Thank you everyone for your interesting questions and words of wisdom. I have been planning this a for a few years but waited until I was financially stable to really start pursuing the project. A good deal of thought and work has been put into the process already. I'm only saying that so you don't think I'm just some guy asking first time questions. Here is my more detailed plan.

First thing utilities:

No current only solar and backup generator for now with a possible wind generator if I can find a good deal on one before I ship my container down. The lot is not far from the poll and it would cost about $5k to have it ran but I don't use enough to need it.

Water will be supplied by public line which is cheap and easy to tap into from it's location. The funny thing about water is that the pipe was ran over 10 years ago and they never got around to installing a meter. So the people on this road have free water, at least until JWC catches on. I also plan on installing a rain water tank.

Sewage is going to be a composting toilet with waste water being recycled for gardening.

Propane for cooking and fridge.

I am basically modeling my house and budget after my friends place that is just up the road. She built basically the same structure on this same type of land and has her utilities set up this way and there are no problems. I like the idea of being off the grid as much as possible. I have no problem moving the house to another spot if I need to which the company in Little London said they could do. Several expats I've met have said that these prefab houses that are finished like mine are in demand and sell rather quickly should I ever decide to. Not sure how true that is...

The property sits on both sides of a Parish owned road so there are no access issues. To the left is about 30 yards of beach and to the right is where I will level and build. I'm not building directly on the beach even though much of what's in front of the house will technically be mine. Possibly a multi colored thatch and driftwood bar. I'll have to find something to do once it's built... The building codes are basically non existent in this area. Some time, patience and of course money will take care of any permit. My father and I are capable of completely finishing the house after it's on the foundation. However, I will be supervising but leaving most of the responsibility to my contractor. He is a good friend and has proven himself time and again. The same goes for all the labor that would be used. I am fully aware of how a concrete house is built in Jamaica because I've helped a few times. It's one major reason I'm not building one.

As far as the lease goes, yes I know it is well below market price. The truth is, I could probably buy the piece of land for around $20k but everyone in the community as well as the man's family agreed that he should not have all that money at once. So in a way the lease is a much better option for him. The wording of the lease will be very clear and will include options to buy or renegotiate when the term is up which will be at least 15 years as well as first option to buy if he decided to sell. I also have to include a clause that will cover me if and when the man dies, he is a 55+ year old Rasta. This is his share of his families land that he owns outright so there shouldn't be any problems there. I am also building him a cook shop on the rear of the property. Something he started and never got a chance to finish. I'd do this for him even if I wasn't leasing his land.

I know the risk of building a house on the sea so I am prepared for the ups and downs. I don't plan on being cheap on materials so even though wooden, it will be very strong. It will also be built about 3' off the ground for flooding. Similar prefab houses built the same way on the road are still standing after the worst storms of the last 15 years. It's all a gamble. As far as security goes, other than two good doors, some dead bolts and iron for the windows, a couple of loud dogs should take care of the rest. It is a VERY peaceful and quiet community. Everyone is family and in each others business CONSTANTLY. Very few outsiders have ever been invited to build here. I feel very privileged to be offered the opportunity. I don't plan on living here year round, at least not yet. A few months at a time with my family and friends also having access. Over the years I've developed some great friendships with some trustworthy people. If I ever am in the need of a caretaker it won't be hard to find. Plus having my best friend on the island as my neighbor won't hurt.

I truly hope that I'm covering all my bases, the more insight the better!

Bless Up!