You want a home of your own in Costa Rica? You've looked around but found nothing that suits your fancy? You ask yourself: why don't we just build a house, save ourselves all this grief? No problem, at Costa Rica Paradise Real Estate we are here to help you every step of the way.

Below is a list of some of the procedures that we'll walk you through:

A. Checking for neighborhood zoning laws. In order to maintain local standards (and property values) some municipalities set down strict rules for style and quality of construction.

B. You cannot built a house within 50 to 100 meters (164 ft. to 328 ft.) of a river.

C. In most municipalities, you must leave space for a front yard and a sidewalk.

D. Housing developers keep in mind that Costa Rican law allows you to dedicate only 60 to 70% of your land to be used for building lots. 20% to 25% will be used for property for roads and 5% to 20% for parks.

E. Along both coasts, the first 200 meters (656 ft.) above mean high tide is owned by the government. No building is permitted within the first 50 meters (164 ft.) above mean high tide.

F. The area 50 meters(164 ft.) to 200 meters (656 ft.) above mean high tide may be leased from the local municipality with the approval of the Instituto de Turismo (Costa Rican Tourist Board).

G. The ICT discourages the building of anything over three stories high in beach areas.