Building a Custom Home in Florida
First, you must decide where in Florida you want to settle. Are you drawn to the beaches? Do you prefer the seclusion of Central Florida? Do you want to be near a large city like Orlando? Most of Florida receives great sunny weather year-round, so you can narrow down your custom home’s location by the attractions and amenities you most value.
Once you decide where you want to build a custom home in Florida, you’ll need to work out the best time to start building, what style of home you want to build, and how to prepare for the building process.
Best Time for Building a Custom Home in Florida
Fortunately in Florida, the climate is mild year-round, so building your custom home won’t be delayed by inclement weather. The best time to start building your custom home may depend on your unique plans. Your home build may not be able to begin until certain materials are ordered, or if preparations need to be made to the lot prior to construction. For example, if the lot needs significant grading and stabilization, or doesn’t have utility connections established, the start of the build could be delayed.
The actual length of your custom home build will depend on the size of the home, the materials you’re using, and the complexity of your customized plan. For example, if you have different specialists coming in to work on various projects, you will need to coordinate with each company’s schedule. Alternatively, you could work with a professional custom home building company in Florida, who will organize the process before it begins to ensure a streamlined build that stays on time and on budget.
Florida Custom Home Building Styles
You’ll need to decide on an architectural style for your custom home in Florida. Popular styles in the state usually resemble homes of a similar climate, not only for curb appeal but also for functionality. These include:
- Mediterranean Style: The characteristic stucco and tiles of this style keep your home cooler during the summer, which makes air conditioning more efficient. It also features low pitched roofs, intricate details around arched doorways and windows, and iron wrought railings and fixtures.
- Spanish Style: This style is similar to the Mediterranean style, but uses earth-toned terracotta tiles with bold splashes of color as accents. Spanish style homes sometimes have small, narrow balconies for upper story windows.
- Modern Contemporary Style: Structured with thin, clean lines, the modern style capitalizes on natural light wherever possible. With floor-to-ceiling windows and open floor plans, this style makes spaces feel bright and airy.
- Ranch Style: The classic ranch style is common across the country, but is popular in Florida for its accessibility. The ranch home arranges everything on the main floor with the garage at the end. It can also make use of wide windows to create a panoramic view.
Another architectural point to keep in mind, especially if you’re from out-of-state, is that most homes in Florida do not have basements. This is due to the high water table of the region. Instead, many custom homes in Florida make use of extra garage space to serve the functions of a basement. Also, the outdoors is a great extension of living space. Many Florida custom homes have extensive outdoor entertaining areas that they can enjoy for more of the year than homes in other parts of the country.
Prepare for Building a Custom Home in Florida
When you’re ready to get started building your custom home, it’s time to make a plan. You’ll need to get your budget in order, arrange the details with your builder, and start the building process. Here are a few action items to keep in mind when preparing to build your custom home.
- Establish your budget: Based on your home plans and location, meet with your lender to discuss financing your custom home build. Then, design a budget that meets your needs.
- Find the perfect lot: Choose a lot in a community or find your ideal location somewhere else. Building a custom home in a neighborhood could have advantages like utility hookups and graded land, but a custom location could offer more privacy or space.
- Find a custom home builder: Your custom home builder will work with you to design a home to meet your expectations and budget. They will have experience with the architectural style of your choice, and let you be as involved as you want with details large and small in the home building process.
- Start building your custom home in Florida: Based on your custom home building plan, you and your custom home builder can establish a reasonable timeline. Your builder will stay in contact to keep you informed of any changes. It’s important to keep your expectations flexible. Both you and your builder want your new custom home to turn out just the way you’ve imagined.
With your custom home in Florida underway, you’re that much closer to enjoying your new life under the southern sun. Although building a custom home requires a lot of planning, the result will be worth it — a home built to your exact taste, in one of the most beautiful places in the country.
Have a plan to build a custom home here in Florida? You’ve come to the right place! Konkol Custom Homes is one of the state’s most reputable custom home builders. We’d love to help walk you through the process and work with you to create your dream home. Give us a call or reach out online for more information.
