Hola Amigos!
We're here in Costa Rica. With the wonderful help of our friend and project manager Rob Hunter, we headed to a plethora of locations in and around San Jose today.
We looked at EPA - the Costa Rica version of Home Depot for stock type kitchen cabinets and other materials. We found a roofing option that is a coated steel, which will be quieter than plain steel, but will pick up some of the look of a tile roof. We also picked out the outside paint color. Will leave it a surprise for now, but we're pretty doggone excited about it. Since we're nicely tucked away, it won't compete with other casas, but will be distinctively ours. We also picked out a whole house water filter system, and a big single tankless water heater which we will get during Jim's next trip down here.
The one thing we did NOT like at EPA were the kitchen cabinet options. Selection was limited and quality was not very good. We didn't want the high end option Rob and Kent purchased for their kitchen(Poggen Pohl), so went to a great middle grade store called Euromobilia. Sylvia was EXCELLENT! She spent time with us talking through options, so it was easy to make selections. She has a sketch layout, needing some facts from me once we are actually AT CasitaTDA and can verify some measurements for her. In turn, Sylvia will work out the layout for us so Jim can finalize the placement of the kitchen window. There are some great cabinet options that take off of European designs, even though our cabinets will be made in Costa Rica. We're pretty excited as how this kitchen will likely work. Some seating places for casual meals, and/or helpers during cooking.
Afterwards we went to ConstruPlaza - another awesome place when one is looking for building details. We picked out a great selection of Moen faucets. True, not the highest end, but not low end either. Moen faucets last a long time, an are easy to replace cartridges on - which Jim will like. The look though is awesome. Moen clearly doesn't sell these in the US. While TOTO toilets would have been great, the expense is huge. We bought American Standard ultra low water, high flushing strength toilets. We also bought the lav sinks, a very modern design of a bowl on a countertop - also by American Standard. We purchased the kitchen sink and a large stainless utility sink for the laundry. And finally, adding on to our tile selections from Jim's last trip, we picked out shower floor tiles (stones), vanity top tiles (also stones, but different color), laundry countertop tile, and bathroom wall tiles. Once we complete measurements this week, we'll order all that material as well.
Finally; we got a Costa Rican cell phone - so you're welcome to call us while we're in Costa Rica. Just ask, we'll be happy to give you the phone number. Not willing to post here as this is a googleable public site.
On July 1st we head to the coast with Kent and Rob, and check into the Hotel Wilson in Parrita. News Friday night when we get back to San Jose, and I can save pictures for you.
Ricardo y Jeeem
ps - Jim set up a NEW BLOG which will set about to give the history BEHIND this construction project. Part 1, 2 and 3 are posted; others to come over the next several weeks. Link is: http://jimdicktdacasainthebeginning.blogspot.com/
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