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One of the many questions people have about living here
is about the cost and quality of labor. I hear and read
of people having problems with getting the type of work
they want from the local laborer. They end up hiring a
bilingual 'expat' who promises quality work. They then
pay much more than the job should cost and still do not
always get what they want. The 'expat' usually has
locals do the job and he supervises. I believe the main
problem is a communication and trust problem. I speak
the language and build trust with my neighbors.
Since
I moved into my house, I have used locals to do all of
the remodeling and furniture building. I admit I stayed
close to all of the jobs and had to teach what I
required as far as finish quality, but they were
enthusiastic learners and now I can recommend them with
no reservations.
Most
all recommendations say get a quote for the total price,
never just pay by the hour or day. I say most of the
locals I use do not have the experience to properly
quote a job and most jobs change as they evolve, so you
have to change the cost as you go anyway. I believe the
most cost effective way to build any thing I need is to
pay them by the day and have them help me negotiate the
cost of materials.
My guys are all neighbors and I have grown to trust them
so much that I gave them one million Colones and laid
out the plan for my Mirador before we left for the US.
They also will sleep in the house to guard against
burglary, feed the kittens, and water the garden. I have
another neighbor who took photos of the progress. The
job is progressing well and I will report on my
satisfaction level next week.
I will get an itemized account of all expenditures when
we return including the 7,000 Colones they charge per
workday. These 7,000 Colones is per man from 7am to
5:30pm. They
are fully capable of all of the skills to build
furniture and houses including welding, tile work,
painting, plumbing, electrical, and concrete, Check the
photos of furniture and Mirador progress at:
I
am very proud and pleased with the cost and quality of
these locals and believe if you will work on finding
them, there are equally competent people in all parts of
this country.
My
next project is to build a custom spa in the Mirador. I
will report on it as it progresses.
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