Building the dream home that doesn't turn into a nightmare

Building a home that suits the needs of yourself and your loved ones goes to the heart of who we are. The Caribbean can be the best place to raise a family, retire, set up a business or practice your profession. And having somewhere to live that is bespoke to your individual requirement makes every sense. However construction in the Caribbean can be a notoriously complex and expensive process from beginning to end. It need not be so with the right planning and professional help. It amazes us that persons are so willing to part with their hard-earned money to a "man who says he's a contractor and knows someone who can draw a plan for cheap".

Rule number 1

Engage a Registered Architect who has demonstrated that he/she has years of experience in building design. He or she may be more expensive than a man who says he can draw you a plan. Engaging a good qualified Architect will not only get you a home that, is beautiful, suits your needs, sits on the land like a hand in a glove, but will also save you construction alot of money through a more efficient and effective design.

Rule number 2

Get the land boundaries pegged by a Registered Land Surveyor and while they are at it, commission them to do a topographical survey of the land. Why? An architect worth his salt will use that survey to design a building that sits on the land perfectly saving wasted space and infill.

Rule number 3

Once your Architect has obtained building approval of his/her detailed drawings, seek at least Three quotes for the construction of your home. Make sure you ask your architect to accompany you to examples of the work of each potential contractor. Many builders are good at getting the building structure and frame but are terrible at giving you the finish you need.

Rule number 4

Follow Rule number 1 and engage a Registered Architect. We can't promise that you'll not have challenges building your dream home but it will be cheaper and better with the great design and planning your Architect will provide.