Services
Building in Costa Rica
should not be complicated.
We are an architecture, engineering, and construction firm that has been working in Costa Rica since 2018. We take projects from the first idea to the finished home, across all seven provinces, with one team and one point of contact.
What we offer
Custom homes
Every project starts with your lot and a conversation. We design around the slope, the sun, the view, and how your life actually runs. The result is a home that feels like it was always supposed to be there.
What is included
- Architectural design and anteproject
- Full construction drawings
- Permit management (CFIA, municipal)
- High-end finishes and material sourcing
- Coastal and hillside terrain specialists
Ideal for
Foreign buyers, retirees, and investors building their primary or vacation home in Costa Rica.
Our approach
One team, the whole way through.
Building in Costa Rica as a foreigner is not complicated if you have the right partner. The problems happen when you are managing multiple contractors, chasing permits yourself, and trying to make decisions from another country without full context.
We work differently. The same team that designs your home manages the permits and leads the construction. You have one number to call and one person who knows every detail of your project.
We cover all seven provinces and have been working in coastal construction since 2018. We know what holds up in salt air, what the permit process looks like in each municipality, and what actually matters when you are building from abroad.
No subcontracted design
Our architects design your project. The same team builds it. You are not paying for a handoff between firms.
Transparent pricing
We give you a detailed budget before construction starts and we stick to it. If something changes, you know about it before it happens.
Managed from abroad
Most of our clients are not in Costa Rica during construction. We send regular reports, photos, and video walkthroughs so you always know where your project is.
Specialists in coastal terrain
Slope, humidity, salt air, and coastal zone restrictions. We have solved these challenges across dozens of projects in Guanacaste, Puntarenas, and Limón.
How we work
From first call to keys in hand.
First conversation
We talk about your land, your budget, your timeline, and what you actually want to build. No forms, no pitch. Just a direct conversation to see if we are the right fit.
Anteproject and design
We develop the initial design: floor plan, elevations, and a preliminary budget. You see what you are building before anything is committed.
Permits and approvals
We handle the full permit process: CFIA registration, municipal approval, soil studies, and any zone-specific requirements. This is often the most complex phase for foreign clients.
Construction
Our own team breaks ground and builds. Regular photo updates, milestone reports, and open communication throughout. You do not need to be in Costa Rica to stay informed.
Delivery
We walk through the finished project together, address any punch list items, and hand you the keys. We stay available after delivery for any questions.
Coverage
We build across all 7 provinces of Costa Rica.
Common questions
Things people ask before they start.
Do you work with clients who are not based in Costa Rica?
Almost all of our clients live abroad. We manage the project fully on the ground and keep you informed through regular updates, photos, and calls. You do not need to be in Costa Rica to manage the process, though we recommend visiting at key milestones.
What does a full turnkey project include?
Under our Viva turnkey model, we handle architectural design, engineering, permit management, construction, and finishes. You receive a completed, move-in ready home under a single contract. No separate architect, no separate contractor.
How long does it take to get permits in Costa Rica?
Timeline varies by municipality and project complexity. In our experience, most residential permits take between 2 and 6 months. Coastal zones and protected areas can take longer. We manage this process and give you a realistic timeline before you commit.
Can you help me find land before building?
Yes. Our Land + Build service covers the entire process: finding and evaluating lots, due diligence, legal referrals, and then full design and construction. Many of our clients start without land and finish with a completed home.
Do you build in areas outside Guanacaste?
We cover all seven provinces. Active projects have been built in Guanacaste, Puntarenas, Limón, San José, and beyond. Location does not limit what we can offer.
Ready to start?
Tell us what you want to build.
We will take it from there.
Fill out the project form and someone from our team will reach out within one business day. If you prefer a quicker conversation, WhatsApp is the fastest way to reach us.