Customizing your Pre-Construction Unit in the Dominican Republic

When purchasing a preconstruction home or condo in the Dominican Republic, many buyers decide to modify or customize the floor plan and finishes according to their personal tastes and requirements. The option to customize your unit is one of the major benefits of buying in the preconstruction phase.

Though developers offer standard designs and floor plans, they are open to modification requests from clients. Developers typically have predefined options and limitations on what can be altered, so prospective buyers should start discussions about their desired changes early in the buying process to clarify and prevent any misunderstandings.

Some common buyer requests include modifying room sizes, moving walls to create a more open space, expanding the master suite, adding a jacuzzi to the bathroom, or integrating smart home features. More basic requests may include using different types of floor tiling, paint for the walls, or finishes for the kitchen countertops.

Depending on the nature and complexity of the changes, any modification from the standard plan will likely incur an extra cost. Therefore, buyers must get a detailed quote and understand the additional expenses involved. Agreeing on a payment plan with the developer upfront is key to managing the budget effectively and avoiding potential disputes in the future.

The additional modification costs are typically paid along with the unit purchase price according to the agreed-upon payment schedule based on the construction milestones.

Developers are generally open to changes to the layout of your unit or finishes, but it is crucial to understand all the associated costs and how and when they should be paid beforehand. You don’t want to be in a situation where you agree to major changes and you have an unexpected bill when it is time to deliver your unit.

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Maria Abreu is the CEO and Managing Attorney of Abreu & Associates, a law firm practicing exclusively in Dominican Republic Immigration and Nationality law. She is also the founder of Retire and Invest DR. This organization hosts conference events for foreigners interested in living, retiring, and investing in the DR. You can contact Maria at: mabreu@abreuimmigration.com.