| When it comes to building homes in Florida, not all | | | | Most Florida home buyers are aware of the |
| home builders are created equal. Just as there are | | | | current real estate market conditions. With an |
| many types of Florida homes, there are many | | | | abundance of existing homes on the market and |
| different types of home builders. Finding the right | | | | continued growth in the newly constructed home |
| builder for your new Florida home requires time | | | | sector, today's real estate market favors the |
| and research. This is an important decision, since | | | | buyer. This means buyers now have the time to |
| purchasing a new Florida home is a large | | | | shop around, and no longer have to rush into a |
| investment. You'll want a Florida home that suits | | | | purchase. But since the price of construction |
| your needs and will withstand the test of time. | | | | materials continues to rise, some Florida home |
| Different types of Florida home builders | | | | builders have resorted to cutting corners on |
| Florida home builders can be easily divided into | | | | construction and building materials in an effort to |
| two main types: custom home builders, and tract | | | | remain competitive and still turn a profit. When |
| home builders. The main differences between | | | | you interview prospective builders, be prepared to |
| these two types of builders are quality and | | | | ask the tough questions. Does the home builder |
| availability of custom options. Tract homes are | | | | use high-quality, 5/8 inch plywood to build the |
| often referred to as "Cookie-cutter homes", and | | | | roof? Do they use 30 year architectural shingles? |
| with good reason. These homes are identical in | | | | Do they construct their homes using solid, poured |
| every way because the materials used to build | | | | concrete? |
| them are purchased in bulk. Often, lower quality | | | | These questions apply to interior features as well. |
| materials are used by these Florida home builders. | | | | It's easy to use cheaper materials for fixtures, |
| Custom home builders do not purchase their | | | | paint, cabinetry, and flooring. Many times, the |
| materials in bulk, and tend to adhere to higher | | | | cheaper materials still look expensive, at least in |
| standards of quality. And since they are custom | | | | the beginning. But over time, wear and tear will |
| homes, the home buyer has the option of | | | | take a toll on cheap materials. Ask all prospective |
| choosing the features, colors and overall look of | | | | home builders for a list of materials they use, |
| their new home. Each buyer is free to express | | | | both inside and outside the homes. Once you |
| their own individual style, which leads to greater | | | | obtain this list, you can research each company |
| satisfaction with the finished product. Custom | | | | and the materials they produce. Check consumer |
| homes tend to cost a bit more, but most owners | | | | reports, and don't discount the value of word of |
| of these homes will agree that it is money well | | | | mouth. |
| spent. | | | | Remember, high quality construction materials |
| Hurricane protection | | | | make for solid, long-lasting Florida homes. The |
| All Florida home builders are held to certain | | | | Florida climate presents unique challenges for all |
| standards of hurricane safety when they build | | | | structures built here, and shoddy construction just |
| their homes. However, unless you live in one of | | | | can't meet these challenges over a number of |
| the few Florida counties that require the highest | | | | years. |
| standards, most homes are built only to withstand | | | | The right Florida home builder for your needs |
| a Category 2 storm. Today, some custom home | | | | With a bit of extra time and attention, you can |
| builders are going above and beyond this | | | | find the right Florida home builder to construct |
| standard, adding additional roof trusses, shatter | | | | your new Florida home. In the long run, your time, |
| proof windows, and solid-concrete construction to | | | | effort, and yes, even the extra money you may |
| build homes capable of withstanding a Category 4 | | | | spend on a high quality home will serve you and |
| hurricane or higher. If you decide to invest in a | | | | your family well. Finding a Florida home builder you |
| custom home, look for a Florida home builder who | | | | can trust is always worth the extra investment, |
| adheres to these higher standards. | | | | and will result in greater customer satisfaction |
| Building in today's competitive market | | | | over the long term. |