Construction consulting in Costa Rica, from a licensed engineer and architect
Decentra Homes offers independent construction consulting anywhere in Costa Rica, always with a CFIA-licensed engineer and architect with over 20 years of experience. We check lots before you buy, review builders, budgets, contracts and designs, inspect your build as your owner's representative, and prepare feasibility studies and cost projections. Consulting starts at $300 per hour, or we quote a fixed fee for the job. Any project size, and you do not have to build with us.
What a construction consultant does for you in Costa Rica
A construction consultant gives you an independent, licensed opinion on land, plans, builders, budgets and work on site, so you can make decisions with the facts in front of you.
Our consulting is for people at every stage:
- Buying land: you want to know what a lot will allow and what it will cost to build on.
- Choosing a builder: you have quotes and a contract in hand and want them checked.
- Building from abroad: you live in the USA, Canada or Europe and need someone on site who reports to you.
- Developing: you own land or are buying it for several units and need a cost plan and schedule.
Every consultation is with a CFIA-licensed engineer and architect with over 20 years of experience. We work anywhere in Costa Rica, on any project size, in person or by video, billed by the hour or as a fixed fee for the job.
Consulting services at a glance
| Service | When you need it | What you receive | Fee basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lot selection and pre-purchase checks | Before you sign for land | Written lot findings with a first budget | Hourly or fixed quote |
| Builder, budget and contract review | Before you sign with a builder | Written review with questions to put to the builder | Hourly or fixed quote |
| Design review | Before plans go in for permits | Marked-up comments on buildability, climate and cost | Hourly or fixed quote |
| Owner's representative and site inspections | During construction | Stage inspections and progress reports with photos and video | Fixed quote by stage or visit |
| Development feasibility | Before you buy or commit to a development | Cost plan, schedule and scenarios | Fixed quote |
| Cost and cash-flow projections | Before you fund the build | Cost breakdown and month by month draw schedule | Hourly or fixed quote |
You do not have to build with us. Decentra Homes is also a builder, and we say so up front. Consulting clients are under no obligation to hire us for construction. We will review another builder's quote on its merits, and our reports are yours to use with any builder you choose.
Before you buy or sign: lot, builder and design checks
Lot selection and pre-purchase checks
We look at what the lot will legally allow and what it will physically take to build: land-use zoning (uso de suelo), setbacks and protection buffers, the maritime zone, road access, slope, soil and water availability. You receive written findings with a first budget for the house and the site work. The full process and document list are on our pre-purchase lot check page. Where the lot needs it, we order a topographic survey and a soil study, which are paid separately to the provider.
Builder and budget review
We check that the builder and the professional who will be responsible for the works are registered with the CFIA, then read the budget line by line. We compare the price per square meter, the allowances and the exclusions against current costs, and flag anything missing, such as site work, pools or permit fees. For background, see how to choose a home builder in Costa Rica and our guide to the cost to build a house in Costa Rica.
Design review
Before plans go in for permits, we review them for buildability, structure, cost drivers and climate: heavy rain, humidity, sun and ventilation. We flag details likely to cause leaks, delays or change orders. If you need new plans, our architectural design team can take that on.
Construction contracts and payment retention in Costa Rica
The Tico Times, citing a 2016 Civil Chamber decision, describes three common ways to price a construction contract here. Each shifts risk in a different way, so we review the contract with that in mind.
| Type | How price works | Main risk | What we check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed price | One agreed price for a defined scope | Gaps in the scope become extras; owner changes need a new agreement | That plans and specifications are complete and the exclusions are clear |
| Unit price per m2 | A price per finished square meter, from complete plans | The final area, and what counts as a square meter, set the final price | How area is measured and what the unit price includes |
| Administration (cost plus) | Actual costs plus a fee or percentage | No ceiling on cost; a conflict of interest when the supervisor is also the builder | Cost reporting, invoices and how the fee is calculated |
Retention. The same article describes the client holding back 5% or 10% of each payment as a guarantee until the project is finished. We check whether the contract includes a retention, when it is released, and whether each payment is tied to work actually completed rather than to dates.
We also check how change orders are priced and approved, insurance and warranty terms. A local lawyer should review the final agreement; we cover the technical and cost side.
Owner's representative vs the builder's CFIA professional
Every permitted build in Costa Rica has a CFIA-registered professional responsible for the works. Under the CFIA's consulting regulation, that professional runs the construction (dirección técnica or dirección de obra) or inspects it (inspección), and checks the work at least once every seven calendar days. In practice, this professional is often hired through the builder. An owner's representative is different: we are hired by you and report only to you.
| Role | Who hires and pays them | Legal responsibility | Works for | What they check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Builder or contractor | The owner, under the construction contract | Delivering the contract scope, price and schedule | Their own business and the contract | Their crews, suppliers and schedule |
| CFIA professional in charge (dirección técnica) | Often the builder; sometimes the owner directly | Technical responsibility for the construction, recorded in the official logbook | The project, under CFIA rules | Work against approved plans, specifications and codes |
| Independent owner's representative (Decentra consulting) | You | Professional advice to you; not the builder's legal role | You only | Quality, progress, invoices and payments, from your side |
| CFIA and municipal inspectors | Public bodies | Enforcement | The public | Permits, licences and project registration |
The construction logbook (bitácora) is the official CFIA record of the project. The CFIA regulation makes the digital logbook mandatory for members involved in the construction phase, and site visits by the professional in charge must be logged within three calendar days. We ask to see these entries and compare them with what we find on site.
Stage-by-stage inspections of a new build
Costa Rica's seismic code (the CSCR 2010, revised in 2014) sets the structural rules, and the CFIA has said that a code only works with responsible professionals and proper inspection on site. We time our visits to the moments when problems can still be fixed cheaply, usually before concrete is poured or walls are closed.
| Stage | What we check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Layout and excavation | Position against setbacks and boundaries, levels, drainage | A misplaced house cannot be moved later |
| Foundations | Excavation depth against the soil study, rebar size, spacing and cover before the pour | Once the concrete is poured, the steel cannot be seen |
| Structure | Columns, beams and slabs against the structural plans, formwork and concrete placement | This is the part of the house the seismic code protects |
| Roof | Structure, fixings, slopes, flashing and waterproofing | Most leaks start at the roof in the rainy season |
| Plumbing and electrical rough-in | Pipe routes, slopes and pressure tests; conduits, boxes and panel location before walls close | Fixing hidden services after finishes is costly |
| Finishes | Tiles, windows, doors, joinery and paint against the specification | Finishes are where substitutions are most common |
| Handover | Punch list, systems working, documents and warranties delivered | Final payment and retention should wait for this list to be closed |
The exact number of visits depends on your project and is set in your quote.
What our progress reports contain
Many of our clients live overseas and see their build only through our reports. Each report is written for an owner who is not on site and includes:
- Date of the visit and the construction stage
- Photos and short video clips of the work, labelled by area
- Work completed since the last visit, compared with the schedule
- Issues found, with photos, and what we have asked the builder to correct
- A check of the builder's invoice against work actually completed
- Our recommendation on releasing the next payment
- Upcoming decisions for you, such as finish selections or change orders
Reports go to you only; you decide who else sees them.
Development feasibility and cost projections
Development feasibility
For investors and landowners, we test what a site can hold before you buy or commit. We look at site capacity under zoning, a realistic unit count, the permit path (CFIA, municipality, the environmental authority SETENA where it applies, and water), and a schedule. You receive a cost plan with scenarios, for example fewer larger units against more smaller ones. See building and developing in Costa Rica and our page on permits and water availability letters.
Cost and cash-flow projections
We build a cost plan that separates hard costs (construction) from soft costs (design, permits, studies and fees), with a 10 to 15% contingency, and turn it into a month by month draw schedule so you know when funds will be needed. Design and plans typically run about 5.5% to 6% of construction value under the CFIA fee schedule. We estimate costs and timing; we do not promise rental income or returns.
Pricing: what construction consulting costs
Consulting is billed from $300 per hour, or as a fixed quote based on the job's specifications. Short questions, a contract review or a design review are usually billed by the hour. Larger work, such as a series of site inspections or a feasibility study, is usually quoted as a fixed fee.
To scope a fixed quote, we look at the size and location of the project, the number of site visits, the stage it is at and the documents we need to review. The quote lists what is included, so there are no surprises.
- Not included: topographic surveys, soil studies and other third-party studies, which are paid separately to the provider.
- No minimum for consulting: our construction minimum (a minimum construction budget of $350,000 USD, before land) applies only when Decentra builds. Consulting is for any project size.
How a consultation works
- Send us your details. Tell us your project stage and location, and share what you have: a listing, plans, a quote, a contract or photos of the site.
- First call. We talk it through by video or meet on site and agree what you need checked.
- Quote. We confirm hourly billing or send a fixed quote based on the job's specifications.
- Review and visits. Our engineer and architect review the documents and visit the site where needed.
- Written findings. You receive a written report with clear recommendations, and we answer your follow-up questions.
Who you'll work with and where we consult
Every consultation is with a CFIA-licensed engineer and architect with over 20 years of experience, not a sales representative. Our team is listed on our about page. We have completed 50+ residential and commercial projects, and we work in English and Spanish.
Check us, and anyone else. You can confirm whether an engineer, architect or company is registered by searching the CFIA's Professional and Company Directory, linked from the CFIA website. For companies, look for the status "Inscrita", which means the company is authorised to practise. Registration confirms a licence, not the quality of the work, which is why references and site visits still matter.
We consult anywhere in Costa Rica, including Guanacaste, the Nicoya Peninsula, the Central Pacific, the South Pacific, the Caribbean and the Central Valley. Early questions can be handled by video. Our showroom is in Altos de Flamingo, Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste, and visits are by appointment.
Book a consultation
Send us your lot listing, plans, quote or contract and tell us what stage you are at. Consulting starts at $300 per hour, or we quote a fixed fee for the job.
- WhatsApp: +506 8733-2930
- Email: info@decentrahomes.com
- Or use our contact form
Sources: Tico Times: Construction contracts in Costa Rica (Sept 18, 2026); CFIA: Technical information, practice of the profession (regulations and Professional and Company Directory); CFIA: Reglamento para la contratación de servicios de consultoría en ingeniería y arquitectura (Art. 9, inspección and dirección de obra); CFIA: Reglamento especial de la bitácora digital para el control de proyectos; CFIA: Arancel de servicios profesionales de consultoría para edificaciones (dirección técnica and inspección); CFIA: Bitácora Digital user manual (APC platform); CRIE: Building a home in Costa Rica: builders, permits and planning (Sept 8, 2026); Delfino: Costa Rica's seismic safety depends on code compliance and construction quality (Sept 2026); CR Hoy: What the Costa Rican Seismic Code says (July 15, 2026).
Google reviews
“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 I was considering in the mountains of the Central Valley. I found them to be very welcoming, informative, accommodating…”
Construction consulting questions
How much does a construction consultant cost in Costa Rica?
Our consulting starts at $300 per hour, or we give a fixed quote based on the job's specifications. Topographic surveys and soil studies are paid separately.
Do I need an owner's representative if my builder already has a CFIA engineer?
The builder's CFIA professional is responsible for the technical side of the works and is often hired through the builder. An owner's representative works only for you, checks quality and progress from your side, and reviews invoices before you pay.
Can you review a quote or contract from another builder?
Yes. We review other builders' quotes, budgets and contracts on their merits. You are under no obligation to build with us, and the review is yours to use.
Can you inspect my construction if I live in the US or Canada?
Yes. Most of our clients live overseas. We visit the site at agreed stages and send you reports with photos, video, issues found and a recommendation on each payment.
How do I check that an engineer or builder is licensed with the CFIA?
Search the CFIA's Professional and Company Directory, linked from the CFIA website. For a company, look for the status "Inscrita". Registration confirms the licence, not the quality of the work.
What should I check before buying land to build in Costa Rica?
Check zoning and land use, setbacks, the maritime zone, access, slope, soil and water availability. Our pre-purchase lot check covers each of these with a written report and a first budget.
How often should a house under construction be inspected?
The CFIA's consulting regulation requires the professional in charge to check the work at least once every seven calendar days. As your owner's representative, we time our visits to key stages, such as before each concrete pour and before walls are closed.
Can you tell me if a development project is feasible before I buy the land?
Yes. We assess site capacity under zoning, unit count, permits, water, costs and schedule, with scenarios. We estimate costs and timing; we do not promise rental income or returns.
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
- Topographic surveysLevels, contours and boundaries before design
- Soil studiesGeotechnical tests for safe foundations
- Luxury custom homesTurnkey construction, from foundations to furniture
- Concrete, hybrid or steelConcrete block, poured concrete, hybrid and steel frame
- 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.
Minimum construction budget $350,000 USD, before land
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