Originally Posted by jjshoe

Here is a list of questions i have come up with while planning my Christian missions "hotel". units of measurement don't matter, use what you know.

How much does concrete cost per yard?

I don't know because we buy it by the bag, mix it with sand and some marl. Also most building is done with cement blocks, then pour the mixed cement from the bags into the blocks that are put together.

Can you rent metal forms?

I guess I don't know what metal forms you are talking about. Usually rebar is placed into the cement block to reinforce the building.

Can you get icf forms on the island?

Sorry, don't know what ICF forms are. Please enlighten me.


How much does electricty cost per killowatt hour?

Since I am back in the US don't have a bill in front of me. A 2 bedroom, 1 bath home usually runs close to $50 US a month unless you use AC, then it can run up to $175 US.

how much does water cost by cubic foot?

Again no bill in front of me. For average bill for 2 people, plus a little visiting of friends overnight it runs around $13 to $15 US unless you water the yard then of course it goes up in direct proportion to what you use.

How much would a house keeper expect to be paid?

Varies with the housekeeper. I had a lousy one for $20 US a day including some clothes washing, but I emphasise lousy. I have a very good one now but it takes her about 1-1/2 to 2 days to do the work, so I pay her around $35 plus I pick up the taxi fare as a tip if I don't pick up and return her to Negril. I have been told that I am very generous with her, but I want to keep her and so it's worth it to me.

How much would a maitnance man expect to be paid?

If you mean yard work and it entails some type of machinery it can be anywhere from $18 US to $35 US for the job. If you mean painting or other light construction type maintenance it is around $55 US a day.

how much would a security guard expect to be paid?

I heard it is around $18 US.

what do property taxes run on average?

I don't know. I took possession of my new home November 2004 and still have not been billed for taxes and the builders did not know what it would be either.

What do you do for hurricane preperation?

Hurricane lamps (propane). Make sure you have enough propane in your tank for cooking. Buy up nonperishable foods (canned and dry) for at least a week. Store several gallons of water. Make sure you have a place where the windows can be closed to elements or if a board home, secure plywood over the windows.

Where do you buy your clothes?

The US mostly, but dresses from craft markets. I found the styles to be just what I want in dresses, but other clothes I bring with me.

where do you buy your groceries?

I have two places close to my home that I use. One caters more to Americans, but the other one has some things cheaper. I also buy once a week from a vendor that brings a van around the neighborhood loaded with veggies and fruit.

What if you can't get something on the island, what is the import process like?

I bring it in my suitcase. I did not import any furniture. I had local craftsman make wood and wicker furniture. Some people use barrels to pack with items they think they need, but I have found that I don't need as much as I thought I would. I live more simply in Jamaica.