“Building is not just about shelter. It’s about realizing dreams, making statements, creating spaces where life happens.”
— John Aarons
At Harmonia, community members have the freedom to build any style of house they desire, from simple casitas with screen walls to luxurious homes. A-frames and dome homes are also options. Keep in mind that larger houses require more effort to clean and maintain.
Basic Construction Options
- Elevated Casita: A no-frills, elevated 500 sq. ft. casita on a steel frame with wood walls, large screen windows, dropped ceilings, and a toilet and shower can be built for $20,000 in five weeks.
- Block House: A block house of the same size with piedra cantera (cut rock) floors, glass windows, electrical wiring, and a bathroom can be built for $25,000 in three months. This includes basic structure only, excluding paint and details.
Cost Estimates
- Unfinished Block Structure: Approximately $50 per square foot, excluding paint, tile, and ceiling fans.
- Luxury Home: Starts at $125 per square foot.
Material and Labor Considerations
- Wood vs. Block: While wood is beautiful, it attracts termites and other creatures. Building with brick, block, Covintec, and cement is easier to maintain. Covintec walls and floors reduce building costs.
- Transportation: Building supplies come from Rivas, with transportation costs around $100 per truckload.
- Contractors: There are several contractors in Rivas who can work with local crews or bring in their own crew. Costs will depend on the level of skilled labor necessary.
Utilities and Infrastructure
- Water and Septic: Members are responsible for bringing water to their house from community cisterns and creating septic systems and leach fields, which can be shared with neighbors to reduce costs.
- Electricity: Can be solar-based or connected to the local electric company. Members can share solar systems to reduce costs. A generator is advisable during construction and as a back up due to potential power outages from storms.
Building Recommendations
- Expansion: Homes can be designed for future expansion.
- Elevation: All homes must be elevated or built on a foundation a meter above ground to prevent flooding.
- Posts Protection: Wrapping posts with barbed wire prevents snakes from crawling into the house.
- Roof Options: Metal roofs are recommended. Tile roofs will gather water and be covered with algae, weeds, and grass. Earth roofs are not recommended due to the tropical climate making maintenance costly. Roofs must be red or green to blend in with surroundings.
- Exterior Lighting: Must be soft white or yellowish hue to avoid light pollution. No stark white or fluorescent lighting.
- Aesthetics: Paint color schemes should be creative and vibrant, but aesthetically pleasing. No pure white exterior walls.
- Security: No metal bars on windows or doors; 24/7 security will be provided.
- Swimming Pools: Not allowed due to the harmful chemicals needed for maintenance.
Prohibited Items
- Satellite Dishes: Not allowed. Adequate internet coverage is provided by two cell carriers in the residential area. Starlink is prohibited in Nicaragua.
By adhering to these guidelines, we aim to create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing community that blends seamlessly with the natural environment.