Build Your Own Home in the Caribbean on a Budget

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Monday, March 8. 2010

Posted by Joanne Daubney - Contributor in Building

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Defined tags for this entry: building, caribbean living, caribbean real estate

Do you want to build your own home in the Caribbean on a tight budget? Well, if you keep these points in mind, it could well be possible to build for less than you think. Quality doesn't have to be compromised and you can still decide what you want in terms of design, but it is key to keep a tight hold on your budget and try to make decisions based on facts as opposed to emotions.

Wise Plot Selection
Even if you are in a hurry, be selective about your plot. If something is being offered at a lower price, take a look at what is on the plot. Are there a lot of trees and rocks? Removal of these could cost you more money, as it could if the land isn't flat. However, many homes in the Caribbean are built on stilts/piles as this is an easy and frugal way to overcome any sloping of the land. You also need to ensure that utilities are close by if they are essential to you, as it can cost a fair bit to install if not. If you want to build an eco-home with solar power and collection of water from your roof, then this can further cut down the costs.

Collect Estimates
If you are looking to hire professionals to build your own home in the Caribbean, then take estimates from more than one person or company. Contact as many as possible and ask them to give you a rough estimate of what the cost would be. It might be better for you to source the materials yourself and just have the company build for you. Weigh up all estimates you receive with what you will get in return for your hard earned cash to make a wise decision on who to use and for what.

Use a Simple Design
When looking to build your home on a budget, it is recommended to use a simple design. Don't use triangles, or any other more sophisticated or more complex shape. Squares and rectangular shapes are the easiest to construct and will keep the cost down. Keep this in mind for ceilings and roofs too.

Go Upwards not Outwards
Building vertically is cost saving compared to building outwards. Foundations and the roof will be kept to a minimum and you can build as high as you like (apart from any local regulations as in Anguilla where no building can be higher than 3 stories (the height of a coconut tree)). This ensures that the coast line of the island is saved from the ugliness of concrete monstrosities. If you are unsure how far up you would like to go or can only take on minimal building at the time, build a concrete roof until you can start building on top.

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Hi Joanne,

Thanks for the info - good article with some good points on how to save money & save hassles.

(Thank God for height restrictions - hopefully that is what will keep the Caribbean special - rather than New York city skylines appearing everywhere.)

Regards,

Danny.

#1 Danny on 2010-03-11 08:31 (Reply)

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