Picture yourself waking up to magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean, while a gentle mountain breeze cools your skin. For most people, this is simply a wonderful dream. But, for Sonja and Udo, a dream became their reality. It’s no wonder people talk about the great vibrations in Costa Rica, particularly in the Blue Zone. It’s a place of serenity.
The start of their journey began many years ago when Udo made his first trip to Costa Rica in 1993. He loved the nature and felt great vibrations happening as he traveled around the country. Udo remembered the good feelings he experienced traveling through Costa Rica’s Blue Zone while living in Germany, his home country. There, the “vibes” were becoming increasingly negative. The fast-paced life was continuously stressful, feeling overtaxed and burdened by Germany’s high cost of living. Sonja and Udo began to create another choice for their family, Plan B. Costa Rica can be more than a vacation for this family. It can become real life.
In Search of the Perfect Spot for Plan B
Sonja and Udo chose Costa Rica over all other countries. They were drawn by its nature, climate, clean water, friendly people, and peaceful vibe. Furthermore, they were attracted by the amazing fruits available there. Another plus for Sonja and Udo was Costa Rica’s ability to produce energy through hydroelectric power plants and wind turbines. Also, fresh water is abundant. Finally, the fact that Costa Rica has no military was significant. They also have no valuable mining resources that other countries want, which sealed the deal. Costa Rica is not that important to the rest of the world. This made it the perfect spot for their Plan B. Especially in the Blue Zone known for its good vibrations.
Monte Romo Was It!
Sonja and Udo were specifically looking to live in a mountainous Blue Zone area. They wanted fresh breezes, rolling hills of farmlands, fruit trees, and the availability of fresh water. They were also excited about Pacific Ocean views. A realtor took Udo to see a property in Monte Romo and he loved it. That was it! They bought the property. It included a small, two-story blue home. There were also vast amounts of rolling farmland. The hillsides were loaded with mandarin orange tree orchards. It seemed to resonate with the good vibrations they always sought.
When Opportunity Knocks, Build It!
Sonja and Udo quickly outgrew their sweet, little two-story blue home. Their Costa Rican neighbor sold them the current property. The neighbor then offered them the opportunity to buy an extra lot below their property. They instantly said “YES!” They secured a Buyer for their first home and decided to build their dream home on their new lot. Combining Sonja’s and Udo’s amazing, raw talents and skills as a teacher and a graphic designer helped set the plans and designs in motion. The plan called for great sacrifices to be made. Sonja would remain in Germany with their daughter. They would continue their normal life with work and school. They would also maintain their usual family and social activities, including ballet classes. Udo would remain in Costa Rica, to manage, navigate, and oversee the entire construction process from beginning to end.
Tips for Designing and Finding the Best Spot for the New House
The newly purchased lot was very large. Identifying the best spot for the new home was going to take time. They needed to study the views and the direction of the wind currents as they moved over the hillsides. Walking the property, feeling the breezes, and capturing the views helped them. Identifying the available platforms of land helped them choose the perfect spot and the direction their home would face.
Udo’s Design Tips:
- Decide on the needs for your home. For example, the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living area, and laundry room.
- Decide on a one or two story home.
- Determine window placement by wind currents and cross breezes to keep the home as cool as possible.
- Utilize window placement to frame and optimize the views.
- High ceilings help with the circulation and movement of air in the home.
- High ceilings create a sense of spaciousness, grandeur, and openness in a room.
- Choose low maintenance materials, such as steel, concrete block, metal, and glass.
Challenges Faced
Taking on a house construction project is going to be challenging. This holds true no matter where in the world you choose to build it. This is especially true in a country where you don’t speak the language. Here, the construction practices and regulations are unfamiliar to you. But Udo pulled up his sleeves, did his homework, and got to work.
He designed his own floor plan and sketches of the house before deciding on the architect and builder. Networking and visiting the homes of people in the community and his church helped him gain important insights and ideas. He talked to people to get their recommendations for the architect and builder. He had a very good experience with his builder and raves about how well they got along.
In contrast, he did not have a good experience with the architect, who charged $10,000 for his services. He feels the architect added very little value to the construction project. In the end, the architect wanted to take credit for it. Communication is a key factor in the overall success of the home. You have to take the lead to ensure that timelines are met and work is completed as discussed.
Greatest Challenge Faced
One of the greatest challenges Udo faced was with his carpenter. Early on in the project, Udo met with a carpenter that was recommended to him by two people. They said he did good work for them. The carpenter spent about 90 minutes on the job site and made a good impression on Udo. During this time, they discussed the work that Udo wanted him to complete. The carpenter asked for a 60% percent down payment and Udo agreed and paid him. Seven to eight weeks went by and Udo realized he had not heard from the carpenter. So, he decided to drive the distance to his shop. Udo was absolutely shocked to discover that no work was completed. Nothing! Udo told him he was giving him one week to produce the work.
Without calling or messaging Udo, the carpenter just showed up one morning to install the base kitchen cabinets. Of course Udo was very happy to know that he was making progress. However, there was no communication about his coming to his house. Udo told the carpenter he was going to visit him with his lawyer, to put pressure on the carpenter. However, instead the architect accompanied him to his workshop. At this moment, Udo is still waiting for the carpenter to complete the kitchen cabinet doors. He also needs to finish the cabinetry for the bathroom, laundry room, bookcases, and sliding doors.
Hindsight is 20/20
If Udo could go back and do it all over again with his carpenter, he would do the following:
- Write a contract that explains all of the work to be completed with timelines. Have the carpenter sign and date it.
- Give no more than a 50% deposit but 40% would be better.
- Never trust too much.
- Inspect what you expect.
- If possible, pay directly for the cost of materials to the supplier.
- And in the end, realize that the worker is going to do what they want.
- Have extra money in the budget in case your money is stolen by the worker.
When You Come With a Dream…Understand That…
- Workers can take advantage of you. Make plans to live in Costa Rica for awhile. Connect with other people. Listen and learn from their stories.
- Workers, real estate agents, and landowners may convince you to buy land. The land may lack water or electricity. It may never be approved for these utilities.
- Workers may be in serious financial troubles and can manipulate you for their financial gain.
In the blink of an eye, Sonja and Udo will be sipping Costa Rican coffee on their beautiful terrace, admiring the picturesque Pacific Ocean views. Meanwhile, Noelle is having the time of her life in their amazing lap pool. They are living the dream, loving the serenity, and it was all worth it in the end.