Builders & Architects
Horizonte Design + Build
Hacienda Pinilla & Tamarindo, Guanacaste ★★★★★4.8 (19 client reviews)
Architecture and construction for owners who expect northern standards — delivered tropically.
View Area On MapOverview
Horizonte is a design-build firm pairing in-house architects with their own construction crews — one accountable team from concept through keys. Their portfolio runs from modern tropical villas in Hacienda Pinilla to full renovations of older beach homes.
They've built their reputation on the unglamorous things: permits filed correctly, milestone-based contracts, weekly photo-and-video reporting for absentee owners, and budgets that mean something.
Why We Recommend Them
Construction is where we've seen buyers get hurt most — so our bar here is highest. Horizonte builds on contract, communicates relentlessly, and their finished homes inspect beautifully years later.
Best Fit & Honest Limits
Best Fit For
- Custom homes on owned lots
- Major renovations and additions
- Owners managing the build from abroad
- Buyers wanting one accountable design-build team
- Pool and outdoor-living projects
Not Ideal For
- Tiny handyman jobs
- Spec developers squeezing cost over quality
- Projects without permits or engineering
- Owners shopping purely on lowest bid
Services Offered
What Others Say
Our house came in on budget and three weeks early. In Costa Rica. We still can't quite believe it.
The weekly videos made building from Toronto feel completely manageable.
Three years in, everything still works and looks new. That's the real test of a builder here.
Things To Know
What does quality construction cost per square meter?
Quality coastal construction currently runs roughly $1,400–$2,200+/m² depending on finishes and site. They'll give a realistic range after seeing your lot and program.
How are payments structured?
A modest mobilization payment, then milestone draws tied to inspected progress — foundation, structure, roof, finishes. You never pay far ahead of the work.
How long does a custom home take?
Design and permitting typically 4–6 months; construction 10–16 months depending on size. They commit to a schedule in the contract.
Can I build while living abroad?
Most of their clients do. Weekly video walkthroughs, a shared project dashboard, and decisions batched so the build never stalls waiting on you.
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