Has the scheduled apartment handover date passed while construction work is still ongoing? It is only natural for the buyer to start feeling concerned.
Delays do happen in the Dominican Republic, and there is no point pretending otherwise. However, a postponed completion date does not automatically mean that the developer is trying to scam anyone.
Construction may slow down for many reasons, including prolonged permit procedures, CONFOTUR-related formalities, heavy rainfall and tropical weather conditions, difficulties with the availability of construction crews, delays in the delivery of elevators, windows, air-conditioning systems or furnishings, as well as objections raised by neighbouring hotels, organisations or local residents.
Of course, this does not mean that every delay should be accepted without question. What matters most is what is actually happening on the construction site and how the developer behaves: whether they communicate with clients, show visible progress and clearly explain the reasons for the delay.
What Is a Good Sign?
A positive sign is that construction work is continuing and the developer is able to demonstrate real progress on site. Communication is equally important: a specific explanation for the delay, an updated schedule and a willingness to answer clients’ questions.
In such a situation, the postponed completion date may still be stressful, but it does not necessarily indicate a serious problem. Transparency is key, as is whether the developer’s statements are supported by visible action.
What Should Raise Concerns?
A warning sign is a situation in which construction remains at a standstill for months, communication with the developer breaks down and new deadlines keep being announced without a clear explanation.
The lack of recent photographs, construction reports, information about the progress of the work or specific answers to clients’ questions may also be a cause for concern.
The less communication there is and the fewer visible signs of activity on site, the more important it becomes to investigate the situation carefully. A delay alone does not necessarily mean fraud, but a lack of transparency should always be treated as a warning sign.
We Are Always on the Client’s Side
At Casa Dominicana, our support does not end when the contract is signed. If delays occur, we contact the developer, request explanations, check the progress of the construction work and provide the client with up-to-date information.
When necessary, we negotiate on behalf of our clients. We discuss revised deadlines, contract addenda, handover conditions and possible solutions if the situation begins to differ from what was originally agreed.
We cannot promise that no property development will ever be delayed. We can, however, promise that the client will not be left to deal with the problem alone.
We support our clients throughout the property selection process, contract signing, construction and handover, and also when it becomes necessary to stand up for their rights.
Paweł Bączkowski | +1 (849) 564-6630
