Americans and Europeans have different standards and expectations than do the local contractors and
tradesmen. Throw in the differences in cultures and work ethics and you can have a very frustrating
experience building your home.
Casa Depot, S.A. is gringo owned. We live in Bocas and understand both cultures and the differences
between them.
Quality Workmanship - Many of the local tradesmen are very talented. Much of their work at first glance
appears mediocre. Then you look at the lack of tools available to them and their work is quite amazing.
Casa Depot has the best tools available for our craftsmen. We have spent a great deal of time training
local craftsmen how to use these tools to produce gringo quality work. We also learn a few useful tricks
from our craftsmen. We do everything possible to insure the highest quality building for our clients.
Work Ethic - Much has been said regarding the laid back Latin work ethic. There are people who do not
work hard but there are also people who work very hard, just as there is in all cultures. The trick in
Bocas is to know the difference and hire only the hard working people.
There are people working here that paddle a cayuco several kilometers to Bocas Town, walk 5
kilometers to their job site by 7:00 A.M, carry 94lb bags of cement up a hill too steep for vehicles, then
retrace their journey to return home each night. They do this 6 days a week for less than $8.00 per day.
This is a strong work ethic.
Local people are very eager to learn new skills. They are typically lacking in the basics. This lack of
education makes training more difficult but not impossible. Casa Depot encourages workers to learn
new skills and rewards employees when they learn new skills.
Funding - Each client receives invoices and statements in a timely manner. Client funds are used only
for that client project, exclusively. Never is one client's funds used for another client's project.
Purchased materials are stored in our secure warehouse until shipped to the job site. The materials
may be inspected at any time by our clients.
Materials - Panama has a good selection of building materials. Some materials need to imported.
Finding your desired material is not difficult. However, material cost and availability can be a big
problem. Often materials need to be purchased and delivered in advance. This lowers cost and
insures the materials will be available when needed. The Casa Depot warehouse in Punta Robalo was
constructed for this purpose. Advance purchasing also gives us time to reorder when the wrong items
are delivered (a common occurrence).
Construction Progress - We post digital photos on this website of projects in process. See the projects
page. This is particularly useful for absentee clients. The posted photos show both progress and lack
of progress. Casa Depot clients can see what is occurring during the building process. We have the
ability to use photos to confirm client specifications. We do everything possible to ensure clients get
excactly what they want.
