How to find tradesmen

Welcome to the forums.  There is no site that I am aware of. Feel free to ask here for referrals. Tell us what you need and what area of the country and we will so our best to help!

If you get a tradesman from the US, be sure they are well aware of the unique challenges here in DR! Heat and humidity, building with concrete, electrical instability, water storage and filtration, etc. I would take an experienced Dominican over a new-to-DR American contractor in a heartbeat!

except maybe with tile work…that’s been a real challenge!

Good morning, this seems like the perfect thread to ask my questions too.

Can anyone recommend an English speaking architect in Santo Domingo, and a reputable general contractor/builder in Barahona, preferably with good English too?

My father doesn't speak very good Spanish and has moved down to the DR. He has a condo in the city but now he has dreams of a house near the beach in Barahona.

Thanks for the recommendations!

If you can find an American General contractor, don’t think he’s ( she ) is going to work for the Dominican pay scale  plus for him to hire local labor and relay directions to them would

Almost be impossible, you’ll still need a Dominican contractor to acquire all the materials

and navigate all other unforeseen problems…..

So an American GC is just adding another person to the payroll …. Maybe hire a consultant to relay your wishes to the contractor so there’s no mis-understanding during the build…. Good luck

@Jeremias Satarra when you do find a local tradesmen or contractor never provide money up front. No deposit.  If materials are needed you accompany them and you buy materials. Payroll should be paid as a percentage of completion. Do no be convinced otherwise. They will try to. Ask any and all questions that come to mind. Do not buy tools. If so you subtract from labor costs.

@Jeremias Satarra work strictly through referrals from construction material suppliers. They usually deal with many tradesman and know which of them does good work, is always working and has a good reputation and vice versa. If and when you pay have them sign a receipt for of what they received and for what and any balance owed.

Payment receipts should include their full name, cedula or RNC number and date. This is important to have!