Catch Up

We have been extremely busy lately and I haven't had a chance to update you on the progress of the project until now. Things are going smooth and fast without any problems. Keith and his lovely wife Marina came to visit and see how the casita was coming along. It gave them time to meet with some of the suppliers and discuss their needs and desires. I think that it was a good trip for them and they headed home with a good feeling knowing that things were under control.

Below, you will see the progress that has been made since the last post:

The roof is on and sealed. This is important because it will give the workers the ability to work inside while it is raining in the afternoon eliminating any work stoppage due to rain.

Keith opted for an aluminum roof that had the appearance of a clay tile roof. This method will last longer than a tile roof and minimize maintenance due to mold build-up.







Now the pouring of the concrete for the lower level.
This is the point where everything starts coming together now. When this is complete and foundations in for the cabinets and other - they will begin to lay the tile.










Keith and Marina decided against having a door off the bedroom and wanted it replaced with a sliding window so they could gain more wall space. Luis is taking care of this wish in his normal efficient manner.










This is how the builders in Costa Rica build a snack bar counter-top. These are made of solid concrete. I watched this guy while he laid the concrete and it was much more of an art than I ever expected. When they are ready, it will be covered with a beautiful tile that Keith and Marina picked out.








This is the layout of the kitchen. It will host a gas range/oven, refrigerator/freezer and overhead microwave. With all the windows around it, there will be more than enough light required for cooking a gourmet meal. A popular method of building base cabinets in Costa Rica is to build them of concrete and cover them with wood cabinets. This is more practical than standard US methods where the cabinets are completely made of wood.






The guy on the right is John Rojas who is one of the best cabinet makers in Costa Rica. His work is beyond expectations. Today, he is measuring for the kitchen cabinets, bedroom closet, desk area and more. When you see the completed work, you will be amazed. What he does here for $1000 would cost you $4000 in the US.








To me, Luis is now working on one of the most important parts of the project. He is working on building the laundry room on the rear of the house. When this is done, it means that the building is completed. From this point on, it means that all we have to do is:

• Lay the tile
• Paint the building
• Install the windows and doors
• Install the lights, bathroom equipment
• Bring in the appliances
• And... it is basically done.

Then we start working on the pool and rancho - This is going to be a very, very nice place for Keith and Marina to stay until the main house is built. - Stay tuned for the completion of this great project.