Architect and builder for Watercolor

[Beachduck]

Looking for some suggestions on architects and builders for a house in Watercolor. Looking to get started on plans soon and build thereafter. Any input would be helpful. Have a couple in mind but looking at all custom home builders. This is a personal home not a spec house. Thanks in advance and love the site. Been coming to 30a since late 80's. Can't wait until our family has a home there.

[Franny]

Beachduck please check your PM's.

[Curtis]

If you aren't building it yourself I would recommend Corbin Ousley (850) 267-3780 or Ed Waugh (850) 622-0011 as contractors.

Architects abound but here are a few:
Matt Savoie(850) 622-0057
Steve Dungan(850) 267-0053(www.dunganarchitecture.com)
Jeff Margarettan(850) 267-2216

I believe Chickpea is an architect. You can contact her via the member's list here on the board.

Good Luck with the project.

[destinscuba]

If you aren't building it yourself I would recommend Corbin Ousley (850) 267-3780 or Ed Waugh (850) 622-0011 as contractors.

Architects abound but here are a few:
Matt Savoie(850) 622-0057 www.mcsavoie.com
Steve Dungan(850) 267-0053(www.dunganarchitecture.com)
Jeff Margarettan(850) 267-2216

I believe Chickpea is an architect. You can contact her via the member's list here on the board.

Good Luck with the project.

Savoie Architects (Matt Savoie) Web address

[DuneAHH]

Contact RALPH GAGE --- the BEST GC/Builder in & around 30-A:

Gage Contracting
Ralph@gagecontracting.com
(850) 231 - 1985

Ralph is a true custom craftsman. One of the homes he's built in Watercolor is available for viewing... which will enable you to personally experience the quality & beauty of his work.

[SGB]

Dawn Thurber in Grayton is an exceptional architect. 850 534-0338

[GTSViper]

I would check David Lutz @ Highland builders. He has built 2 homes for me and saved me a bundle. His number is 850-502-9790. I would be happy to show both homes he built for me and I am sure he would show you several others.

[Beachduck]

Thanks for all the leads and offers. The replies and pm's will be a big help. Can't wait to get started and get back to the beach.

[Beachduck]

How about Gulfview Construction ? I saw there web site and some homes they had built in the area.

[Chickpea]

How about Gulfview Construction ? I saw there web site and some homes they had built in the area.

There are many talented architects in the area and like builders, many would love a private commission. Absolutely check out references but drive around and make a note of what you are drawn to and what architectural elements resonate with you.

Same for builders - BID your project - you are currently in the driver's seat (this was NOT the case a couple of years ago when you had to beg and plead to get a builder to look at a set of plans, let alone bid!) - costs have come down quite a bit, subs and contractors are hungry for work and you are in a good negotiating position!

Good luck.

[GTSViper]

I agree 100% with Chickpea. I would definately look at builders construction and even interview the builders. And bid the job to the top 3 builders that you feel most comfortable with. There are several good builders out there, but there are also several with a lot of BAGGAGE.

[elgordoboy]

How about Gulfview Construction ? I saw there web site and some homes they had built in the area.

Gulfview is very competent.

[GTSViper]

I agree 100% with Chickpea. I would definately look at builders construction and even interview the builders. And bid the job to the top 3 builders that you feel most comfortable with. There are several good builders out there, but there are also several with a lot of BAGGAGE.

[Babyblue]

I would call Tom Christ. My next door neighbors house was designed by him and the house was on HGTV and the cover of Southern Accents.

[Scooter]

What about Eric Watson? I've viewed his web site - gorgeous architecture!

[TheSheep]

Looking for some suggestions on architects and builders for a house in Watercolor. Looking to get started on plans soon and build thereafter. Any input would be helpful. Have a couple in mind but looking at all custom home builders. This is a personal home not a spec house. Thanks in advance and love the site. Been coming to 30a since late 80's. Can't wait until our family has a home there.

Want someone different?

www.oppenoffice.com

Ram, my Hubby, knows Chad and Company personally. Truly a superb artiste of the single family home, his favorite thing to do.

Second comment. Build as evergreen as possible, with as much in advanced home automation, this will guarantee your future resale capabilitiy and security (if you are an absenetee Owner or not). Email our friends at Hera pomeheratek@gmail.comgranate , just drop the pomegranate, they have technical abilities for your home that would astound!!

[TheSheep]

There are many talented architects in the area and like builders, many would love a private commission. Absolutely check out references but drive around and make a note of what you are drawn to and what architectural elements resonate with you.

Same for builders - BID your project - you are currently in the driver's seat (this was NOT the case a couple of years ago when you had to beg and plead to get a builder to look at a set of plans, let alone bid!) - costs have come down quite a bit, subs and contractors are hungry for work and you are in a good negotiating position!

Why Ms. Chickpea, what loverly advice. In a pup eat pup competitive world, your demeanor is praiseworthy!

If I may be so rude, may I interject that while bidding is a very positive concept, be certain the bids are covering the exact same specifications and that the lowest bid may not necessarily be the best choice.

[Chickpea]

Why Ms. Chickpea, what loverly advice. In a pup eat pup competitive world, your demeanor is praiseworthy!

If I may be so rude, may I interject that while bidding is a very positive concept, be certain the bids are covering the exact same specifications and that the lowest bid may not necessarily be the best choice.

You are not being rude at all - very smart comment - and the best way to guard against that is by hiring a good architect who will submit a complete set of drawings and full specs so as to leave nothing unaddressed and no wiggle room for those dreaded change orders.

and BTW: Chad is an EXCELLENT architect!!!!

[seaside2]

You are not being rude at all - very smart comment - and the best way to guard against that is by hiring a good architect who will submit a complete set of drawings and full specs so as to leave nothing unaddressed and no wiggle room for those dreaded change orders.

and BTW: Chad is an EXCELLENT architect!!!!

There was some yap on a thread, public contracts or something like that, where many of us commented on the value of a complete set of plans and specs plus a STRONG contract to protect both the buyer AND the contractor. I do this for a living and it cannot be stressed strongly enough the value of a clearly defined project. Change orders to a contractor are like blood to a shark. Not the fault of the contractor (Or the shark), but it is just the nature of the beast.

Select EVERYTHING before you start and then don't change anything unless you absolutely, positively have to.

[SWGB]

A competent architect will generally gather bids for you. That is my experience though.

[TheSheep]

You are not being rude at all - very smart comment - and the best way to guard against that is by hiring a good architect who will submit a complete set of drawings and full specs so as to leave nothing unaddressed and no wiggle room for those dreaded change orders.

The Change Order, Ram calls that "low bidders profit"

and BTW: Chad is an EXCELLENT architect!!!!

Yes he is, a bit of a head on him I might say but proof is in his works. He's a Dubai boi these days, stateside soon.

Do you have a portfolio or such or is that chic of me to ask?

[TheSheep]

What about Eric Watson? I've viewed his web site - gorgeous architecture!

Indeed, Scoots, very much a SoWal feel.

[wdavid]

How about Gulfview Construction ? I saw there web site and some homes they had built in the area.

Highly recommended.

[Beachduck]

Thanks again and keep the ideas coming.

[brianschubert]

Beachduck,


Check your private messages.

[Steve]

Beachduck,

I've sent you a personal email

[Beachduck]

Thanks guys.

[Franny]

Any decision?

[elgordoboy]

Any decision?

Drumroll please.......

[NIC]

Please check out www.cjbconstruction.com
You will see samples from a builder who has built several homes in Watercolor and WaterSound.

Good Searching!

[sadieblue]

Check out Burwell and Associates for architectural designs... www.burwellassociates.com Under "work" on the website, there is a house on Mystic Cobalt in WaterColor, which was on the Parade of Homes a few years ago. Excellent design, absolutely no wasted space. The builder was Boyd Martin of Martin Properties of NW FL, Inc. Meticulous craftmanship as you will see. He does not have a website, but could be reached at martinpropinc@mchsi.com or 850-585-8282. And, the interior designer was Perri McMillan of McMillan Wingate. She can be reached at 251-363-0348. Hope that helps.

[flyforfun]

Looking for some suggestions on architects and builders for a house in Watercolor. Looking to get started on plans soon and build thereafter. Any input would be helpful. Have a couple in mind but looking at all custom home builders. This is a personal home not a spec house. Thanks in advance and love the site. Been coming to 30a since late 80's. Can't wait until our family has a home there.

I would highly recommend Peter Horn of Artisan Construction. He has been building homes in Seaside, Watercolor, Watersound and all along 30-A for over 25 years! He just recently finished the construction on my home in Watersound and personally I would not consider building a bird house without his help. He made the entire process easy and is the most honest contractor I have ever worked with. Building on the coast, especially in a St. Joe development requires a contractor with a good reputation and a lot of experience dealing with the county. I would meet with him before I even selected an architect. His number is 1-850-231-4604. Experience makes the difference and you want go wrong building with Peter Horn.

[Pickle]

Even though a builder or contractor is recommended or on someone's approved builder list, be sure to check www.myfloridalicense.com for their background history of any type of complaint. It's always better to be safe than sorry in the long run! Myfloridalicense.com is great because you can check out anyone in FL who needs a license to operate. I went through a year of feeling like this while my poor parents went through hell with their builder and really wish we would have known to look him up.

[By the Bay]

HI all,
My husband and I have an architecture firm near the 331 bridge and we'd love to help. We have designed multiple homes in Watercolor and Watersound.
Website is: www.archiscapes.com
Thanks,
Amy

[seaside2]

Good looking stuff there, by the Bay.

AND

[By the Bay]

Thanks Seaside2. We're lucky in that we always seem to have a lot of fun doing what we love.

[flyforfun]

Even though a builder or contractor is recommended or on someone's approved builder list, be sure to check www.myfloridalicense.com for their background history of any type of complaint. It's always better to be safe than sorry in the long run! Myfloridalicense.com is great because you can check out anyone in FL who needs a license to operate. I went through a year of feeling like this while my poor parents went through hell with their builder and really wish we would have known to look him up.

Very good point! "Fly by night" contractors are a dime a dozen down there and some are building in St. Joe developments. Take time to check myflorida and obtain references. Personally, I wouldn't even consider a contractor or architect unless they have been down there for at least 10 years. When it comes to dealing with Walton County, experience does make a difference!!!

[flyforfun]

Even though a builder or contractor is recommended or on someone's approved builder list, be sure to check www.myfloridalicense.com for their background history of any type of complaint. It's always better to be safe than sorry in the long run! Myfloridalicense.com is great because you can check out anyone in FL who needs a license to operate. I went through a year of feeling like this while my poor parents went through hell with their builder and really wish we would have known to look him up.

Very good point! "Fly by night" contractors are a dime a dozen down there and some are building in St. Joe developments. Take time to check myflorida and obtain references. Personally, I wouldn't even consider a contractor or architect unless they have been down there for at least 10 years. When it comes to dealing with Walton County, experience does make a difference!!!