Custom Homes
Are you tired of hearing, “No you can’t…”
- Make any changes to the floor plan to better suit your needs
- Have the cabinets you want
- Have the floors you want
- Have the paint colors you want
You have your own individual character and style, and your home should reflect that. Let us help make your dreams a reality.
Custom Home Building Process
Design
If you can imagine it, we can build it. Most of our projects start with a conversation about what exactly you want to build. The number of bedrooms, how much square footage, unique design ideas. Even if you don’t have plans yet, we can help you get started. Based on your preliminary ideas, we can give you a ballpark estimate on the price per square foot. From there, all ideas will go over to the architect for official drafting design.
Once the design has been finalized, the drawings will go over to an engineer. Florida has very stringent building codes that must be adhered to. But once you survive your first hurricane unscathed, you’ll be thankful they do.
While all of this is going on, we’ll also be in contact with the local building department to obtain necessary set backs, check for any necessary Wetlands determinations, and address any other site conditions/requirements.
We’ll also be able to start getting solid numbers from all of our suppliers and subcontractors to develop your line-item construction costs and develop your Construction Bid.
Permitting
Permitting will be done by the local municipality where your property is located. Each one has their own processes and procedures, but most will follow the same pattern:
- Zoning Review – Checking compliance with zoning regulations and setbacks (how far off the road and surrounding lots a structure must be)
- Plan Review – Ensuring compliance with Florida building codes. Plan review is usually broken down into separate reviews for: Structural, Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC.
- Permitting & Impact Fees – Calculation of permitting fees (typically based on the value of the project, but some municipalities calculate based on price per square foot) and impact fees (varies widely depending on location)
- Inspections – Once the permit is issued and construction has started, the local municipality will regularly inspect the structure as construction progresses.
- Certificate of Occupancy – Once the home is complete, and all inspections have been successfully passed, the municipality will issue the final Certificate of Occupancy, certifying that the home has been built to plan and Florida building code
Construction
This is when the fun begins! After all of the time spent dreaming and designing your new home, it finally starts to come to fruition. It’s important at this time that you have made all of your final selections for:
- Plumbing fixtures
- Electrical fixtures
- Flooring selections
- Paint colors
- Appliances
- Cabinets
All of these items really need to be chosen before you break ground to ensure a smooth construction timeline. Typical construction looks like:
- Site work – Clearing, grading, fill dirt, plumbing underground
- Concrete work – Footers/foundation poured
- Block work – Concrete blocks set to form exterior walls of the home
- Tie Beam/Trusses – Tie beams poured and trusses set to start the roof framing
- Roof – Roof deck and roof covering (shingles, tile, metal) installed to “dry-in” the structure
- Rough Mechanicals – All of the Plumbing, HVAC & Electrical lines and equipment that will be “hidden” behind the drywall
- Windows & Doors – Windows and exterior doors installed
Insulation & Drywall – This is when you can really start to see the house take shape. The rooms become instantly defined once the drywall is up - Trim, Paint & Hard Flooring – These all happen around the same time. If you have chosen carpet, that will go in very last.
- Well & Septic – If your home will be on well and/or septic, those items will be installed
- Flat Work – Driveways, walkways, concrete equipment pads
- HVAC & Electrical Trim – The HVAC and Electrical systems can be finalized and turned on
- Landscape – Sod & landscaping in place
- Cabinets & Countertops – Cabinets will be set first, then a template taken for countertop fabrication. Countertops will typically be set about a week later
- Plumbing Trim – Once the countertops are in place, the Plumber can hook up all of the plumbing fixtures
- Final Clean – A thorough cleaning of interior. If you have chosen carpet for any rooms, that will go in after the final clean
- “Punch” Work – After a walk-through with the Supervisor and home owner, any items identified will be remedied
Financing Options
We are an approved builder for FHA, VA & Conventional Loan financing options. There are some other differences between the types, but will vary based on your personal financial history.
Did you know? You can use the 1st draw of your loan to purchase your property.
We work with several local lenders offering construction loans. If you would like to find out more information and how much you qualify for, click the button below.
Custom Home Gallery
Cape Coral Custom Home
Unlike most builders; we will let you make changes to our floor plans. These clients liked the Sawgrass II floor
Alva Custom Home
This custom home in Alva is what Florida farm house dreams are made of. This house was situated on the
Cape Coral Custom Home
This homeowner loved our Sawgrass I model but needed to “shrink” it down to fit their budget. After working with
Alva Custom Home
This custom home in Alva, FL was designed to keep the existing oak trees in place. Using our Sawgrass II
Multi-Generational Living
This homeowner called us needing a unique solution. His daughter and her family were moving to Cape Coral from out
Bokeelia Custom Home
This cute island house is the perfect retreat for 2. While it may be small, it makes up for it