What Does it cost to build in the USVI's?
This is the most commonly asked question CILCIA Builders receives. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. Building in the Islands IS expensive, plain and simple (but keep in mind you are living in paradise!). Proper planning as well as research and development is crucial. The best solution I have found, and what I tell my perspective clients, is to "spend some to learn lots". In order to determine "preliminary" building costs, the progression is as follows:
1. Determine what size Deltec best fits your needs (Deltec pricing discussed below).
2. Upon purchasing your property, you should have been provided with a Lot Survey but will most likely still need to have a Surveyor (see our Contact page for referral) do a Topography (a graphic representation of the surface features of your parcel of land indicating their relative positions and elevations) of your property.
3a. Retain an Architect who will utilize the Topography to develop a Site Plan (a graphic representation that describes how your parcel of land is to be improved including outlines of all structures and site improvements, such as driveways, landscaping, and utility connections) that will address two very important issues: (1) The best location of the structure on the lot (to maximize what hopefully is your unbelievable view) and (2) to place the structure where the least amount of concrete will be needed (explained below). I suggest that you request that your Architect do "partial" set of Construction Documents (only structural drawings that are pertinent to obtaining building costs) since you are in the planning stages, with a "full" set of Construction Documents to follow upon acceptance. Once these drawings are obtained, we can determine your non-Deltec building costs.
3b. Upon completion of the Site Plan, your Floor Plan can be developed. Once completed we can then determine your Deltec interior finish building costs.
4. By combining your "partial" construction Documents (3a) and the Floor Plan (3b) take-off's, your "preliminary" building costs will be known.
5. After we have gathered your "preliminary" building costs, you can then determine if this home is within your building budget. After review and approval a final, and more finite, take-off will be done. Deltec will provide to you Floor and General Construction Plans in regards to the structure. At this time, you will have your Architect finalize the your "partial" Construction Documents and incorporate them with Deltec's drawings in order to obtain your building permit.
It is understood that these things all cost money, but believe me it is better to find out sooner rather than later. I realize that this is a lot to digest. If you so desire, we can arrange a time to speak on the phone about any and all matters for I am a much better orator than typist. Please feel free to contact me at any time via our Contact page.
CONCRETE:
Firstly, one of the biggest expense you will incur, outside the purchase of your property, while building will be concrete costs. The average price for formed/poured concrete is $625.00/cubic yard +/- on St. Thomas. We do live on a mountain, and flat lots are few and far between (as well as the most expensive). A parcel of land with a 30% slope is considered "St. Thomas flat". Lots upwards of 45% slope are still very doable, above that can be costly. With that being said, usually you will need to utilize a column or wall system for your foundation. In addition, with sloped lots retaining walls are inevitable. We also have no "city" water here so a Cistern (a concrete holding tank for collecting rain water via a gutter system for home use) must be utilized. The approximate costs for Cisterns are $1.50/gallon +/-. Per local code, your Cistern size is based upon the area of your roof. The code calls for the area of the roof multiplied by 10 (1-story structure) or 15 (2-story structure) to arrive at total gallons required by code. For example: A 1-story Deltec Chesapeake model has a 44' diameter, we then add 3'-9" for the roof overhang and round up to 52' diameter. By using Algebra to figure the area of the roof (Pi multiplied by the radius squared), we then arrive at a roof area of 2,123 square feet x 10 (1-story) = 21,230 gallons x $1.50/gallon = $31,845.00. Finally, there is the never ending possibility of concrete shortages on the Island. Thankfully, with a Deltec Home, once your Cistern and foundation are in place, you could be done with concrete (putting in a pool?).
EXCAVATING:
Above I mentioned the slope percentage of lots here on St. Thomas. Because a lot is over 45% slope certainly does not mean it cannot be done, it can, for our local Excavators/Track Hoe operators here are absolutely fearless. In addition to living on a mountain, that mountain is a rock, literally. Within the ground on St. Thomas, a type of rock called "Blue Bitch" can be found. It is VERY hard, and if a vein of it is hit while excavating, and based on the size of said vein, it can be costly to remove ($165.00/hour +/- for Track Hoe Hammer - 8 hour minimum). This needs to be in the back of your mind during the excavation process.
DELTEC PRICING:
In regards to determining the cost of your Deltec Home package, the easiest solution is to simply call us as we are always happy to help and answer any questions you may have about your home pricing (see our Contact page). I will assure you that there will be absolutely no sales pitch or obligation. After gathering a minor amount of detail in regards to the model you are interested in, we can produce a general price out in just a few minutes (including Deltec, shipping, USVI applicable taxes and installation costs). Upon completion, we will be happy to forward you a copy via email or fax. Another option is to download the Deltec Pricing Catalog by clicking here (the catalog is in Adobe Reader .pdf format. If you do not have Adobe, you can download it here free). You may also contact us and we will be happy to email or fax you a copy which will take you step by step through the pricing process, detailing both basic shell costs and the costs of most of Deltec's available options. This price list includes the most popular options and will be sufficient for most home packages ordered. Each home starts with a basic shell package. Page two (2) demonstrates the many special design options to help you determine the configuration of your home. Page three (3) lists Deltec’s basic shell sizes and prices, plus the costs for the special designs. Pages four (4) through ten (10) will walk you through the many options that you may choose to add to your Deltec. Common options such as siding types, windows, decks, etc., are typically chosen to customize the individual home. Some specific options are available to enhance the home’s performance for hurricane or high wind and seismic loads. Upon completion, you may contact us and we will help you incorporate any additional costs (shipping, USVI applicable taxes and installation costs).
If you would like to contact Deltec directly, please feel free to visit them at www.deltechomes.com where you will find additional information, pictures and videos, testimonials and much more. You may also contact them toll-free at (800) 642-2508 or (828) 253-0483. Please ask for Mark Bloomfield and let him know the fine folks at CILCIA Builders sent you.
What is the Deltec package?
Deltec provides the “structural shell" of the home including the radial floor and roof systems, exterior walls, and hardware. If windows are ordered from Deltec they will be installed at their factory. Siding and trim are optional and can be pre-stained or painted and is factory applied to the wall panels on the circular structures. Items such as deck systems, skylights, wing and connect additions, covered porch kits, garages and many other options are also available.
What are the size options for a Deltec Home?
With a Deltec Home the conventional ideas of space and design take on a whole new meaning. Your Deltec home can be designed in just about any way you can imagine. For example, if you are building a home of 2,000 square feet you can accomplish your goal in a variety of ways: One level of 2,000 square feet; a two story home with 1,000 square feet on each level; a 1,500 square foot home with an attached 500 square foot rectangular or crescent wing; or two connected units of 1,000 square feet each. Deltec Circular Homes offer numerous size options that range from 328 to 2,500 square feet per level and up to three stories can be housed under one roof. Also, Deltec Homes have no interior load bearing walls, giving way to total custom interior design capabilities. The possibilities are almost endless. Your home configuration will be based on what you want or what the terrain demands, not on any limitations of the Deltec design. Explore all the possibilities. With ten different model sizes and unlimited wing and connect options, Deltec is confident they can provide the perfect home for your needs.
MODEL |
SQUARE FEET PER LEVEL** |
NUMBER OF SIDES |
DIAMETER (IN FEET)** |
VISTA* |
2,500 |
22 |
56 |
WINDSOR |
2,070 |
20 |
52 |
SIERRA |
1,678 |
18 |
47 |
CHESAPEAKE |
1,496 |
17 |
44 |
MONTEREY |
1,166 |
15 |
39 |
SAVANNAH |
1,016 |
14 |
37 |
AUGUSTA |
876 |
13 |
34 |
CAMDEN |
746 |
12 |
32 |
NEWPORT |
517 |
10 |
26 |
HAMPTON* |
328 |
8 |
21 |
* Available in 1 or 2 story only.
** Diameters and areas shown are approximates and not exact.
Does a circular home cost more to build?
Deltec has taken the hard part out of the construction of a circular house. The Deltec building system is designed and engineered for ease in assembly. Remember even though a Deltec home is not a conventional home, it is still built in a very conventional manner. Once the Deltec portion is up the interior finish is just simple carpentry.
How difficult is it to assemble a Deltec Home?
Deltec's panelized pre-cut building system makes it easy to assemble and finish your Deltec home. The components are not unusual. Wall panels are made with traditional 2" x 6" (USVI Code) framing, roof and floor trusses, etc., they are just in a slightly different configuration. The Deltec Circular Home package is a pre-cut, panelized building system. "Panelized construction" involves the prefabrication of a structure in identifiable panels that can be easily transported directly to the job site and assembled quickly on the foundation. A "building system" is a method of constructing residential or commercial structures in a factory setting and then transporting them to the building site for placement on a permanent foundation where they will perform and function with very predictable results. Deltec's "panelized building system" makes for quick and accurate assembly in the field. Each house is hand built for lasting value to assure the wall panels, roof and floor systems fit together smoothly on the job site. Most Deltec homes can be assembled in four to ten days, to see an example of a "roof-raising", click here.
What quality of materials is used?
All of the materials used in Deltec structures are of uncompromising excellence. Deltec's purchasing department uses strict standards of quality and cost to provide their customers with the finest possible product at the most reasonable price. This effort does not stop with the purchase of materials, but continues throughout the manufacturing process. The result is a product which Deltec is proud to build and their customers are proud to own.
Deltec Homes are wood, what about Termites?
Termites can be a very big problem in the Caribbean, but not with a Deltec Home. Deltec Homes offer a Treated Wood package utilizing Perfect Barrier technology designed for homes specifically built in areas such as the U.S.V.I.'s. With this package, EVERY piece of wood in a Deltec Home is completely pressure treated. Perfect Barrier treated wood absorbs and retains less moisture, will not support mold, rot, fungi or mildew growth and is protected against a wide spectrum of wood destroying pests. Perfect Barrier permanently protects building materials against mold and insect damage for the life of a structure. Unlike pressure treated wood, Perfect Barrier treated wood does not contain heavy metals, aldehydes, solvents or carcinogens. There are zero VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) and Perfect Barrier does not leach off, evaporate or off-gas during or after treatment. It is so safe that the treated wood can be burned or disposed of in the same manner as non-treated wood materials. Perfect Barrier is environmentally safe and is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency. To learn more about Perfect Barrier, click here.
Is on-site construction assistance available?
Outside of CILCIA Builders experienced builders and tradesmen, we utilize the worldwide Deltec shell installation experience of Pioneer Builders and Jeff Torr of Blanca, Colorado. If issues arise when installing the Deltec shell, with Jeff's vast knowledge (installing Deltec shells since 1980) these issues can be resolved quickly and efficiently. Jeff has been involved on every Deltec that CILCIA Builders has done, and will be involved on all in the future. Pioneer Builders can be reached at (719) 379-3642 or jctorr@fone.net.
How is a Deltec Home shipped?
All deliveries are shipped from Asheville, NC to the USVI's via Tropical, of which CILCIA Builders has established a contract to offer our clients reduced shipping rates. Generally, the Deltec product is shipped within 40' or 20' containers. Upon arrival, they a trucked by local couriers to the job site.
Is it difficult to insure a Deltec Home?
CILCIA Builders has teamed with Inter-Ocean Insurance Agency of St. Thomas. Due To Deltec's exceptional building technology, as well as their outstanding track record against hurricanes, Inter-Ocean is now offering Mixed-Masonry insurances rates for a wooden structure! This rate is competitive with Masonry rates for concrete homes and offers potential homeowners a substantial savings on their yearly premiums. To obtain Inter-Ocean's contact information as well as a sample insurance quote click here.
Is a Deltec Home hard to furnish?
The Deltec wall panels are not curved. They are flat, 8' sections which make interiors easy to furnish. Look in your own house and determine how many corners are actually being utilized. Most corners are only dead spaces that collect dust. When you see a furnished Deltec, you'll be convinced that furnishing it is both easy and very satisfying. Overall, you will be delighted at the spaciousness and the usefulness of every square foot. You will also notice that the vaulted ceiling adds to the natural open appearance of the plan. To see examples of finished Deltec homes, click here.
Where can I see a Deltec Home?
When on St. Thomas, simply give us a call (340-998-9677) and we will arrange a viewing for you. If you are stateside, one way to see a Deltec Home is by enjoying a relaxing tour of their model home and plant in Asheville, NC. Contact Sales Consultant Mark Bloomfield (800-642-2508) to schedule a visit. Mark may also be able to arrange an appointment to visit a private home of one of Deltecs many Home Owner Referral Club members. Once you have an idea of the size and configuration of the home you would like, call Mark for details and he will see if there is a home in your area for you to visit.
