How to build a home in Cayman, environmentally friendly options, suggestions on selecting a team, architects, land surveyors, general contractors and structural engineers.
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Cayman’s booming construction sector was a great support to the economy during the pandemic, however the number of proposed developments has since been in decline as building costs continue to soar, making the viability of projects more difficult. Even with building projects already underway, developers are struggling to keep up with costs and are faced with either absorbing these costs or pausing projects.
The main factors affecting building prices include continued high shipping and material fees, higher interest rates and the increased cost of land. Although supply chain issues, which began during the pandemic, are not as prominent, lead times are still much longer than they were, and prices have remained high and are not expected to drop back to pre-pandemic levels. And though shipping costs are not as high as they were, they remain volatile and are generally still more than double pre-2020 levels due to the energy crisis.
Generally, the prices of materials have increased significantly, with the cost of sheetrock increasing around 50%, the cost of plywood increasing around 100% and the cost of PVC increasing around 300%, when compared with 2020 prices. The war in Ukraine is also affecting the supply of raw materials. We are experiencing a bullwhip effect to the supply chain – small fluctuations in demand at retail level are causing progressively larger fluctuations in demand at wholesale, distributor, manufacturer and raw material supplier levels. Demand shock rectification takes years following such a ripple effect and, as such, it is anticipated that construction costs will remain high for the foreseeable future. The price of rebar is set to continue to rise due to supply issues also resulting from the war in Ukraine – it is a multi-year process to set up a new supply.
With the ever-growing population and new developments becoming less viable for builders, demand outweighing supply continues to increase.
The Five Reasons to Engage an ICIA Member
Sponsored By Institute of Cayman Islands ArchitectsAdvice on Building Your Homekeyboard_arrow_right
This section will provide prospective home owners (or builders) with detailed information on the various approaches one can follow when building in the Cayman Islands, including the associated pros and cons on things that need to be considered.
Building Optionskeyboard_arrow_right
There are several general models of how construction contracts are structured and there are good reasons to recommend one over another in particular situations.
Building Professionalskeyboard_arrow_right
Cayman has a whole host of building professionals to choose from whether you’re seeking an architect, a general contractor, a quantity surveyor or otherwise. Read more for our recommendations.
Architects
The Cayman Islands has a wonderful selection of qualified and experienced architects and the quality and style of our architecture stands testimony to that.
Construction Managers
A construction manager or quantity surveyor is used when setting up construction contracts. Here is a list of recommended construction managers.
General Contractors
Local Cayman construction companies, contractors and builders for commercial and residential building projects and renovation jobs in the Cayman Islands.
Land Surveyors
Find licensed land surveyors in Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman for boundary surveys, subdivision mapping, topographical surveys plus more.
Chartered Quantity Surveyors
Need a building budget? Find chartered quantity surveyors in the Cayman Islands for property building and development cost management and consultation.
Project Managers
Building seem overwhelming? Find top project managers in Cayman who can oversee your building or renovation projects, while keeping the team on track!
Civil & Structural Engineers
You guide to civil engineers in Cayman who provide consulting services, geotechnical and foundation engineering, soil/piling tests plus structural reports.
Roofing Contractors
Roofing contractors in the Cayman Islands who install standing seam metal roofs, shingles, installations and repairs for residential and commercial projects.
Building Materialskeyboard_arrow_right
In this section we focus on primary building materials used in the Cayman Islands: concrete blocks, driveway and walkway surfacing, Insulate Concrete Forms (ICF) and spray foam.
Concrete Blocks & Pavers
Need durable building materials? Concrete blocks are used for solid construction in Cayman. Find a company that sells blocks, pavers and other materials.
Insulated Concrete Forms
Cayman is hot! Luckily insulated concrete forms helps to keep the cool air in your home. Find out why this building material is a must plus where to buy it.
Driveway & Walkway Surfacing
Driveway surfacing plus walkway resurfacing can transform the outside of your residential or commercial property. Find a company today!
Desalination Systems
A desalination system will help you secure water resources in the event of a hurricane or another emergency.
Spray Foam Insulation
Using spray foam insulation when building in the Cayman Islands will reduce air leakage which can help keep those A/C costs down.