Need builder for an affordable home

[elenamaria]

Hello,
We are looking to build an inexpensive home on our 1/2 acre lot in the Seabreeze subdivision (Seacrest area). We're just starting to look for builders.

We're looking for a very basic house, single story, about 1200-1300 square feet. No fancy finishes...tile and carpet throughout, laminate counters...get the picture?

Can anyone recommend a reliable, competent builder who builds "affordable" homes?

Thanks!

Elena

[Joe]

Have you considered a modular home? Check out:
http://www.greensteelhomes.com/index.htm

These homes are hurricane-rated including impact-resistent windows and a standing seam metal roof. Yesterday we toured an 1100 sf model at a community called Evening Rose in Tallahassee. The model was quite impressive. The most impressive thing is they are building them for $100sf and that includes granite counter tops and a standing seam metal roof. The sales rep indicated you can build for under 100sf if you use laminate counter tops. Even more impressive is they build them in less than 1 month. The factory is down in Carrabelle florida.

I have no affiliation with this company and I am not endorsing them in any way. We just found their product quite interesting for the price, quality, and build time.

[TooFarTampa]

Oh, and how about Katrina Cottages? They are super cute! I think they are launching some new designs soon. I would definitely consider one for a small cottage or a guest house.

Whatever you do, make sure you have a hipped roof. You may not know this living in NY but it will save you as much as 20 percent on your insurance because hipped roofs do far better in hurricanes. :wave:

[jodiFL]

I just happened to click on that link, and while they do look like they would be pretty nice, I couldnt help but laugh when I read the contact there ..lawtonchiles@greensteelehomes.com


could it really be our former gov? LOL

[beachmouse]

If Lawton's actually in witness protection, and not dead, then he's not doing a good job of hiding it.

As for the original question, go have a look at Hendco's Canopies development in Freeport, and see how you like what they're doing. In the past, they've done budget custom.

[TooFarTampa]

:lolabove:

Google and you shall find.

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/05/12/Homes/Modular_homes_to_be_a.shtml

[jodiFL]

If Lawton's actually in witness protection, and not dead, then he's not doing a good job of hiding it. :floor:
Maybe someone stole his identity after he died.... and figured everyone had forgotten about him.... I mean it has been abotu 10 years now. :rolling:

[elenamaria]

Joe, I love the idea of manufactured/modular--but when we checked out financing, found that no banks will lend for those. When you did the tour with Green Steel, did they happen to mention that they had lenders (and at a decent rate)?

TooFarTampa, I'll check out the Katrina Cottages, too.

[Smiling JOe]

talk to your insurers prior to designing your home to see other discounts (TFT pointed out hip roofs), which they give. There are many. Then, design your house around those discounts. Careful being your own GC in the land of ever-changing building codes. It may cost you more to make the corrections, than you will save by being your own GC.

[InletBchDweller]

talk to your insurers prior to designing your home to see other discounts (TFT pointed out hip roofs), which they give. There are many. Then, design your house around those discounts. Careful being your own GC in the land of ever-changing building codes. It may cost you more to make the corrections, than you will save by being your own GC.

maybe it would be ok if they had a great project manager???:idontno:;-)

[InletBchDweller]

check your PM's :wave:

[Joe]

Joe, I love the idea of manufactured/modular--but when we checked out financing, found that no banks will lend for those. When you did the tour with Green Steel, did they happen to mention that they had lenders (and at a decent rate)?

Unfortunately I did not think to ask that question.

[swantree]

give Chad Hogenson a call, very nice GC and will always give you the low down. 850-499-8670

[ellen]

James Emerick, WaterCrest Homes, 850.585.8788, www.watercresthomes.com.

[SGB]

give Chad Hogenson a call, very nice GC and will always give you the low down. 850-499-8670

I can vouch for Chad. He just added a new room to my house. A pleasure to work with. Very honest and responsive.

[elenamaria]

Thanks, everyone! I truly appreciate everyone's willingness to share their ideas and experiences.

I'll fill y'all in once we decide on someone, and what the final figures shake out to be...and how our experience goes. Others could probably benefit from that info.

ElenaMaria

[Lewis Jones]

Hello:My name is Lewis Jones and I have been a builder in the area over 20 years and would like to meet with you and discuss building your home. I have several projects that are completed or under construction near your lot. I have many references I can give you and have experience building all types of homes. I feel like I could help you with your new home construction for an affordable price.

Please feel free to contact me by email or at any of the following numbers: 850-974-9636 cell 951-9696 office

Lewis B. Jones Construction, Inc.
752 McKinnon Bridge Rd.
Ponce de Leon, FL 32455

[tsutcli]

Hello,
We are looking to build an inexpensive home on our 1/2 acre lot in the Seabreeze subdivision (Seacrest area). We're just starting to look for builders.

We're looking for a very basic house, single story, about 1200-1300 square feet. No fancy finishes...tile and carpet throughout, laminate counters...get the picture?

Can anyone recommend a reliable, competent builder who builds "affordable" homes?

Thanks!

Elena
Hi. Since you apparently own a lot in Seabreeze already you are aware that there is an HOA and an architectural review on all new construction which must be in "harmony" with the neighborhood. I'm not saying that a modular or manufactured home, which has been suggested, would not be compatible (i've seen some beauties in up-scale neighborhoods) but only that plans must meet certain standards re: min. square footage, slope of roofs, materials, etc. ). My wife and I have lived in Seabreeze for 4 years in Phase 2 and welcome you to the hood. Where is your lot located?

[Christian]

Modular is the way to go to save money and get as good a home or better than site-built (wood frame). Building with masonry is better but more expensive.

Check out http://www.stalwartbuilt.com/

These homes are built in south Georgia and shipped to your site and assembled there. Their first project is Callaway Corners in Callaway, on the east side of Panama City. They're building very high-quality, very energy-efficient homes at affordable prices.

[elenamaria]

Yeah, we looked into modular, including the StalWart built homes. The biggest problem they pose is with lenders. Most lenders put modular in the same category as manufactured (aka "trailers") and their interest rates are much higher. And, frankly, we haven't found the prices to be any lower than what contractors have been quoting us for site-built homes.

But thanks for the suggestion!

And hi Tsutcli. Thanks for the welcome to the 'hood. Yes, we're aware of the HOA requirements, and have spoken with one member of the architectural review committee already, so we know what's involved.

We're on Seabreeze Way, lot 4A. It's the cul-de-sac that's behind the Emerald Waters building.

Where do you live in Seabreeze?

[sowalgayboi]

I highly recommend Gage Construction (http://www.gagecontracting.com). High quality work that lasts.

[elenamaria]

Does Gage do ICF? Can't tell from their site.

[sowalgayboi]

Does Gage do ICF? Can't tell from their site.

Not sure, but usually the ICF pour is done by a subcontractor.

[scooterbug44]

I believe there is a line of modular/prefab homes that is sold/promoted through Dwell magazine. I think it is dwell empyrian?

Supposedly they do hurricane rated buildings and nice stuff as opposed to the single/double wide stuff.

[ASH]

Lewis up at post #17 is just finishing up an ICF on 30-A near Stinky's if I recall the signage properly. I know I called on him as a potential client for the type of windows I sell as they are more common in a home of that caliber.
I ain't cheap but I'm worth it. :biggrin:

[ASH]

Doh! :doh:I did mix that one up. The ICF is Chris Ritchie right here in SRB by the post office. I have seen the ICF as a sub and as the primary builder such as D-N-D Construction over in Gulf Breeze.

[tsutcli]

Yeah, we looked into modular, including the StalWart built homes. The biggest problem they pose is with lenders. Most lenders put modular in the same category as manufactured (aka "trailers") and their interest rates are much higher. And, frankly, we haven't found the prices to be any lower than what contractors have been quoting us for site-built homes.

But thanks for the suggestion!

And hi Tsutcli. Thanks for the welcome to the 'hood. Yes, we're aware of the HOA requirements, and have spoken with one member of the architectural review committee already, so we know what's involved.

We're on Seabreeze Way, lot 4A. It's the cul-de-sac that's behind the Emerald Waters building.

Where do you live in Seabreeze?
We are on the Circle - phase 2

[John R]

I will add an additional vote for Chad Hogenson.

[beachmom39]

Yes, I know of an excellent builder. He has built several homes that you can view in our area. He is fair, trustworthy and builds a quality home. Call Brian at Seashore Builders, 685-3037.