Qualls Quality Builders
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Commercial and Industrial
Estimator for large Orange
County, CA contracting firm.
2000-2002
- Principal / VP Daystar Builders,
'estimate to completion'
performed in all areas of
commercial retail and industrial
projects including shopping
centers, restaurants,
warehouses and medical offices
in Southern California. 2002 -
2005
- Licensed General Contractor -
California
- Earned a Bachelor of Science in
Construction Management at
California Polytechnic State
University, San Luis Obispo -1999
- Escaped Southern Cal traffic to
Costa Rica and founded
Desarrollos Elegantes S.A.,
Playa Negra -2005
- Built 14 unique custom homes
and 11 one of a kind pools for
clients around Playa Negra area,
Guanacaste. Solid block and
concrete Custom Homes with
wood ceilings range from 1,600
to 7,400 SQ Ft
- Established a reputation for
excellence in home quality and
friendly client service, also
building employee loyalty by
treating local employees
with care
In his early teens, Cody was inspired by family friend and Nevada Developer Richard Neal. At 15 he was hired by Richard to
be assistant to the Superintendent on a condominium development, then on a cluster of 6 custom homes. Three years later
he knew design or building would be his future. After a year at UNLV's School of Architecture, and an internship as Assistant
to the Project Director on the Desert Inn, Cody made his move from the desert to the sea. He transferred to the top ranked
School of Architecture at California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. At Cal Poly he double majored in architecture
and CM, until discerning that the hands on application of Construction Methods and Materials (also known as Construction
Management) was his true passion.
Experience & Education
Our Employees
The Building Process
The CM students at Cal Poly have the good fortune to be recruited by the top building firms from around the world. Cody wed
at the end of his junior year, and living near a coastal location was a shared priority for the future. Cody chose the Orange
County, CA Commercial Building Firm DMK, started by a former Cal Poly Graduate, and was hired prior to graduation as an
project estimator. Two years later he was offered a partnership with Joel Wolfer at Daystar Builders. At Daystar, working
alongside Joel's 20 years of experience in the commercial building industry, Cody conducted project procurement,
estimating and project management. Projects Cody procured and/ or managed include S&J Transportation - Santa Ana, CA,
ACS Corporate Headquarters - Costa Mesa, CA, Glendora Gateway Shopping Center, Taco Rosa Restaurant - Newport
Coast, CA, Market City Caffe and Rose City Diner - Santa Anita, CA among others.
Cody greatly valued his partnership and wealth of experience working with Joel, but hours on the jammed California
freeways were impeding quality of life. On a 3rd trip to Costa Rica, Cody had the good fortune to befriend a truly pioneering
17 year Costa Rica builder, Wayne Gibson, who was ready to retire. Wayne's friend desired to build a home in Costa Rica;
Cody could do it if he could move! Sunshine, in the midst of completing an MS in Administration, was not quite as ready to
depart a beloved 9 year career as an Art Department Chair in AUHSD, but the Costa Rica adventure was far too great an
opportunity to pass up. The only home for sale in Rancho Playa Negra was purchased, and the California home sold to
finance the business. Eight months from concept, the Qualls's were actually living in Costa Rica.
Cody's future goals include building more custom homes, and opportunities to work with clients in the planning stages to
develop innovative green building solutions that are suitable for Costa Rica's diverse climate. There may be a horse in the
yard by next year, family walks are a must, and reeling in at least a few dinners at Playa Junquillal is a priority. Contact Cody
to discuss options for getting to know our area of Costa Rica and for planning and building your Costa Rica custom home
that will last for generations.
Nine years in Costa Rica and 17 one of a kind custom building projects later; Cody is just as excited to build the next unique
project. Costa Rica construction projects have included 15 solid concrete vacation homes, the welcome and concierge
center complex for the exclusive Dulce Vida Oceanfront Development in Hacienda Pinilla, a LEED Registered boutique hotel
in Avellanas, and 13 one-of-a-kind pools. Each project has been a special building journey, with its own identity established
by working closely with clients and architects.
Builder Profile
Pursuit of Passion for Professional Building & Design
Commercial Success In CA 2000-2005
From the Freeways to Costa Rica's Off-Beaten Roads
A trip to the Colorado mountains or NC is made several times a year to visit family, ski, attend to rental properties and cool
off. We often miss the culture and practical conveniences of the United States, and think that there is no greater country than
the US for opportunity, education and human rights. At the same time, we have found Costa Rica to offer gorgeous
ambiance, a very safe rural lifestyle, open spaces and warm people who are not afraid to wave to strangers. Recently, upon
being lost in windy hills near SJO, the owner of PC Wizard left her home, and family at night to guide us 10 minutes back to
the highway; there are truly people with great hearts in Costa Rica.;
Costa Rica is our Home Now, Let Us Help Build Your Costa Rica Home
Hacienda Pinilla, Black Stallion Hills, Avellanas, Junquillal, Playa Negra
Custom Homes, Pools and Light Commercial
Building and Design