Hello to all interested in Randy’s cabina homes. My wife and I just returned from a wonderful trip to CR where we closed on our Bajamar property and Randy showed us all around the various areas of Bajamar, Grecia, San Ramon, San Mateo, and Oratina. What a beautiful country full of friendly people. Even though Rhonda was not feeling well and I am sure Randy would have rather been with her, he still gave us over 20 hours of his time over a two day period. This was our first meeting with Randy and I can tell you he is a real pleasure, honest, and very giving. Thanks for lunch Randy at the mountain top café near San Ramon where we also got to see two rare toucans flying in the wild…what a treat!!!

With regards to the cabina, which I know so many are interested in, I would like to provide some detailed information on our findings. First let me state my occupation as a matter of preface. I am an Architect from the good ‘ole U.S. and I am registered in five states in the northeast. I am a sole proprietor and have had a successful business for 17 years now. My firm specializes in the unique facet of Custom Home Design and construction with typical contracts of homes valued anywhere between $200,000 up to $5,000,000. My firm not only designs the homes but builds them as well. As a result I have extensive experience with materials and methods of home construction.

First Impressions and Observations

Upon arrival the first thought that came to my mind was how attractive the Cabina was from the outside when approaching it. The combination of the rough-sawn vertical plank siding, the wainscot of fieldstone, and massive tree trunk columns is truly a great balance of materials and aesthetically very pleasing. The pictures that Randy has on the web site really do not do it justice. The attention to detail on the homes exterior also really adds to its charm including the Spanish clay tile wrap around patio and hand shaped tree branch rail and balusters on the second floor balcony. Wow folks, try and find this kind of craftsmanship in the states at the same price point.

The second impression that came to mind was how large the cabina was. I realize that this was partially due to the expansive wrap around balconies, but heck this is more of a home than a cabin. When I think of a cabin, I really think small like around 800 to 1,200 square feet, which would include a covered front porch. So I took measurements while we were there (yes it’s true… the geek Architect brought his tape measure all the way from the States). I can confirm that the total living space is pretty close to 1,310 square feet and the with the balconies over 2,000 square feet.

The interior of the home (yes I’m going to call this a rustic home now…not a cabin) has a nice woodsy charm. The Spanish clay tile is through out the first floor. There is a full bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining area and full bath on the first floor. The living space is more than adequate and there is a two story ceiling space in the living room. There are exposed wood rafters of the second floor construction, which is nice, and there are plenty of windows for view. The kitchen is what I would call an early American rustic and an open design. The tile that Rhonda picked out for the counter is a deep moss and taupe tile that blended well with the homes rustic styling. The stairs leading to the second floor were crafted from heavy timbers, which you just do not find in the States readily any more. You could walk and elephant up these steps. The second floor is loft space, which they are utilizing as a master bedroom suite, is quite large and approximately 600 square feet. This could easily be converted into two separate bedrooms and an additional bath or perhaps a single bedroom and office overlooking the living room below. What a great feeling to able to walk out onto large balcony up here, catch the cool breeze and overlook the mountains and valley. We really enjoyed ourselves here. The floors are all stained wood and the ceilings are unfinished.

Structural Integrity

I have seen some criticism here on Randy’s forum with regards to the use of wood construction here rather than all concrete block and steel construction. Frankly I just don’t get it. Over 90% of the homes in the States are constructed of an all wood framing structure. Even in seismic zones of California and tropic zones of Florida almost half of those homes are built of wood construction. It really comes down to properly sizing and treating wood materials. I can tell you after a very close look at the homes structural design that it is solid as a rock and is not going anywhere. There are deep concrete footers. The foundation walls are 6” thick concrete block and extend to about 32” above finish floor. These are reinforced with #5 rebar and are grouted solid. The corners are poured in place concrete and wire reinforced and tied to the foundation walls. Try and get this portion of the work done in the States for less than $60,000…you won’t do it. The lumber used for framing was impressive. I would compare the floor joists to dense heavy timber rather than the lighter fir material that we use in the States. It reminded me of a 100-year home I once partially renovated and got a look at the original wood. Back then lumber was from old growth trees, dense and very strong as compared to the green, young lumber we are forced to use in today’s market. This home is solid!!! Go take a look for yourself.

Room for Tweaking and Improvement

I am often reminded of the old saying “it is easy to be a critic rather than the creator”. Well there was very little I could pick on here and the few things I brought up, Randy was already aware of and plans to make some adjustments. One, I suggested a slightly different trim detailing at the exterior doors and windows that would tighten the home up and be aesthetically pleasing. Two, the grouting of the floor tile could be improved slightly, particularly in the shower area. Three, I might suggest a slightly tighter joint between floor tiles. Although the Tico contractor installed per typical Spanish standards with a wide ½” joint, I prefer a tighter ¼” joint to reduce to potential for hair line cracks and staining. Four, the mortar between the exterior stone could use some touching up. Finally, there is a slight deflection on the second floor planking. This is not because the floor joist are not adequate, in fact they are oversized, but rather a result of the spacing of the joist. I would suggest decreasing the spacing of the joists by about 8” if anyone finds this undesirable.

Options for the not so Thrifty

I have a couple of options that I would like to suggest to any potential buyer. One, for what cabinets and granite tops for your Kitchen cost here in CR, just do it. Two, at a minimal cost you can get aluminum framed windows that will give you a better seal and minimize if not eliminate weathering and maintenance issues. Three, you might consider teak planking for your ceilings and possibly your walls, again, some more cost but if you would like a slightly less rustic look, this would do it. Four, consider adding a second full bath on the second floor for convenience and resale value. Five, you might consider some more lighting fixtures; although what was installed was adequate I like lots of light. Six, hot water, don’t think about it, just do it. Seven, consider paying for a tighter spacing of the floor joist to eliminate the slight deflection that exists. Finally, I would suggest upgrading the exterior doors.

Conclusions

This in an attractive and solidly built Cabina or more accurately a Rustic Home. It is exactly what Randy states it is. Without a doubt it is an excellent value and in my opinion under priced even in CR. Take my advice and lock in a contract with Randy today to have him build you a Cabina because I have advised him to raise his prices, as this is a steal even by Tico standards. Better hurry, who knows, maybe he will listen to me. Hate me for telling him that if you must, but frankly he deserves it.