How hard is it to remodel in Belize? What do I need to know before I remodel in Belize?

To remodel a home in Belize is not difficult.  The key is to find the right builder.  You will want to be sure they have good references and the permits are pulled.

 

To remodel a home in Belize is not difficult.  The key is to find the right builder.  You will want to be sure they have good references and the permits are pulled.

 

The key to remodeling is having a good working team. In San Ignacio Town there are many builders including Americans, Canadians and local Belizeans. Always ask your real estate agent or other expats who they use. It is highly likely that they will recommend someone that they have been using for years and that was initially recommended to them by someone else. 

 

There are many hardware stores within the Cayo District but nothing like Home Depot like...

The key to remodeling is having a good working team. In San Ignacio Town there are many builders including Americans, Canadians and local Belizeans. Always ask your real estate agent or other expats who they use. It is highly likely that they will recommend someone that they have been using for years and that was initially recommended to them by someone else. 

 

There are many hardware stores within the Cayo District but nothing like Home Depot like you're used to. Of course, you can find most stuff in Belize but remember, they are all imported. Anything that you cannot find in the Cayo District or Belize City, you can order online and have it shipped to Belize. 

 

(A young, Belizean AC technician pictured on the roof top of Gordon House in Belize City.)

Remodeling a "fixer upper" is a good opportunity in Belize. Most ex-pats looking at properties are anxious about costs, and apply "US" standard costs when looking at fixing up/ remodeling a property. The cost tends to be lower in reality. Labor is cheaper, and so are cabinetry, tile work, etc. As has been said in other answers, having good subs (if you manage it yourself) or contractor is the key. Most of the good Realtors you come in contact with have resources...

Remodeling a "fixer upper" is a good opportunity in Belize. Most ex-pats looking at properties are anxious about costs, and apply "US" standard costs when looking at fixing up/ remodeling a property. The cost tends to be lower in reality. Labor is cheaper, and so are cabinetry, tile work, etc. As has been said in other answers, having good subs (if you manage it yourself) or contractor is the key. Most of the good Realtors you come in contact with have resources they can recommend, but you still need to do your due diligence. In the end, it's a relationship you'll manage, unless you hire a Project Manager.

 

We've had several clients recently buy varying levels of "fixer uppers". They've used different people, with varying levels of personal involvement. They all done impressive jobs at improving and upgrading these properties, sometimes with nice pickups in home value. It's pretty satisfying to see. Because Consejo Shores is about 40 years old, some of these types of houses do exist. Building a new home is always an option, but, there are some "diamonds in the rough" out there. Not everyone wants to or is willing to undertake a remodel, but if you are up for it, it can a quite satisfying option.   

 

(Move- in quality home with nicely appointed kitchen in Corozal, Belize, pictured.)

Re-modeling in Belize is going to be expensive because the materials are all imported; they would be more expensive than in the US as they have to be brought in. Even local materials like birch or other wood are also pricey because wood is the most expensive material you can buy in Belize.
 
The cost of work is not bad.  It’s fairly cheaper in Belize than in the US or anywhere else in the developed world.  It's just the materials that will cost you a lot.
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Re-modeling in Belize is going to be expensive because the materials are all imported; they would be more expensive than in the US as they have to be brought in. Even local materials like birch or other wood are also pricey because wood is the most expensive material you can buy in Belize.
 
The cost of work is not bad.  It’s fairly cheaper in Belize than in the US or anywhere else in the developed world.  It's just the materials that will cost you a lot.
  
The cost of hiring a fairly-skilled worker or craftsman in Belize depends on who you get.  If you ask someone to recommend a contractor, you would know that person because we’re a small place, "Oh yeah, I've seen his work. It's good."   The pay will depend on his work and if it is a company or one guy.
 
If you’re an expat and you don’t know anybody to re-model your house, we recommend that you ask a local.  If you join an organization like Rotary, then you'd ask your Rotary brother. They would know and they will lead you to the right path.
 
If you want to hire someone, do it via a personal recommendation because it’s a small country and people know each other and you can see the work that was done. 

 

(Pictured: remodeled Belizean home.)