Excellent and detailed notes started this thread and I have a few mentions worth mentioning. Building in Aruba can be a challenging experience, especially if you are not there through the process. While standards are good in Aruba, they are not US standards, especially when it comes to plumbing and electricity.
As for plumbing, be certain the plans include a proper septic if not connected to city sewer. The septics built in Aruba are mostly too small and drain fields are not properly laid out. The bigger the tank the better! And having the tank emptied is very reasonable, as of now 10fls per cubic meter.
As for plumbing, be sure the system is vented properly. If not, toilet flushes will create vacuum and empty the traps in a sink or other place and allow gases to enter the home. Anyone who tells you that vents aren't needed is an idiot.
Another plumbing issue: Beware of metric fittings and english ones combined. Some fancy faucets and such sold a the high-end supply houses by Ling are metric and you need to purchase fittings that will convert to english threads and such. Expensive, unnecessary and can be impossible to find. (Ex: Paid $32 for a shutoff valve that had it been english only would have been $3. Not the end of the world, unless you have 4 or 5 or more in a house.)
Further plumbing issue: Install shut off valves to each water use location, i.e. each bathroom, kitchen, outdoor and such. When you have to work on the plumbing its better to shut off one area than the entire house and this also prevents dirt, pathogens from entering the fresh water when under repair. Very cheap to install when building the house by the way.
ELECTRICITY: General rule is to leave plenty, at least 5-6 extra spaces in the breaker box on 110 volt side and at least 2-3 on the 220 volt side. You will always be happy to have these later and again, cheaper in the beginning.
Be certain the house is properly grounded! If there is no grounding rod and they have lazily connected you to the water line, you are not in compliance with the new regs and while you may not get zapped, why fool around. Grounding is essential. HAVE IT TESTED!
Beware of the 'speaker wire' some contractors are using and check the sizes of the wire. They use thinner gauge than in the US and I'm never comfortable with this. They also pull the strands through plastic conduit which can cause chafing of cheaply made wife. Upgrade and rest easy.
Leave extra outlets, cable TV runs, and other runs for security cameras, later additions and things you might think of later. Always CHEAPER before than after.
Just some notes. More to come.
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