The goal of the Building Code is to create a transparent path from design, through inspection, to the finished work, with verifiable materials and standards that seek to reduce improvisation and minimize risks for buyers.
SANTO DOMINGO. – The clock struck nearly midnight on December 31st. In the living room of her apartment in New Jersey, Brenda watched the flashes of fireworks announcing the new year through the window, while outside, a cool breeze rustled the bare branches of the trees.
In his mind was Santo Domingo, the apartment he had seen online, in the plans, in the digital projections and in the endless conversations with his cousin César, who had been his compass when it came to real estate doubts.
César had been going over every detail with her, and that night, amid laughter and good wishes, he returned to the topic that worried him most: the construction quality of the house he was planning to buy.
“Cousin, you know that a pretty picture isn’t the same as a solid structure in reality,” César said as he uncorked a bottle of champagne. “In Santo Domingo, after several incidents last year with buildings that couldn’t withstand the water, the weather, and even leaks from heavy rains, people are much more aware of what real construction quality means.”.
And he was right. The Dominican real estate market closed 2025 with much public discussion about the need to raise standards and establish clear construction regulations. Experts have emphasized, as has been written in this specialized publication, that the country needs more robust regulation and a clear framework to protect buyers and investors, especially in off-plan or construction projects, where guarantees and oversight have been insufficient.
The New Building Code and Why It Matters to Brenda
A recent development was the presentation of a new Building Code for the Dominican Republic by the Ministry of Housing, Habitat, and Buildings. This code aims to strengthen technical standards in the construction sector throughout the country, from structural calculations to the materials used, and includes clearer specifications for electrical and plumbing installations, as well as architectural design.
The goal is to create a transparent path from design, through inspection, to the finished work, with verifiable materials and standards that aim to reduce improvisation and minimize risks for buyers.
César knows this was an important step forward, but he also explained to Brenda that the existence of a code does not in itself guarantee quality: you have to know how to use it to your advantage.
“You can’t just buy it because you like the view or love the digital projection,” he told her, looking at his glass. “You have to ask about compliance with the standards that the law requires today, because that translates into structural safety and durability.”.
What Brenda should check before signing
As the clock struck twelve, César told Brenda to get her notebook and write down the list of specific aspects she should verify with each developer or builder before making a decision:
1. Official plans and technical specifications
You should request the plans approved by the relevant authorities and compare them with those shown in the advertisement. The official plans must detail the structure, materials, wall and foundation thicknesses, and the characteristics of the plumbing and electrical installations.
2. Specification of materials with certifications or standards
“Good workmanship” is not enough. You must request documents that specify what materials will be used (brand of blocks, type of steel, cement quality, finishes). According to Law 189-11, the State must maintain a category and public registry of approved housing materials, which means this information must be accessible and verifiable.
3. Inspections and supervision
You should demand evidence that the work is being inspected by certified professionals (architects and engineers) and that there is a plan for regular quality control. Asking if there is external supervision or a technical audit can make a difference.
4Work schedules and stages
Knowing the construction route, from excavation to finishing, with key milestones and inspection points, helps you understand if the project is progressing in an orderly fashion or if there is improvisation.
5. History of the builder or developer
Research the developer's previous projects and how they performed in terms of weather, usage, and warranties. Reliable local advice (such as from established and reputable real estate agents) is essential.
6. Clear contracts and quality clauses
The contract should detail what happens if the agreed-upon technical specifications are not met, what guarantees the builder offers, and how defects are resolved after the property is handed over. This protects the buyer from surprises or unforeseen expenses.
New Year's Reflection
That morning, as the New Year's lights illuminated the New Jersey sky, Brenda realized that her return depended not only on illusion or nostalgia, but on concrete facts, knowledge, inspection, transparency, and professional support.
César raised his glass and said to her: -“Cousin, your house will be your home if you buy it with clarity and certainty, not with wishes and pretty “renders”
Brenda smiled. 2026 was beginning with more certainty and a list of clear questions that would finally allow her to decide with both her head and her heart.
