OUR PRICELESS VIEW - Dominica

Spring - Dominica

“Many people dream of moving to the Caribbean; and after some research and a visit to Dominica in February 2007 my wife and I decided to make our dream a reality.” says Andy Sawers as he recounts his family’s relocation to Dominica, The Nature Isle.

There were many reasons for our relocation from our posting in Belgium. One was the need for a lifestyle change. After 15 years, corporate life was beginning to pall, although we still enjoyed the overseas lifestyle. It was also important that our 3 young children enjoy their childhood years for as long as possible. Our research led us to the Caribbean and Dominica, my wife having lived there briefly as a child. We both felt comfortable with the Caribbean approach to life. Dominica was also financially more attractive than some of the other Caribbean islands; we felt we could afford to build and live there coupled with the property investment potential. Research also led us to Tina Alexander of Island Guests, a company specialising in real estate and relocation to Dominica.

We have been property investors for the last 10 years, speculatively buying in Turks & Caicos, Montenegro and Dubai, before they ‘took off’. So buying in Dominica, an island not as well known as some of its neighbours, did not deter us. Anticipating the market slowing in the UK, we sold up aiming to purchase a Dominican property to renovate, sell at a profit and then buy another property to call home.

In February 2007 we came to Dominica and met Tina who showed us our options. We found a couple of potential renovation projects but after calculating the costs involved, the economics did not stack up. So on our return we embarked on the new-build option, having found a house plot advertised on the internet. The financial benefit of not relocating at that time was the main reason we decided to buy, design and build a property remotely. It was a proposition with financial risks but we were very comfortable with Tina’s ability and integrity. Also with today’s modern technology, building long distance is very feasible. Quotes are scanned, progress reports via pictures are emailed, fittings and fixtures are agreed using SKYPE and interestingly the minimal choices in Dominica made decisions much easier. As far as the builder/contractor side of things was concerned, Tina researched well and found Oliver Joseph. The key element we discovered is the need for flexibility and trust on both sides and, with this in place, a long distance build works. When the builder says we need a significantly bigger retaining wall than originally budgeted due to a steeper than expected slope, then you must trust him. And when he strengthens internal walls at his own cost, you must thank him.

At the end of the day however you must remember it is a business and you alone must make all the hard financial decisions. You have to stick to budgets; a contingency fund is a prerequisite; and certain ‘this would be nice to have’ ideas from both sides have to be scrapped if they don’t fit into the original budget. With a long distance build you are better able to perform this role effectively being less emotionally involved. Are we happy with the outcome? Definitely! We are the proud owners of an amazing, functional, family home, with spectacular views all within budget. We even decided to build (and project manage ourselves) a Guest House, christened Sisserou Lodge, for visitors to the island.

Of course the risks of a remote build must not be underestimated. The one thing we could never fully comprehend from that distance was the plot itself - its gradient, its size and its outlook. Photos never did it justice when planning areas and upon our arrival we were lucky to be able to change the original swimming pool location to a new area that evolved between the two new buildings. The importance of landscaping and the associated costs are also areas to fully grasp. The reality is you have to be content with the way some things turn out, even if they are not quite as you imagined.

Undertaking the project in this way gave us 18 months to plan our relocation on our terms, whilst, very importantly, still earning an income. This resulted in us arriving in Dominica exactly when we wanted to from a professional, financial and family perspective, so that we could fully absorb and appreciate the most beautiful views and life in our little piece of paradise.

Unfortunately I cannot possibly list everyone who made this exciting project we undertook happen, but you know who you
are so a huge thank you from the Sawers Family.

For further updates on the Sawers’ adventure
www.destinationdominica.blogspot.com
For further information on Sisserou Lodge
www.dominicaaccommodation.com
or contact Andy Sawers:
+1 767 277 8399 or ajlsawers@gmail.com