Costa Rica Construction Advisory

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Costa Rica Construction Advisory Independent Owner Representation, Construction Advising & Pre-Purchase Home Evaluations for U.S. & Canadian citizens in Costa Rica. I’m a U.S. dollars.

Permanent Resident & Homeowner in Costa Rica citizen and permanent resident of Costa Rica, providing independent construction advisory services exclusively to foreign buyers and construction project owners, primarily U.S. and Canadian citizens. I bring more than 20 years of construction industry experience, including studies in building science, photovoltaic system design and installation, industrial and commercial electrical systems, and construction project management. My background includes custom home building, real estate investing, and hands-on experience across a wide range of construction trades. My services include owner representation, contract and construction document review, pre-purchase home evaluations, new construction evaluations, and construction advising. I am not registered with the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos (CFIA) and do not provide regulated engineering or architectural services. All services are billed in U.S.

A LONG WORKING WEEKEND IN GUANACASTEOne reason we moved to Costa Rica was to practice a better work-life balance, so I d...
23/09/2026

A LONG WORKING WEEKEND IN GUANACASTE

One reason we moved to Costa Rica was to practice a better work-life balance, so I don’t typically work weekends. But every once in a while, I can bundle a few projects together, make a trip out to the lake and/or coast, and make it worthwhile.

This particular weekend started around Lake Arenal with a pre-purchase home evaluation. I coordinated with the buyer I represented and the seller’s agents to complete the evaluation on a Saturday. About 4 1/2 hours later, I was wrapped up right on schedule.

Overall, I didn’t find any major deal breakers beyond what I would typically expect for a Costa Rican home of its age and caliber. However, I did identify some significant electrical concerns. My client used my report during negotiations to secure a significant credit toward the purchase, giving them money to reinvest in bringing the home closer to modern electrical safety and performance standards.

From there, I drove to Playas del Coco to meet with clients I’m representing on their design-build construction project.

They’re pursuing an ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) home, and after identifying and interviewing contractors with experience in this type of construction, we visited three different ICF projects at different stages of construction and completion.

I’m excited to see this building technology—and many of the modern building components that go along with it—becoming more readily available in Costa Rica. When properly designed and constructed, I think Costa Rica can be an excellent environment for ICF, particularly when you’re building a forever home. The additional investment can be relatively small compared with the potential benefits in durability, comfort, energy efficiency, sound control, and overall building performance.

The final stop was Tamarindo for a construction forensics evaluation at a recently completed high-end home. The owners were dealing with multiple water-intrusion issues involving different building components, so my job was to work through them systematically, test and document conditions, identify likely sources and contributing factors, and develop recommendations for corrective work.

It made for a long working weekend and quite a few kilometers: a pre-purchase evaluation, owner representation and ICF construction review, and finally building forensics.

Not a bad way to spend a weekend at the lake and coast—and I even caught a sunset.

Christopher Drown
CR Home Build Advisory

CASE STUDY: Tracking Down a Hidden Water LeakA homeowner in Escazú contacted me after receiving unusually high water bil...
23/09/2026

CASE STUDY: Tracking Down a Hidden Water Leak

A homeowner in Escazú contacted me after receiving unusually high water bills—around $100 per month compared with roughly $30 for similar neighboring units.

The water meter had recently been replaced, but the high bills continued. With no obvious signs of a leak inside or outside the home, water was escaping somewhere on the customer side of the meter—either along the underground service line or within the home’s concealed plumbing.

Rather than immediately digging up the water line or opening walls and floors, I approached the problem systematically.

I first confirmed water loss by observing the meter continuing to register flow while all fixtures, toilet stops, and water-using appliances were off. After pressurizing the home’s plumbing and shutting off the water supply, pressure dropped from approximately 60 PSI to 0 PSI in about 20 seconds, confirming a significant leak somewhere downstream.

Through isolation and pressure testing, I ruled out the underground service line between the meter and the home, as well as the hot-water system. I also used thermal imaging and moisture meters to check accessible walls and ceilings but found no evidence of an active leak there or on the second floor.

The testing increasingly pointed toward the first-floor cold-water distribution system concealed beneath the foundation.

I mapped/taped out the probable routing of the supply and branch lines across the floor, then used acoustic leak-detection equipment to systematically work through the suspected area.

I identified a strong, consistent signal near the refrigerator water connection along the kitchen/foyer wall. I narrowed the search further, identified the strongest signal, and marked the most probable leak location.

I provided the homeowner with a detailed report documenting the testing, findings, identified location, and recommended repair procedure and material specifications for the contractor.

The recommendation was to begin precisely at the marked location by removing one or two floor tiles and selectively opening the concrete foundation. Once exposed, the damaged piping could be repaired and pressure-tested before properly bedding and protecting the line and restoring the foundation and tile.

THE OUTCOME:

The homeowner's contractor excavated at the location I identified and found the leaking water line directly beneath the marked area.

Their contractor then repaired the damaged piping and tested the system. Pressure held, the meter no longer showed unexplained water flow, and the leak was confirmed stopped.

Instead of opening multiple areas of the home to search for a concealed leak, targeted diagnostic testing let the repair begin exactly where it needed to.

That’s the value of spending a little time and money upfront to properly diagnose the problem—it can prevent unnecessary demolition, repairs, time, and expense.

Christopher Drown
CR Home Build Advisory

Independent Residential Construction Advisor, Owner’s Representative & Building Forensics

The difference between a $10,000 paint job that lasts and one that starts to fail after a couple of years comes down to ...
14/09/2026

The difference between a $10,000 paint job that lasts and one that starts to fail after a couple of years comes down to more than the brand of paint you use. Surface preparation, application conditions, and actual coating thickness all matter.

The same applies to waterproofing and moisture sealing. A pool membrane, below-grade waterproofing system, or protective coating on structural steel might look finished but still be too thin, too thick, or inconsistently covered. Any of these can contribute to leaks, moisture intrusion, corrosion, and premature failure.

With professional coating-thickness testing, I can measure individual layers, overall system thickness, and coverage consistency, then compare the results directly to the manufacturer’s specifications. I make sure you’re actually getting what you’re paying for.

For painting, anticorrosive coatings, sealing, and waterproofing, consider tying progress or final payments to verified coating thickness—not just trusting that the coats were applied correctly.

My ultrasonic coating-thickness testing equipment can measure coatings over concrete, steel, drywall, wood, stone, fiberglass, and other substrates. Testing is performed using industry standards including ASTM D6132, ISO 2808, and SSPC-PA 17, as applicable.

All of my forensic evaluations and testing services include a visual examination, non-destructive testing, and a detailed report with quantifiable data compared against applicable manufacturer specifications and industry standards. I also include recommendations and a follow-up consultation, so you understand the findings and how to proceed.

Builders and homeowners can use my coating testing and forensic services for quality-control oversight, troubleshooting, building forensics, contractor accountability, and progress verification before full payment is made.

Services start at $350 plus travel. For my Owner’s Representation clients, this testing and other specialized forensic evaluations are included as needed.

Don’t just check that it was coated. Get peace of mind and verify that it was coated correctly.

Reach out if you need independent testing or building-forensics support.

Christopher Drown
CR Home Build Advisory

Most drainage issues don’t show up until it’s too late. The problem is that underground drainage systems can’t be precis...
22/08/2026

Most drainage issues don’t show up until it’s too late.

The problem is that underground drainage systems can’t be precisely diagnosed from the surface, and without the skill and specialized equipment needed to locate the source of the problem, and guesswork often causes more damage and costs more than finding the problem correctly the first time.

I use specialized equipment and skilled techniques to identify, locate, and document hidden plumbing and drainage issues without causing unnecessary damage to your home or yard.

My equipment helps me find and document:

• Underground drain line blockages, damage, and root intrusion

• The location of buried drainage systems, sanitary lines, cleanouts, and problem areas

• Hidden plumbing leaks behind walls, ceilings, and under floors

• Hard-to-reach areas without damaging your property

Whether you’re buying a home and want peace of mind, dealing with a recurring problem that others haven’t been able to solve, or trying to avoid unnecessary excavation or demolition for a problem that may not even exist, my forensic testing helps identify both the problem and its exact location before opening walls, breaking concrete, or digging.

In addition to my comprehensive pre-purchase home evaluations, I also offer investigative diagnostic services starting at $350 USD, plus travel.

Serving Escazú, Santa Ana, Atenas, the Central Valley, and surrounding areas.

Christopher Drown
CR Home Build Advisory

Flickering or dimming lights? Breakers that keep tripping? Hot water that constantly goes out? Outlets or switches that ...
04/08/2026

Flickering or dimming lights? Breakers that keep tripping? Hot water that constantly goes out? Outlets or switches that feel warm? Equipment that doesn’t operate properly?

These aren’t always just inconveniences—they can indicate underlying electrical problems that affect the safety, reliability, and performance of your home’s electrical system.

Maybe you’ve already had someone look at the problem and still don’t have a clear answer.

I can help.

I provide independent residential electrical diagnostic, safety, and functionality evaluations for homeowners who know something isn’t right—or who simply want a knowledgeable second opinion before someone starts opening walls, replacing equipment, or recommending costly repairs.

Using professional Fluke electrical testing equipment, thermal imaging, circuit identification and tracing equipment, and other diagnostic tools and techniques, I evaluate electrical service and distribution, circuit loading, voltage and frequency, voltage drop, receptacle wiring, grounding and bonding, GFCI protection, abnormal heating, and other electrical safety and performance concerns.

In other words, I help uncover the root cause of electrical problems that others may have missed—often without cutting holes in walls or replacing parts unnecessarily.

My background includes a degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technology with an emphasis on industrial and commercial electrical systems, along with nearly 20 years of residential construction experience, formal education in Building Science and Construction Management, home building, owner’s representation, and building forensics.

I’m not there to sell you the repair.

My job is to independently evaluate the problem, identify areas of concern, explain my findings in terms you can understand, and give you and your electrician a much clearer understanding of what actually needs attention.

Stop guessing. Understand the problem before you start replacing things.

Service Area: Escazú, Santa Ana, Ciudad Colón, Atenas, and surrounding communities.

Electrical diagnostic evaluations start at US$350 plus travel, and if I’m unable to diagnose the problem, you don’t pay.

Christopher Drown
CR Home Build Advisory

In addition to comprehensive pre-purchase home evaluations, I also offer limited-scope inspections and diagnostic servic...
29/07/2026

In addition to comprehensive pre-purchase home evaluations, I also offer limited-scope inspections and diagnostic services, including precision water leak detection.

Yesterday I again had the privilege of speaking at Sarah Elena’s Roadmap to Costa Rica relocation conference.I shared w...
05/06/2026

Yesterday I again had the privilege of speaking at Sarah Elena’s Roadmap to Costa Rica relocation conference.

I shared what I’ve learned from years of helping clients buy, build, and evaluate homes throughout Costa Rica. We discussed everything from choosing the right team and understanding the construction process to avoiding expensive mistakes and protecting your investment.

It’s always rewarding to help people make informed decisions and plan for the future as they begin their Costa Rica journey.

A big thank you to Sarah and everyone who attended. I enjoyed meeting so many great people, answering your questions, and having great conversations over dinner.

I appreciate the opportunity to share my experiences and help others navigate the realities of buying and building in Costa Rica.

For those seeking additional guidance, my pre-purchase home evaluations start at $700. I also offer full-service Owner’s Representative services, which typically range from 3% to 5% of total project cost, as well as fractional consulting, contract reviews, and construction document/building plans reviews on an as-needed basis.

Christopher Drown
CR Home Build Advisory

I want to share this recent review as a quick example of what actually adds value in a technical due diligence evaluatio...
14/04/2026

I want to share this recent review as a quick example of what actually adds value in a technical due diligence evaluation, especially for brand-new construction.

A lot of people assume new builds = low risk. In reality, that’s often where some of the biggest and most expensive issues show up.

This was a pre-purchase evaluation of a 2,600 sq ft brand new home built on a cliffside lot.

Part of the process included reviewing the pre-construction soil study and slope stability analysis in advance so those recommendations could be kept in mind during the on-site evaluation.

This wasn’t just a walkthrough. It was a five-hour, hands-on evaluation that included:

• Functional testing of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and appliances

• Evaluation of structural and architectural components

• Assessment of site conditions, including drainage and slope interaction

• Cross-checking what was built against design intent and good construction practices

The goal is to understand how the house will actually perform, not just how it looks on the surface.

This was followed by a written report and a post-evaluation consultation to walk through everything so the client could make a confident, informed decision.

If you have questions about the process or what to look for during due diligence, feel free to ask here in the comments.

Christopher Drown
CR Home Build Advisory

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧?During a recent 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞, I scop...
16/03/2026

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧?

During a recent 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞, I scoped the shower drain line and discovered several plumbing defects in a single area that would not be visible during a typical walkthrough inspection.

The scope revealed:

• A hole in the drain line from improper installation, allowing wastewater to leak into the soil beneath the foundation near an exterior wall (on a hillside home).
• No P-trap installed at the shower drain.
• A second shower drain line was improperly tapped (crushed through) into the smaller branch line before the sanitary trunk line.
• Excess PVC solvent cement, construction debris, and mud inside the drain line.

Issues like these can lead to soil saturation beneath the slab, erosion under footings and foundation beams, moisture intrusion through the foundation into the walls, sewer odors, drainage problems such as slow draining or backups, and potential long-term structural concerns if not corrected.

My evaluations are different from a typical home inspection. I combine my education in building science and experience in the skilled trades, with over 10 years as a custom home builder, and owning a home in Costa Rica. Using specialized building forensics tools and techniques, I look inside building systems to identify hidden defects others won’t find before buyers close on a property.

Keep in mind, the most serious problems in a home are the ones you can’t see without the right tools and experience.

And new construction doesn’t automatically mean better quality. In many cases, new homes can actually be harder to evaluate because problems may take months or even years to reveal themselves. That’s where education, experience, and the right tools matter most during a home evaluation.

If you’re buying or building in Costa Rica, an independent client-side home evaluation can help uncover problems early before they become expensive surprises.

Christopher Drown
CR Home Build Advisory

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Escazú
10203

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