Times of the Islands Summer 2015

This is the story of a couple who choose the Turks &
Caicos Islands as the place to fulfill their dream of a life in
the Caribbean. They represent the “middle market,” folks
who wish to have a home here, don’t have millions to
spare, and are not interested in living in a condominium
or townhome community. Thanks to meeting the right
people and making wise decisions, this fairy tale has a
happy ending!
After extensive vacationing in the Caribbean, Jeff &
Kari, North Americans from a cold climate, discovered the
Turks & Caicos Islands. What was special about TCI? Kari
recalls, “We loved that it was a remote, yet developed,
location that felt safe and secure. It was easy to get to
by air and we loved the seemingly untouched beaches,
amazing coral reefs, and the chance to do lots of snorkeling
and fishing. In spite of the relatively small population
(which means less traffic!), the infrastructure was solid,
with a good airport, roadways, hospital, and, of course,
Internet access! We were surprised at the variety of excellent
restaurants . . . and that there were no fast-food
chains. In all, TCI was a perfect fit for us.”
Building a home here, however, loomed as a formidable
obstacle. The couple wondered how they would find
a reliable contractor who they could trust to handle the
project when they would be so far away. Like many a novice
island builder, they were not familiar with local codes,
regulations, financing, or building standards, and had no
idea how to choose a piece of land to fit their needs.
They credit providence with connecting them with
Cays Construction Company, a small local firm run by
Dave Smith. Dave started in the construction industry
as a carpenter’s apprentice in 1979, eventually making
his way to the Cayman Islands to work for the notable
firm of Arch & Godfrey Ltd. as project manager for The
Grandview, Regal Beach Club, and The Pinnacle, and built
more than 450 other top condos in Cayman. In 2003,
he and his wife Sue came to TCI with Arch & Godfrey
to build The Pinnacle on Grace Bay and Donna Karan’s
luxury villa on Parrot Cay and to work with Godfrey Been
on The Salt Mills shopping complex. In 2009, he partnered
with Lewis Walkin of North Caicos to start Cays
Construction Company. Lewis is a skilled veteran of construction
works, with extensive experience in Florida as
well as many years in the TCI.
Jeff and Kari first contacted Cays Construction for
advice on how much home they could get with their budget
of $400,000 to $500,000. Their top priorities were
that the property be waterfront, boat accessible, and in
a peaceful, secluded location. Dave knew that all land
The “dream home” overlooks this peaceful canal.
is not created equal, but when one is familiar with the
“lay of the land,” it is fairly easy to make choices that
offer value for money. He was careful to consider safety,
accessibility, and re-sale value, as well. After giving the
couple a variety of options, Jeff and Kari short-listed four
lots, sight unseen! Dave explains, “Cays Construction
become their eyes. We investigated each plot, gave an
idea of potential problems (effects of a hurricane, access,
if filling is required, safety) and reported back to our clients.
The best two were in the same gated community;
one was hilltop, with magnificent views of both sides of
Providenciales; the other a plot with extensive canal frontage.
In one follow-up visit, Jeff and Kari chose the canal
plot because of their love of boats, and were landowners
within four weeks!” The couple worked with Karen Biker
from Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty for the
land purchase, who also was of great help throughout the
sale and with the onset of the project.
The next step was for the couple to fill out a short
questionnaire on what they wanted their home to include.
This served as the basis for creating an outline of the layout,
drawing up budgets, and planning a work schedule.
Kari adds, “Many of our design ideas came from HGTV’s
‘Caribbean Life’ show! Dave and his team generated construction
drawings and, after a bit of fine-tuning, our
vision started to become real.”
Following the couple’s approval, Cays Construction
created all elevations, structural, electrical, plumbing, and
KATHY BORSUK
A/C specs for building permits. Local architect Alwood
Gardiner presented the drawings to the TCI Planning
Department for approval. Dave recalls, “With Alwood’s
help, we went for a full building application at the outset,
which avoided having to apply for each stage separately.
This made the whole application more affordable, very
fast, and efficient, with planning permission granted in
about ten weeks. Even at this point, the clients had full
control of all decisions, yet did not have to leave their
home in the States!”
Jeff and Kari made one more visit to the Islands to
ensure the home would be positioned for the best view,
and with final approval on financing, construction began
on March 11, 2015. Dave says, “Prior to starting construction,
we worked with the community management
to confirm that the designs are in keeping with the strata
and that colors and roof finishes complement adjacent
homes. We also united with Fortis (local power utility) to
agree on discreet areas for power poles to be erected.
Our next step was budgets. We believe it is essential to
keep to the budget with no cost or job overruns, unless
there is a major modification or addition. On the basis of
the program, we ordered materials internationally, getting
quotes and securing the best deal for our clients.”
With construction well underway, Dave put forward
anticipated occupancy to the end of July. For the fittings
and furnishings, Kari is working with Pamela Bayer
Interiors, who has experience with island projects. Kari
adds, “We’ve seen art and tile-work by various local artists
that we will ask her to incorporate.”
Jeff and Kari agree that it makes sense to use a onesource
company such as Cays Construction. Bringing
together all professionals minimizes planning times,
costs, and headaches, especially when you are not living
in the country where your house is being built. Kari
explains, “This has been a learning experience. However,
Dave has gone out of his way to guide us through the
hurdles. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable of the
Islands, but he always went out of his way to answer any
questions, gave us good advice to stay in budget, and is
as enthusiastic and excited as we are to make our dream
come true!”
Dave sees a slow renaissance in new construction
in TCI. He adds, “There are lots of local tradesmen who
are competent and available. Cays Construction hopes to
offer a one-stop alternative to stimulating an area that
can only make the TCI more popular with investors.” a
For more information, visit www.caysconstruction.com.
The longest established legal practice
in the Turks & Caicos Islands
Real Estate Investments
& Property Development
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& Business Licensing
Company & Commercial Law
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1 Caribbean Place, P.O. Box 97
Leeward Highway, Providenciales
Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI
Ph: 649 946 4344 • Fax: 649 946 4564
E-Mail: dempsey@tciway.tc
Cockburn House, P.O. Box 70
Market Street, Grand Turk
Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI
Ph: 649 946 2245 • Fax: 649 946 2758
E-Mail: ffdlawco@tciway.tc
68 www.timespub.tc Times of the Islands Summer 2015 69