Anyone here have any exp building with surface bonded cement?

Jay, I have been building structures all over the Caribbean for many years and the standard approach of masonry blockwork with internal and external sand cement render with external masonry paint works well and cases of damp are rare imo.

It is a climatic scenario. DR can be wet but in a few days the sun will shine with high temperatures. This is not the classic northern environment of high humidity and low temperatures externally and higher ones internally that can lead to damp and mould.

That said precuations more than what is the norm here should be taken.

I would always recommend a dpm below the slab on grade and tucked in to the first block.

I would also recommend 8" blocks fully filled rather than the 6" norm here and partially filled. A good overhang of the roof is recommended. Use a stronger sand cement render externally and select a good external paint. An elastomeric paint is a good option.

I have seen the effects of masonry structures after a major hurricane as a building advisor to loss adjusters in SXM after Maria and typical Caribbean masonry structures did much better than other novel construction types. Don't ever consider an external stud and render external walls even with a proprietry stucco solution in the Caribbean and don't buy into such properties is my advice. Stick to the proven solutions.

I am reading with interest but have ask for clarification on what you mean by "dpm". Cheers

I'm pretty sure that's a dampness proof membrane.

Yes, damp proof membrane, to prevent dampness rising through the ground floor slab.  Again this is not the temporate northern hemisphere climate  where moisture hangs around for long times with potential for mould. 1000 guage polythene is sufficient for this, suitably lapped at joints and bedded into blockwork foundation masonry. Not done often here in domestic dwellings from what I see. Actually, often a concrete slab is substituted by a thick screed upon which the tiles or paint finish is applied.

I would particularly recommend this in areas where the the substrate soils do not drain well.

Another recommendation if you can find it. Apply anti-termite spray below the slab and foundations and around the building slab. This is in the building code in many of the Caribbean islands. Those damn bugs get everywhere if unchecked and you could quickly have termite trails eminating from electrical boxes and the like. A polytheme dpm is the next best solution.

Thank you Lex!

Exactly what I was looking for.  Great, seasoned advice.

Jay