Do It Center

/ Do It Center

El Lagar

The story of El Lagar Do It Center began with a challenge. In the early 2000s, as real estate developer John Scheman expanded his projects across Guanacaste, Costa Rica, he faced a constant bottleneck: local hardware stores couldn’t keep up with the scale and quality demands of modern construction. Materials were scarce, logistics unreliable, and the answer to too many requests was “no hay”—we don’t have it.

Rather than accept limitations, John built a solution. In 2001, he partnered with the Do it Best hardware cooperative to establish the first Do It Center in Guanacaste, introducing large-scale imports, streamlined distribution, and credit access for developers. More than just a supply store, it brought to Costa Rica a modern hardware retail concept—wide aisles, vast product variety, and a convenient shopping experience that was unprecedented in the region.

Today, El Lagar Do It Center has grown into a nationwide chain of 24 retail hardware stores, employing over 1,500 people and importing high-quality construction materials from the U.S., Asia, and Latin America. What began as a local solution to a developer’s challenge has become one of Costa Rica’s leading names in construction and home improvement.

Today, the El Lagar Do It Center is a chain of 24 retail hardware stores across Costa Rica, employing more than 1,500 people and importing high-quality construction materials from the USA, Asia, and Latin America.

/ nationwide growth

building solutions

What had started as a single store quickly evolved into a full-service retail and heavy materials division, serving major projects like Guanacaste Airport, Peninsula Papagayo, Las Catalinas, Reserva Conchal, Hacienda Pinilla, and luxury resorts including the Four Seasons and Waldorf Astoria. As demand grew, so did the vision. In partnership with El Lagar, the concept scaled nationwide.

Our logistical reach and diverse inventory have made us a trusted ally for builders, architects, and investors throughout the country.

For John, the El Lagar Do It Center is more than a business – it’s a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s modern construction ecosystem and a key part of his mission to create opportunity, empower local economies, and build a better future for Costa Rica. What began as a developer’s solution is now a national infrastructure engine – one that continues to fuel growth across the country, from home DIYers to the nation’s most ambitious development projects.

Testimonials

Best place in Guanacaste. You can find everything you need to build your house. From construction materials, finishes, furnishings and even pool supplies.

Mauricio M.

Google - February, 2025

Great home improvement store. There is a little bit of everything, and if they don't have it, they can tell you where to get it. The employees were so nice and willing to deal with my poor Spanglish. Great place, great people!

Jacob H.

Google - August, 2024

The staff is very helpful and the store is super clean. If they don't have things in stock you can order them. And they are patient with beginner Spanish.

Suzie R.

Google - January, 2025