/school/work between 5 trips). I'm a river guide, ecologist, ski bumb and divemaster thats gonna go native. I have decided on a remote property East of Quapiles near the west border of Tortuguero.

AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

Living in Costa Rica Guide

Our Living in Costa Rica Guide is a primer on everything about living in Costa Rica: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, and more.

Costa Rica Forum
Join our Costa Rica forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Costa Rica.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Costa Rica.

Best Places to Live in Costa Rica

If you're dreaming about living in Costa Rica, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Costa Rica in 2023.

Healthcare in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has both public and private healthcare systems. When you become a resident, you must enroll in the public healthcare system (CAJA). Many expats use the public system for routine healthcare and have private expat health insurance for specialists, surgeries and emergencies.

Cost of Living in Costa Rica

If you're moving to Costa Rica, you'll want to understand the cost of living in Costa Rica. Lifestyle, location and health insurance are part of the formula.

Moving to Costa Rica Guide

Moving to Costa Rica has become more popular among expats. Making this choice requires a lot of research to ensure the expat experience you hope for will be realized.

Real Estate in Costa Rica

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Costa Rica.

Pros & Cons of Living in Costa Rica

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Costa Rica.

Retiring in Costa Rica

Advice for people retiring in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Visa & Residency Guide

Applying for residency in Costa Rica can be a daunting process. Which type of residency is right for me? Do I need an attorney? Do I have to leave the country every 90 days? What is a cedula? This article answers these and many other questions.

10 Tips for Living in Costa Rica

If you've recently arrived in Costa Rica, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Costa Rica.

Additional Information:

Visit our Costa Rica Index for a Full List

AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Costa Rica by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Costa Rica.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Costa Rica

Constuction Materials Information Needed Please help

Login