SANTO DOMINGO – With significant variations, the Ministry of Housing, Habitat and Buildings (Mivhed) published updated service fees for private construction inspections. One of the significant changes is reflected in weekend prices, which were initially set to double according to the Ministry's announcement last June, but which has since been adjusted.
The new rates stipulate that inspections performed on Saturdays will only be carried out at the user's request, with at least 48 business hours' notice, and will cost 50% more than the regular rate. This adjustment aims to provide greater flexibility to builders and property owners, while ensuring staff availability outside of regular business hours.
Compared to the previous fee schedule, the amounts show significant variations. For example, in residential projects of up to two levels, the cost for inspecting vertical or horizontal elements was set at RD$3,300 per level, while for larger-scale buildings, such as commercial or tourist projects, the fees range between RD$7,500 and RD$15,000 depending on the size and complexity.
In the case of final inspections, prices were also defined according to the type of project:
- Residential properties up to two levels: RD$11,000 for final inspection.
- Residential buildings with more than two levels: between RD$6 and RD$15 per square meter, differentiating between habitable levels and parking levels.
- Urbanizations and multiple projects: RD$5 per square meter in habitable areas.
- Tourism projects: RD$20 per square meter.
- Commercial and mixed projects: RD$15 per square meter.
Minister Carlos Bonilla asserted that this update should be viewed as an investment in urban safety and sustainability: “With more and better inspections, we prevent construction errors, curb illegal or risky interventions, and act in time to demand corrections before problems endanger citizens.”
Processing, valuation and licenses
The new fee schedule also establishes specific costs for processing, appraisal, and licensing services. These include:
- Duplicate building permit: RD$5,000.
- Modification or certification of building permit: RD$8,500.
- License renewal: RD$5,700.
- Permit for the installation of gas stations and gas bottling plants: RD$56,500.
- Renewal of fuel tank burial permits: RD$14,200.
Despite the adjustment, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MIVHED) continues to exempt low-cost housing licenses, construction start permits, and prior work authorizations from payment, with the aim of protecting the most vulnerable sectors and facilitating the construction of social projects.
According to the institution, the approximate total cost of a complete inspection for the delivery of a middle-class apartment will be RD$1,862, from the beginning to the final delivery, which reflects the intention to make the process more efficient and transparent.
With these modifications, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MIVHED) reiterates its commitment to sustainable urban development, citizen safety, and continuous improvement in the oversight of private construction projects throughout the country.
