- Initial Conversation
We start with a relaxed call to learn about your goals, timeline, and rough budget. No pressure, just a chance to see if we are the right fit.
- Site and Project Review
We visit the property to assess conditions, access, and any factors that could affect the build, including Florida-specific concerns like soil, drainage, and wind load requirements.
- Scope and Budget Planning
We translate your vision into a clear scope of work with transparent pricing, so you know what is included before any decisions are locked in.
- Design and Selections Coordination
We coordinate with your architect and designer, or recommend trusted partners, and help guide finish selections to keep choices aligned with your budget.
- Permitting and Scheduling
We handle permitting through the appropriate Alachua, Marion, or county building department and build a realistic schedule with key milestones.
- Construction Management
Our team manages every trade, inspection, and update on site, with consistent communication so you always know what is happening and what is next.
- Final Walkthrough and Follow-Up
We walk the home with you, address any punch list items, and stay available long after the keys are handed over.
How much does it actually cost to build a custom home in North Central Florida right now, and why do quotes vary so wildly between builders?
Custom home costs in the Gainesville and Ocala area generally run between $200 and $350 per square foot, though high-end finishes, complex sites, or hurricane-rated upgrades can push that higher. Quotes vary because some builders use allowances that look low on paper but balloon during selections, while others price everything upfront.
How long does it really take to build a custom home from breaking ground to move-in, and what causes the biggest delays?
Most custom homes in our area take 9 to 14 months from groundbreaking to certificate of occupancy, assuming permits are already in hand. The biggest delays come from permit timing with Alachua or Marion County, weather during foundation and framing, custom material lead times, and change orders mid-build.
What is the difference between a production builder, a semi-custom builder, and a true custom builder, and how do I know which one I actually need?
Production builders sell from a fixed catalog of plans with limited finish choices, which keeps prices low but flexibility minimal. Semi-custom builders let you modify their existing plans within set boundaries. A true custom builder designs around your lot, your lifestyle, and your specific needs from a blank page.
Do I need to own the land before I talk to a builder, or can the builder help me find a lot that works for what I want to build?
You do not need to own land first, and in many cases it is smarter to involve a builder before you buy. Lots in North Central Florida can have hidden issues like wetlands, sinkhole risk, septic limitations, or restrictive HOA architectural rules that affect what you can actually build.
How do construction loans work for a custom home, and what should I have ready before I apply?
Most custom homes are financed through a construction-to-permanent loan, where the lender pays the builder in draws as work is completed, then converts to a standard mortgage at the end. You will typically need 20 to 25 percent down, a builder contract with detailed specs, full plans, and a project budget.
What happens if I want to make changes after construction has already started, and how much do those changes really cost?
Change orders are normal, but they cost more than the same decision made during planning because work may need to be undone or re-sequenced. A change to a wall location during framing might run a few hundred dollars, while the same change after drywall could run several thousand.
How do I protect myself from a builder going out of business mid-project or doing shoddy work that shows up years later?
Start by verifying the builder’s Florida state license through DBPR, confirming active general liability and workers’ comp insurance, and checking BBB and local references. Ask about warranty coverage, including the standard one-year workmanship, two-year systems, and ten-year structural protection most reputable builders offer.