How to Assess the Damage to Your Home after a Flood
Torrential downpours have meant the weather in Panama has been wetter than normal this year. Floods have affected thousands in La Chorrera, Arraiján, Colón and the Caribbean Coast. If you have been affected by this years flooding, you know what a mess it can make. But sometimes, the costs are even higher than you realize. Estimating the full cost means evaluating both the direct and indirect costs of a flood. Direct costs are the items that are directly damaged – Your home, belongings, etc. These are mostly obvious. Indirect costs are expenses incurred because of the flood...
read moreHow to Plan for a Vegetable Garden in a Tropical Climate
I live in Panama. Many of my retiree friends have rented or built there homes here, and one thing you should know is this: Panama on the Pacific side vs. Panama on the Caribbean side vs. Panama in the hill country are three different countries. It’s beautiful here. Last week I visited a tropical jungle homeowner who grows cacao seeds. He makes fabulous chocolate bars and sells them in Bocas Del Toro. As we walked his property, he said, “You know, I tried to grow vegetables here, but there’s no way in the jungle!” He’s wrong. There IS a way to grow a lush vegetable garden, you just...
read moreAchieving Space Efficiency in Panama Commercial Buildings
The Panama commercial construction boom is obvious when you look at the cranes perched all over the city. While the Panama condo building boom has certainly slowed down over the last few years, it has been replaced by new office towers dotting the skyline. This boom has brought increased prices. And that means the Panama businesses that use these commercial buildings need to look at smaller and smaller offices. Businesses are forced to get by with the same job functions and employees as before. But in a much smaller space. Efficiency is at a premium. While at one time, businesses...
read moreShould You Buy or Build Your New Panama Home
One of the questions we hear quite often from expats looking to move to Panama, is – “Should I buy and existing home? Or should I build my own?” You might even be wondering the same thing. For obvious reasons, the question is very important. And there is no right answer for everyone. But once you have read through this article, you should have a better idea. Or at least be on your way to deciding if building or buying is right for you. Because everyone is different, the first part of your decision comes down to an assessment of your own situation, goals, wants...
read moreThings to Think About When Planning the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen
A perfectly planned outdoor kitchen is more than just a gathering place for your friends and family. It’s more than a fun place to hang out for a barbeque and a couple of beers… And it’s more than just a beautiful addition to your home.An outdoor kitchen can also increase the value of your property. Given 2 homes that are similar in every other way, the home with the properly planned outdoor kitchen will win every time. And, in just a few minutes from now, after reading this entire article, you will be well on your way to planning that perfect outdoor kitchen...
read moreAre You Buying a new home in Panama? Did You Use These 5 Panama Home Inspection Tips?
Purchasing a home or second home in Panama is an exciting experience. You may have fallen for your potential new home or condo because of the weather, the view, the ocean, the size, or a thousand other reasons. But, as with anywhere, your new home or condo could have dark secrets hidden within its walls. And if you haven’t inspected closely or had a Panama home inspection expert take a look, you may be in trouble…There are a number of hidden dangers that could be lurking in your new home purchase. Dangers that could cost you thousands of dollars, or put your family at...
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