Buying a Home in Costa Rica: What a North American–Style Inspection Covers

If you have bought a home in the US or Canada, you probably had it inspected before closing. In Costa Rica, that step is still skipped in a lot of sales. Some buyers do not know inspections are available here, and some are told the house is new or "in great shape" and decide they do not need one.

We think every buyer deserves to know what they are paying for. Here is what a North American–style home inspection covers, and what we pay particular attention to in Costa Rica homes.

What the inspection looks at

A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive look at the parts of the home we can safely reach. On a typical inspection we check:

• Structure and foundation. Cracks in walls and floors, signs of movement, and how the ground slopes around the house.
• The roof. Coverings, flashings, gutters and downspouts, and whether rain water is carried away from the home. On tall or fragile roofs we use a drone so nobody has to walk on clay tiles or metal sheets.
• The exterior. Walls, doors, windows, railings and the surfaces around the house.
• Plumbing. Water supply, drains, fixtures and the water heater, including leaks we can see.
• Electrical. The panel, visible wiring, outlets and fixtures. This is often where we find the most safety issues.
• Air conditioning and any other heating or cooling equipment.
• The interior. Ceilings, walls, floors, doors, windows and cabinets, with an eye out for water and insect damage.

Thermal imaging helps us spot moisture behind finishes and electrical parts that run too hot. If the home has a septic system or a pool, we can add a septic scope and a basic pool inspection in the same visit. Drone photos of the roof are typically included with every inspection, unless the community or area restricts the drone.

Why Costa Rica homes need a careful look

Building practices here are different from what most North American buyers know, and the climate is hard on houses. Long rainy seasons test every roof and window. Salt air on the coast corrodes metal. Homes on hillsides depend on good drainage and solid retaining walls. Many properties sit empty for months between owners or renters, so small leaks can go unnoticed.

None of that means you should not buy. It means you should know what you are buying, which repairs to budget for, and what to raise with the seller before you sign.

Buying from abroad

Many of our clients are still living in another country when they find their Costa Rica home. If you cannot be at the inspection, we can send you photos and videos from the property while we are there. Afterwards we go through the report with you on a call, so you understand each finding and can ask questions.

What you get

Your report arrives by email with photos by the end of the next business day, unless we agree on something different beforehand. It separates safety concerns and repairs from routine maintenance, so you can see quickly what matters most.

Book your inspection

If you are under contract, or about to make an offer, get in touch early so we can fit the inspection into your timeline. Call or WhatsApp us on +506 8644 7444, or email alex@stripeinspections.com. Se habla español.