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I have been told many horror stories from friends here on the island with contractors that are sometimes dishonest, incompetent and slow.  Best to do extensive reference checking, getting a positive referrals is very important!   I don't know your area, so not much help with my contacts.

One piece of info.... if it rains no work, they start very early in the morning and by 2 they are gone for the day. Make sure you see some of their work before you hire them. House always takes longer than expected.

I agree with Sitka, do your homework with contractors. Hopefully some members from that area can pitch in.

Unless you have somebody here on the island that you trust for 150% and who knows about construction and who is willing to check on a daily basis what the contractor did and if he did it right I would not recommend to work with ANY contractor when you're not here.

There are good contractors but to find them is difficult. Even if the contractor did a couple of good jobs that is no guarantee that he will do a good job for you. Some (or many) will get $$ signs in their eyes when a US American wants to contract them for a job and makes it better by not being there.

I had a father/son team work for me and they did a great job. Now, I have known the father for more than 10 years, he lives 'round the corner and can't afford to screw me.
When I just arrived here over 15 years ago I had another local builder do a job for me. He had been doing jobs for my wife's family, actually he's the husband of one of my wife's first cousins. That didn't prevent him from charging me almost double from what he would have charged locals. He did a good job but screwed me for around $20K.

Then I didn't know, now I do. I know what a local guy charges per day, I know where they worked, I know the quality of their work, we have been drinking beers in the local watering hole, I talk to them and their buddies.

Bottom line: be very careful and make sure you have somebody here who will keep an eye on things.

Better move to the island, rent while keeping an eye on the project.
By the way Caguas is not far from where Gary lives so that contractor he likes may take the job if he is still in business.

sounds like good advise!

Gary,

Good information! Thank you!  I am taking notes .  I plan to be on the Island when construction begins.  Fortunately for me, I lived on the Island for 5 years while in the military and know that I have to stay one step ahead at all times.  Thanks again for taking time to write back.  Your advise is very much appreciated.

Rudy

ReyP,

Thank you! Good advise and that's also in my plans to move and rent first.

Rudy

Hi Gary. I just sent you a PM.