Building Your Dream Home: A Guide to the Custom Home Building Process

If you are in the North Port, Venice, or Sarasota area and considering building a new home, you are not alone. Many individuals are now opting to build custom homes rather than buying pre-existing properties. As a Real Estate Broker Associate with firsthand experience in the Sarasota-North Port area, I have witnessed the demand for custom-built homes grow. In this article, we will focus on the North Port Florida Home Building Process and guide you through each step to make your dream home a reality.

Determining Your Budget and Financing

Before starting any custom home building project, it is crucial to determine your budget and financing options. Without a budget, it is challenging for a builder to design a house that fits your preferences while remaining within your financial limits. It is advisable to secure financing before speaking with a builder to avoid unnecessary disappointments.

Choosing the Perfect Location

Selecting the perfect location is a critical step as it can affect how your house is built. If your property is in a Homeowners Association (HOA) community, your builder must comply with the specific rules outlined in the HOA regulations regarding size, style, landscaping, and the approval process. Another crucial consideration is the elevation of your lot, as it determines whether it is in a flood zone.

Obtaining a Survey for the Property

Once you have identified a suitable location and own the property, it is time to conduct a full survey to ascertain the lot’s elevation, setbacks, wetlands, and trees. This information will inform the building and design process.

Designing Your Floor Plan and Completing Engineering

The design and engineering phase is an exciting part of the custom home building process. At this stage, you will make several critical decisions about the finishes, flow, and features of your dream home. Your builder should guide you on the best options available while working within your budget.

Submitting for Building Permit

When the engineering is complete, the full survey is done, and all necessary paperwork is in order, your builder will submit the plans to the city/county for approval. This process may take several weeks to months, depending on the municipality.

Clearing the Land

After obtaining the necessary permits, it is time to prepare your lot for construction. This involves clearing any trees and bringing in the necessary materials for the foundation and optimal drainage.

Building Your Dream Home

Now it’s time to start building your dream home! The building process duration will vary depending on the house’s size, design, and accessibility of building materials. However, on average, a custom house can be built within 6-7 months once the foundation is in place.

Obtaining the Certificate of Occupancy

As the building nears completion, the county inspector will conduct a final inspection to ensure everything meets the required codes. Upon approval, you will receive a Certificate of Occupancy, the final step before moving in!

Receiving the Keys to Your New Home!

Congratulations! You have successfully gone through the custom home building process. The builder will hand over the keys to your brand new home, and you can start creating new memories.

At the end of the day, Custom Home Builders, Spec Home Builders, and Tract Home Builders are the three main types of house builders to choose from. Each home builder will have their own way of doing this process. Building a new custom home can be an excellent way to ensure that every aspect of your dream home comes to life. With the right guidance and a clear understanding of the North Port Florida Home Building Process, building your dream home can be an exciting and fulfilling experience.