Building in Abaco

That depends on a number of variables. Location, the cost of materials at the time and the number of available contractors all play a role in influencing the cost of building a home in Abaco.

In Spring 2008, it was estimated that building a home on the Abaco cays could vary from $250.00 per Sq. ft. to $300.00 per Sq. ft or $275-$400 per sq.ft, depending on the cay you plan to build. It could be higher depending on your specifications and the type of solid surfaces, tiles, etc that you may choose.
Building a home on the mainland can vary from $150-$400 per sq.ft, depending on location and your specifications as well.

These are ballpark figures and the best way to determine cost is to get an estimate from your contractor. Your Abaco real estate agent will be able to supply you with names of contractors.

The Bahamas has stringent building codes designed to minimise damage from a severe hurricane.

In fact, after Hurricane Andrew slammed into Homestead, Florida, in 1992, causing $30 billion in property damage, the South Florida Building Code was changed to resemble the Bahamas.’

Once you decide you’re going to build a home in Abaco, the first thing you need to remember is that you’re in the islands. The pace is relaxed, the people are laid-back and everything moves a little slower here than in an American city.

So, with that in mind, “chill out” as we Bahamians say, grab a notebook and start planning your new home in this island paradise called Abaco.

You will need a Building Permit.

Click to see the entire Building Permit approval process, as well as a list of what comprises a complete building permit application.
Typical Building Approval Process

THE BUILDING INSPECTION PROCESS
A Building Permit gives you the legal right to start building. During the construction period, the Ministry of Works must carry out various STAGE INSPECTIONS. The typical ones are described below.
You or your representative - for instance, your electrician - must apply for each inspection that applies to your building.
When the building is completed, NOTICE OF COMPLETION (see below) must be filed to the Ministry of Works. The Ministry will carry out a series of FINAL INSPECTIONS. Once completed successfully, an OCCUPANCY CERTIFICATE can then be issued. This is the Ministry’s stamp that the building (or a portion of it) can be safely occupied.

1. Structural Inspections
A. Foundation
B. Column and Walls (each floor)
C. Belt-course (each floor)
D. Roof

2. 2. Electrical Inspections
A. Conduit Roughing-in
B. Conductors Installed and Joints
made

3. 3. Plumbing Inspections
A. Pluming Rough-in
B. Plumbing in walls and baths in
place for hydrostatic tests.
C. Fixtures in place.

4. Other Stage Inspections, as Necessary
A. Air-conditioning
B. L. P. Gas
C. Elevators
D. Fire Protection
E. Etc.

Final Inspections
1. Structural Final
2. Plumbing Final
3. Mechanical (as necessary: e.g. Air-conditioning, Fire Protection, L.P. Gas, etc.)
4. Electrical Final
5. Environmental Health
6. Civil Works (as necessary)
7. Any others, as necessary.

For more information, visit http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/publicworks .