Furnishings Last Updated: 12/19/2003 3:19 PM
U.S. Government-owned furnishings are provided for most personnel, but full household effects shipments may be required. Newly assigned personnel should check with their agencies or with the post.
Basic household furnishings consisting of living room, dining room, bedrooms, refrigerator, electric stove, electric washer and dryer, and dehumidifier are provided. A limited number of area rugs are available from Mission stock.
If employees are not eligible for government-owned furnishings, they must bring their own furniture. All types can be used in San Jose, with no special precautions. Both custom-made and ready-made furniture can be purchased in San Jose, but styles are limited and costs are high. Quality varies, but some factories do produce export-quality, kiln-dried wood furniture or upholstered living room sets. Furnished quarters are difficult to find, and even if available, lamps, glassware, linens, china, silverware, and small kitchen appliances will not be provided. Air conditioners are uncommon. Fans are recommended for warm summers.
Windows vary greatly in size; so, delay the purchase of curtains or other window coverings until a house is found. Occasionally houses come with curtains or venetian blinds, or curtains can be custom-made locally of good fabrics at reasonable prices. Curtains can be ordered from the U.S. Draperies are provided for government-furnished housing.
Lawn furniture, lawn care equipment, garbage cans, ironing boards, vacuum cleaners or floor polishers are not furnished and must be provided by the individual. Large and small appliances are very expensive in San Jose and it is suggested that needs be evaluated and items then shipped with the household effects.
We have been approached by many people that move to the Guanacaste area and buy properties that do not have furniture included in their package or are charged astronomical amounts of money for basic furniture. The next thing they can do is go to the local stores and try to find what they might like. I say try because the offer is very limited. After you have invested over $200.000 (at least according to local prices) in a condo, you canīt come back with cheap wicker from Nicaragua to furnish your home. After looking and not finding, they are told to go to San Jose. Thatīs when the nightmare starts. Where to go? will the wood expand when I go back to a very dry and hot area? where do I stay? I need my furniture NOW!!!!
Services nowadays are so needed in the Pacific Area of Guanacaste and Costa Rica in general that we decided to start a service business to bring to the new owner a wide selection of furniture, availability, comfort in the shopping and most importantly fair prices. It is time to get excellent service for a fair price. The foreign investor is getting tired of being ripped off and Costa Rican companies need to start standarinzing prices for everyone.
We offer a magnificent selection of wood, tropical and traditional furniture, as well as brand name appliances. Visit our website and confirm it for yourself. www.pacifichomefurnishing.com
