In recent decades, we’ve spent $8 trillion on home improvements. Of this amount, only $63 billion has gone toward building new houses, while the rest has gone to renovation. Why would anyone spend so much money on improvements — and not build more houses?
Owning Land
Congratulations! You got one of the harder parts of this out of the way. (Especially on Florida’s southern coast.) According to Paul Owners from Southern Florida’s Sun Sentinel,“ a shortage of lots is by far the biggest problem.” So, if building a house in Florida seems like an impossible task, don’t worry! Just let out a sigh of relief, because you’ve already conquered this first step. And now you can be well on your way to your Florida dream home!
Design Your Dream Home Floor Plan
In selecting a floor plan, you want to select one that is practical and cost-effective, yet is aesthetically pleasing. A good floor plan will enhance your home’s value. As a design service agency, we see a lot of homeowners who don’t understand the difference between floor plans and designs. From TV shows to magazines, they often present their designs as one choice.
As our home experts walk through your home and suggest design choices, you will notice the pros and cons of each option. When choosing the floor plan, there are many things to consider, such as which elements you’ll need, like carpeting, floors, or storage areas.
Finding The Correct Builder.
The most important questions when you select a new construction design or build company are:
Are they licensed and insured in your state?
Are they bonded and insured in your state?
Where are they located?
Can they provide legal security?
Do they follow all applicable building codes?
These questions are so important that it is important to start the recruitment process as soon as possible and go all-out to find the best companies for your project. The best way to do this is to gather the opinion of a network of builders in your area, use an online design/build directory, or use an online referral tool. As you do this, be sure to stay on top of the kind of company they are so you know how fast they will be able to respond to your project’s design/build plan.
Having too many builders gives you so many headaches! Usually the best companies for a project are companies that are already built in your state and available in your area. This way you have a concentrated pool of builders and one of your final decisions is based on qualifications and not just where they can send you the most money.
Keep in Mind…
Stay budget conscious: The products with the largest price tags aren’t always your best or only option. Do your research. Read up on the products, supplies, and finishes available to you before purchasing.
Engineering: The state of Florida requires all blueprints to be examined, modified, and stamped by a local engineer. This can be a bit costly, but it ensures your home is prepared to face the extreme weather and geological changes the state is known for.
Take a deep breath and try to take in the beauty around you. You’re not just building a house, you’re building a home!
The cost of building a house in Florida
Rising costs of building a house is a significant issue in Florida. The average price of the top 100 Most Popular Homes in America in 2018 was $364,726, which includes land costs, construction costs, and insurance. It is now known that home prices in Florida, as opposed to other states, do not decrease every year. Home prices in Florida have a tendency to rise year after year.
The construction cost of a house varies from one area to another. According to a 2016 study, Miami-Dade County alone accounts for 29% of the cost of a house in Florida. This would account for about $173,000 of the average price of a house in Florida. Most people in Florida typically pay more to build their houses. Other places in Florida account for about 16% of the cost of a house.
The type of construction method used by builders is a major factor in the cost of the house. Houses with granite and concrete panels can run higher than the average. It also depends on the existing state of the home. If the house is in an unsafe condition, then the cost is high. In other cases, a builder may consider building a house by the latest construction methods and then will bring the cost down.
What does your dream space look like on the land you own? LaBram Homes unique design build process will walk you through the design of your new home step by step. If you are considering building a custom house, LaBram Homes will help make it your dream home. If it’s not LaBram, it’s not custom. Call us to get started today.
