New construction is back! Are you thinking about building new?
Building a new home for personal enjoyment or investment can be an exciting project. To help you better understand the process, we have broken it into two pieces: The budget, as explained by Art Monahan - and design considerations, described by sister and design expert, Andrea Van Buren.
New Home Construction Budget Factors
The first step is selecting a great site location. This can take the form of a cleared lot or tear down. Tearing down and removing debris from a site costs $50,000 on average. This varies, but using this number should be a good starting point.
With the building site selected, the next step is understanding the components of a home construction budget.
1/3 of Budget = Site Work & Building Structure; from foundation thru rooftop.
1/3 of Budget = Exterior Finishes including siding, stucco, windows & doors, roof covering, decking etc.
1/3 of Budget = Interior Finishes cabinets, trim, plumbing & light fixtures, flooring etc.
So, what is the actual cost? Once the structure is engineered to meet the building codes, approximately seventy percent of the budget will reflect choices the builder and client have agreed on; reflecting the aesthetic desires of the client, as well as how durable on the outside and comfortable the inside of the home will be in our subtropical climate.
With the budget understood, now the fun begins:
Design: What Style Home is for You?
We like to think of the design process as a collaboration with the client, the builder, and Florida itself. Good design works hard for everyone. Florida's climate demands utilizing durable and tested materials. Styles like Old Florida, Caribbean and Mediterranean send the message of casual elegance that is inviting and accommodating. There are reasons why some design styles have remained popular over the decades:
Old Florida with generous porches shading the walls and high ceilings give the feeling of sitting under a giant tree and make even small spaces seem airy and comfortable.
The soft arches, rustic materials and classic simple plans of Caribbean architecture have the added benefits of small roof overhangs and hip roofs that survive well in hurricanes.
Mediterranean utilizes the loggia and courtyard with beautiful tile and stone to create more formal cool oasis from the heat.
Whatever your style or budget, remember to enjoy the process! New construction can be a fun and financially rewarding adventure!
