Our Costa Rica House: Update

Building The Happier House

Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: Britt Decaf Coffee (12 ounces)— $11

My husband convinced me that we should move into our house while it’s under construction.

“How bad can it be?” he said.

“But there are no windows or doors,” I replied. “Isn’t that more like camping?”

“It’ll be exciting,” he promised. “We’re finally doing it! We’re building a house!”

So here I am, sitting on the floor. I would be sitting on a piece of furniture but we don’t own any yet. Furniture seems a little premature when there are more pressing things to purchase: steel beams and wires, sinks and toilets, and all the things that ultimately make up a house. In an attempt to keep track of our budget, I’m always trying to return something that was ordered.

“Do we need this?” I’ll ask our builder, pointing to an item on the receipt.

“Yes, it’s a breaker box.”

“Is it necessary?”

“Yes, unless you plan on not having electricity.”

“And this— meters of PVC pipe? How much does one house need?” Apparently, a lot.

But I have to give Rob credit: it is exciting living in a home that is being constructed around you. I get to wake up to an assortment of banging. I used to attempt to decipher these sounds. Is that a bulldozer? Are there people on my roof? Are there people in my room?

Today there is a crew stuccoing the house. I know this because I was taking a shower when they propped up a ladder against the bathroom window. This is a great way to meet new friends. It quickly gets all the pleasantries out of the way, and I tend to look my best with a head full of shampoo and a startled expression.

Rob and our builder ensure that with each day we are making progress. And it’s true. Every evening I walk around and see more and more things completed. What was once a mishmash of wires and paint cans is slowing becoming something more spectacular than I could have ever imagined.

Rob never ceases to amaze me, and I’m positive I could never accomplish this on my own. He’s constantly thinking ahead, and never lets a setback bring him down. He’s the first to calm my anxiety while at the same time handing a worker a cold glass of water. He’s been on top of this entire project, from the design of the gardens to the little glow-in-the-dark tiles at the bottom of the pool. His vision is certain and steadfast. He has never wavered, not in our marriage and not during this build, one of the biggest decision of our lives. I’m starting to believe that this dream can come true, and I’m starting to believe that the future will be as bright as I allow it to be.

Rob was right about a lot of things. Maybe I need to listen to him more, that’s if I could hear anything above the tile saw.

To read more about how my story began, check out Happier Than A Billionaire.

By | 2018-04-15T18:19:15-04:00 January 11th, 2016|Categories: Happier Beach House|Tags: , , |42 Comments

About the Author:

Nadine is the author of the best-selling series, Happier Than A Billionaire. Join her as she navigates living as an expat in the sometimes confusing, always beautiful, country of Costa Rica.

42 Comments

  1. Suju May 7, 2016 at 1:06 pm - Reply

    Nadine. You are hilarious. I am an argentinian who laughed a lot reading your two books. Have you written a third one? If not, please do it. I enjoyed both your books a lot!!! You are the sweetest, funiest person. Do not change. Ever!
    Best.
    Suju

  2. Bev Hogan (Bruce's sister) February 18, 2016 at 9:36 pm - Reply

    Hey, this is Bruce. Why didn’t you call me to be your general contractor????

  3. Bruny Hudson January 15, 2016 at 10:24 am - Reply

    Congratulations on the progress on your new house. I’m looking forward to reading all the adventures you had while building it.

  4. Tony Z January 13, 2016 at 12:59 pm - Reply

    Hi Nadine as the rest of people who posted here, like to congratulate you and Rob for following and building your dream, how ever because of experience of me being a builder here in the states, (Houston) I think you guys are nuts for moving in a house under construction, never the less good luck and keep us posted.

    • antarespress January 14, 2016 at 1:08 am - Reply

      Nadine, My father built custom homes. I worked for him for some years, and I agree with Tony Z. It is crazy to move into a house still under construction. I knew one couple that did that early in my father’s career. Caused so many problems that he swore never to do it again. And didn’t.

      You wanna keep costs down? Go visit family in New Jersey for a couple of months. That will keep you out of the contractor’s hair and will also keep you from making changes to the building plan. Changes drive up costs. ROT: Compute your $$/sq-ft; every change, figure how many square feet are involved, double that figure (’cause you cheated and erred on the low side), and triple the cost for that area. If you change it twice, triple the cost twice.

      I saw a refrigerator and a stove in one picture. Those two items comprise a significant portion of your appliance costs. Do not change your lighting fixtures. Do not change your doors. Do not change your window treatments. Do not change your bathroom fixtures.

      Really, the best thing you could do is go to New Jersey for two months.

      Suerte.

    • Nadine Hays Pisani January 14, 2016 at 7:43 am - Reply

      LOL… nuts would describe many of our adventures in Costa Rica!

  5. Jill Loeffler January 12, 2016 at 8:28 am - Reply

    Hahaha…this is awesome. I’m SO excited for the two of you. I hope we are able to swing by and see it in person soon! Big hugs to both of you and congrats again!

    • Nadine Hays Pisani January 14, 2016 at 7:43 am - Reply

      It’s been quite a crazy year but so happy that we took this leap of faith. It makes me so excited on what the future may bring. Right now it’s just drywall dust, but I know it’ll be sunshine and iced tea in a matter of months.

  6. M. Paloma Werner January 12, 2016 at 1:22 am - Reply

    Hi Nadine. I read your book and could not put it down and look forward to the one in the making. Many many years ago a visited Costa Rica and I have lots of fond memories. I wish I was younger to have the guts to do what you and Rob are doing. It is so inspiring to follow your updates and they are the first e-mail I open when I check my mail. Realmente pura vida! Paloma

    • Nadine Hays Pisani January 14, 2016 at 7:42 am - Reply

      You are the best M. Paloma. I’m glad you have fond memories of Costa Rica. I love so much living here and sharing with everyone the pictures I take every day. If you haven’t seen my facebook page, please check it out. I share lots and lots of the beautiful things I see while living here. It may make you come visit all over again!
      http://www.facebook.com/happierthanabillionaire

  7. Cate Malone January 12, 2016 at 12:37 am - Reply

    Hi Nadine! My husband Mike and I first visited CR 10 years ago for our honeymoon, and purchased a lot near you and Rob in Surfside, Playa Potrero almost a year ago. We can’t thank you enough for the information and encouragement in your books to live our dream of building our own home in Costa Rica. It is completed now, and we sincerely hope to meet you someday in Potrero or Flamingo while we continue to transition from our workaholic lifestyle in Colorado to more and more time in our new home there. We wish you and Rob continued progress and happiness in the completion of your own home, and we thank you so much for the valuable source of support and experience and adventure you have so generously shared in your books! Cate and Mike Malone

    • Nadine Hays Pisani January 14, 2016 at 7:40 am - Reply

      You are so sweet Cate. I love the Potrero and Flamingo areas, less tourists and more monkeys! Good luck with your home and would love to see it some day. I can’t wait until I get to do the fun part, like decorating and picking out furniture. Although I’m trying to avoid San Jose at all costs!

  8. Jeff Simpson January 11, 2016 at 8:27 pm - Reply

    I’m so happy for the two of you ! The house is really taking shape now . It really sounds like you should listen to Rob ! Well maybe except for where to hide the gun or his famous two fers lol oh yah Nadine was the guy stuccoing the house outside your bathroom window name Tom by any chance lmbo well it’s good that your sense of humor is still intact . Hope to be one of your first guests once your up and running would really enjoy meeting the both of you ! Your friend in Ma Jeff

    • Nadine Hays Pisani January 14, 2016 at 7:36 am - Reply

      Jeff, thanks so much for following our journey. Next time I see the guy, which I’m sure will be the next time I shower, I’ll ask his name.

  9. Ann Ellison January 11, 2016 at 7:42 pm - Reply

    Love reading about your adventure in building your house. You always give me a laugh.

    • Nadine Hays Pisani January 14, 2016 at 7:34 am - Reply

      Oh Ann, how I wish I was just reading about this house build. But there are so many funny things that happen, can’t wait to share the stories with you.

  10. Jeanine Domicone January 11, 2016 at 4:42 pm - Reply

    Nadine, I have two words for you. Stinkin’ cute. You always make me LOL and this post was no exception. Keep on being the great couple that you are. I can’t wait to get back to CR. <3

    • Nadine Hays Pisani January 14, 2016 at 7:32 am - Reply

      Thanks Jeanine! We are really looking forward to the next phase of our lives.

  11. Linda Beasley January 11, 2016 at 3:30 pm - Reply

    I am so happy for you, I can’t wait until Jim and I can come down and I will bring your quilt..

    Linda b

  12. livingrichonthecheap January 11, 2016 at 12:03 pm - Reply

    Hi Nadine! So happy for you and Rob, your dream home is happening! The only thing I am not sure about is living through the build – I have lived through 2 renos and hated it. A build would be worse. However, that does allow you and Rob to stay on top of the contractors and make sure each and every bit of that home is done to your specs. We hope to make it back to Costa Rica some day to have cocktails with you and Rob again! Living the dream on Vancouver Island, Tammy & Dave

    • Nadine Hays Pisani January 14, 2016 at 7:30 am - Reply

      Yes Tammy and Dave, this time drinks by the pool! And by how I’m feeling today, I’ll be partaking in quite a few of them!

  13. Denise January 11, 2016 at 12:00 pm - Reply

    Hi Nadine! I started reading your books before we visited Costa Rica last May. I feel like I know you and am thrilled about your new home. Hope to be one of your guests along the way!

  14. michele January 11, 2016 at 12:00 pm - Reply

    Hi Nadine and Rob,

    Hey we were there!!!…right where you are sitting!!! lol. Loved our visit and look forward to more in the future…cuz it’s all your fault that we are moving there lol. Ownership!!! LOL Love ya xxoxox

    Michele

  15. VALORIE January 11, 2016 at 11:42 am - Reply

    I am happy for you that your dream and visions are working out well. It really takes all you got attitude at this stage. All the best Pura Vida! Someday soon in person!

    • Nadine Hays Pisani January 14, 2016 at 7:27 am - Reply

      You are right Valorie, it’s the attitude. As long as we stay focused and upbeat, it will all work out. Good lesson for anything. If you go into it with a good attitude, anything is possible!

  16. Jenny Bustamante January 11, 2016 at 11:02 am - Reply

    I just admire you are making everyone Dream come True… Inspire us to seek out our dreams too…
    Congratulations… Nadine and Husband
    My next vacation on my Beautiful Country …
    Will be there for meet up with you.
    Pura Vida
    Jenny Bustamante.

    • Nadine Hays Pisani January 11, 2016 at 11:10 am - Reply

      Your country has been so wonderful to me Jenny. I love living here so much, it’s hard to imagine what my life would have been like if I never took the risk to move. Pura Vida!

  17. Laura Miller January 11, 2016 at 10:52 am - Reply

    ive been following your posts as well as read all 3 books~you are amazing and it sounds like your Rob is pretty amazing as well! Congrats on the construction and living the dream!! im so jealous, but happy for you both. when will we ever get another book? (not that you are busy or anything:))

    • Nadine Hays Pisani January 11, 2016 at 11:03 am - Reply

      Hi Laura, thanks for sharing this adventure with me. I enjoy so much writing about our lives and another book is in the works! That’s in between me flashing stucco workers!

  18. ktfromlv January 11, 2016 at 10:06 am - Reply

    Nadine,

    I am so happy for you both. It is my dream to one day live in Costa Rica so I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about your journey. I love the daily photos you post on Facebook too. Congratulations!

    Sincerely,
    Karen

    • Nadine Hays Pisani January 11, 2016 at 10:35 am - Reply

      Hi Karen,
      Thanks for following our journey and checking out our facebook page. We love posting lots of pictures there. There are so many beautiful things to photograph, I love to share it will all my readers.

      I hope one day you do get to come down here and live in this beautiful country. I’ll save a hammock for you!

  19. Brian Walsh January 11, 2016 at 9:48 am - Reply

    Nadine…
    My wife and I own in MarVista, and…God willing will build someday. Congratulations to you.
    The home looks beautiful.

    Kind Regards,

    Brian

    • Nadine Hays Pisani January 11, 2016 at 10:32 am - Reply

      Hi Neighbor! Hope you do, it’s been such a funny experience and can’t wait how it’s all going to look in the end. One thing is for certain, the ocean view is spectacular!

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