Any construction system, chosen for your lot
Concrete block, poured concrete, hybrid, ICF or steel frame: we build in any system and recommend the one that fits.
Projects start at $350,000 USD
There is no single best way to build in Costa Rica. There is a best way for your lot.
A remote hillside favours light materials that are easy to bring in. A beachfront lot needs corrosion-resistant detailing. A tight timeline favours systems that go up fast. We look at the site, the design and the budget, and price the options side by side.
Every system we use is engineered to Costa Rica’s seismic code and signed by our CFIA-licensed team.
How we choose
Site
Access for trucks and cranes, slope, soil and distance from suppliers.
Design
Spans, heights, large openings and the look you want.
Climate
Salt air, humidity, rain and heat on that exact lot.
Budget and time
Material, labour and how long each system takes to build.
Recommendation
A written comparison and our advice, before you commit.
The systems we build with
Concrete block
The most common system in Costa Rica: solid, familiar to every trade and easy to maintain.
Poured concrete
Monolithic walls and slabs for large spans, cantilevers and modern architecture.
Hybrid
Concrete where it earns its place, such as foundations and wet areas, with steel or timber above.
ICF and panel systems
Insulated concrete forms and wire-mesh panels for thermal comfort and speed, where the design suits them.
Light-gauge steel frame
Galvanized steel framing that is light, precise and fast to erect, resistant to termites and rot.
Structural steel
Steel columns and beams for open plans, big glass walls and multi-storey buildings.
How the systems compare
A general guide. The right answer depends on the lot and the design.
| System | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete block | Standard | Most homes, easy maintenance |
| Poured concrete | Standard | Large spans, cantilevers, modern design |
| Hybrid | Varies | Getting the strengths of each where they count |
| Light-gauge steel | Fast | Remote or sloped lots, tight timelines |
| Structural steel | Fast | Open plans, big glass, multi-storey |
Modular, prefab and container homes in Costa Rica
Prefab panels, modular units and shipping containers can all be built here. Whatever the system, the home still needs plans signed by a CFIA member, a structure designed to the Costa Rica seismic code, a water letter and a municipal permit.
We build in concrete, hybrid and steel, and in any system your design calls for. If you are considering a prefab or panel system, we price it side by side with concrete, including freight to your lot, the foundations and the finishes still done on site.
Roofs, walls and windows
The frame is only part of the system. These choices change comfort, noise and maintenance as much as the structure does.
Metal roofing
Affordable and light, but noisy in heavy rain and prone to rust unless it is specified and insulated for the site.
Clay tile
Durable and quiet, but heavier and more expensive, so the structure is designed for its weight.
Interior walls
Gypsum board is increasingly used for interior walls, for speed and clean finishes.
Windows
Basic aluminium or wood frames with single glazing are common. Near the ocean we specify frames and hardware that resist salt air.
Insulation
Roof and wall insulation cuts heat and noise, and matters most under a metal roof.
“We have had a great experience with Decentra. Their follow up skills are impeccable and they are a one stop shop for all phases of your build.”
“I engaged with Sean and the owner Sergio to obtain building costs for a residential project in the mountains of the Central Valley. I found them to be very welcoming, informative and accommodating.”
Questions about construction systems
What construction systems do you build with?
Any system. We build in concrete block and poured concrete, the standard in Costa Rica, as well as hybrid, ICF and panel systems, timber and steel frame. We recommend the one that suits your lot, design and budget.
Is concrete better in an earthquake?
Any system designed and built to Costa Rica’s seismic code performs well. Engineering and workmanship matter more than the material.
Which system is cheapest?
It depends on the site. Concrete block is often the most economical where materials and crews are close; steel can save money on remote lots through speed and lighter foundations.
Are you a steel framing company?
No. We are a custom home builder, not a steel specialist. Steel frame is one of several systems we build with, alongside concrete, hybrid, ICF and timber.
Is steel framing good for Costa Rica?
It can be. Galvanized light-gauge steel resists termites, rot and mould, and is light and fast to erect, which helps on remote or sloped lots. Near the ocean it needs coastal-grade galvanizing and detailing.
Can you build a container home in Costa Rica?
Yes. A container home is permitted like any other house: plans signed by a CFIA member, a structure designed to the seismic code, a water letter and a municipal permit. Before we recommend it, we look at freight to the lot, corrosion near the coast and insulation.
Are prefab or modular homes cheaper in Costa Rica?
Not always. Freight to the lot, foundations and the finishes still done on site often close the gap with a home built on site. We price both for your lot before you choose.
Which roof is best for a house in Costa Rica?
Metal roofing is affordable and light but noisy, and it rusts if poorly specified. Clay tile is durable but heavier and more expensive. We choose by the site, the structure and the look, and insulate either one.
Is steel frame faster to build than concrete block?
Often. Light-gauge steel arrives cut to size and goes up quickly. The real gain depends on the design and the site, so we compare schedules for your project before you choose.
Everything we do
Take the full turnkey package, or bring us in for one stage.
- Land and construction consultingLot checks, surveys, soil studies and water letters before you buy
- Architectural designA CFIA-licensed architect, 3D renders and construction plans
- Permits and water lettersCFIA plans, municipal permits and water availability
- Luxury custom homesTurnkey construction, from foundations to furniture
- Pools and outdoor livingInfinity pools, terraces and outdoor kitchens
- Renovations and additionsKitchens, bathrooms, joinery and full remodels
- Commercial and multi-unitHospitality, retail and multi-unit buildings
- Cost to build in Costa RicaPer square meter prices, fees and permits for 2026
Tell us about your project
The fastest way to reach us is WhatsApp. Or send the form and we reply within one business day.
Projects start at $350,000 USD
Message us on WhatsApp- +506 8733-2930
- Phone
- +1 503-994-8017
- Showroom
- Altos de Flamingo, Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, by appointment
- Licensing
- CFIA certified under SIM SRL