I've been looking at home prices and I think I might be able to build for substantially less. Does anyone have any experience with having a home built in Belize, specifically Ambergris or Placencia? Also, if anyone can recommend a general contractor to speak with, that would also be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I've built three for myself but they where simple and wood. I've also had very good experiences with Mike Coleman. Ambergris Caye is a unique building experience and packed with lots of surprises.

Unless you have lived and built here you cannot understand the unique market of Belize. One week there may be no lumber available in the whole country or the following week no cement. Add to that shipping materials to the Cayes and the additional costs involved. It is a very difficult building environment.

We had our home built here on Ambergris Caye and will have been living in it three years this Christmas.
It's true that materials and labour cost more when building on this island but if it's here that you want live then that's unavoidable.
My advice would be to consider a number of contractors. Look at the work they've done. If possible (and it is) speak to the people they built for.



abelizehomeforus.com

You mention both Placencia and San Pedro. The costs and challenges are different in these areas, as are the available contractors. Agree with JohnHenry about interviewing more than one contractor, and taking a look at what they have produced.

Numbers are not as simple as just comparing the cost to buy with cost for "construction" ...... if time is of any value to you, remember that it will usually take a year to build a home. That may represent a year of you traveling back and forth to supervise, or of paying rent while you live here and wait for it to be built. Add to that, cost of time off from work (if you are still employed) while you visit the project........ you will see additional costs that may not be evident at first blush.
Further note that conditions change during construction and as a result you may not be able to get exactly what you had in mind ...... in an existing home you know what you are getting.
This is not to say you should not build your own home ...... but if you are making the choice based solely on assumed savings, beware.