Builder Recommendations

Just some advice.....before entering into a contractual arrangement with a builder, please ensure that all expectations have not only been discussed but also written down and signed. Fully understand the contract presented to you and make sure material spec sheet is very detailed. Sadly words & handshakes are a thing of the past and this is solely a business arrangement. If you do this on the front end, it will allow you to hopefully have a positive experience with your builder in the end. 🙂

There are lots of good builders here and lots of bad ones. The number of builders here has increased ten fold in the last decade. Play the odds and find someone who has been here awhile, has loads of references, good credit, and is not hated by Walco planning department.

Has to be hands on - they will all say they are. Has to recommend a quality window and door and know what waterproofing is beyond just house wrap.

What is your price range and we can give you names. Do you have plans or need design build / architect?

Interested in this too...

Just some advice.....before entering into a contractual arrangement with a builder, please ensure that all expectations have not only been discussed but also written down and signed. Fully understand the contract presented to you and make sure material spec sheet is very detailed. Sadly words & handshakes are a thing of the past and this is solely a business arrangement. If you do this on the front end, it will allow you to hopefully have a positive experience with your builder in the end. 🙂

Great advice, Thank you!

There are lots of good builders here and lots of bad ones. The number of builders here has increased ten fold in the last decade. Play the odds and find someone who has been here awhile, has loads of references, good credit, and is not hated by Walco planning department.

Has to be hands on - they will all say they are. Has to recommend a quality window and door and know what waterproofing is beyond just house wrap.

What is your price range and we can give you names. Do you have plans or need design build / architect?

We are hoping to build a small beach cottage (around 1400 sq ft). We do have plans. We would definitely appreciate the names of good, hands on builders you might recommend. Thanks!

We are hoping to build a small beach cottage (around 1400 sq ft). We do have plans. We would definitely appreciate the names of good, hands on builders you might recommend. Thanks!

Ralph Gage - Gage Contracting Florida ~ Custom Home Building ~ Panhandle Florida - hands on and positive attitude.

I'm a builder, and have been building houses in this area since 1989. I am a "mom and pop" operation. No office staff, minimal overhead. I've been at this a long time and I have been able to cull through the vast amount of subcontractors who come and go, and I have a group of craftsman that are the best at their trade. I would be happy to talk to any of you all about your building projects. 850-258-4212 ghorn@mchsi.com

We are hoping to build a small beach cottage (around 1400 sq ft). We do have plans. We would definitely appreciate the names of good, hands on builders you might recommend. Thanks!

I am currently having a small cottage/home built in Blue Mountain Beach. Mike Bryla has been absolutely wonderful as my builder. He started building alongside his father in the eighties and is so knowledgeable, fair and has the integrity that is missing in the world today. He is definitely hands on and on the building site daily. He has a handful of loyal subcontractors working with him. If you would like to talk with me as a satisfied customer call me at 850-387-5116
Mary

Interested in this too...

Check out my reply to chitown

Great advice, Thank you!

t

There are lots of good builders here and lots of bad ones. The number of builders here has increased ten fold in the last decade. Play the odds and find someone who has been here awhile, has loads of references, good credit, and is not hated by Walco planning department.

Has to be hands on - they will all say they are. Has to recommend a quality window and door and know what waterproofing is beyond just house wrap.

What is your price range and we can give you names. Do you have plans or need design build / architect?

How would we go about checking for good credit and their relationship status with Walco planning department?

@chitown, one way to check "local credit" is to ask around at local banks. The builders that shafted the banks after the last crash are to be avoided and you will find that if a bank sees that a certain builder is part of a project that the bank will not finance that project.

You might also check Walton County court records of the builder in question. If they have been defendants in financial related cases, that would be worthwhile to know, IMO

@chitown, one way to check "local credit" is to ask around at local banks. The builders that shafted the banks after the last crash are to be avoided and you will find that if a bank sees that a certain builder is part of a project that the bank will not finance that project.

You might also check Walton County court records of the builder in question. If they have been defendants in financial related cases, that would be worthwhile to know, IMO

Thank you! This has already helped!!!

I have been building homes in the area since the 80's. I have my own crew of carpenters and some of my lead men have been with my company for over 20 years. We know how to keep "mister raindrop" out of your home. Check my web site, www.ficarra.com and I will give you the contact information of any homeowner you would like to speak with. I don't display this information on line for their privacy.

Interested in this too...

Hi! Just wondering if you have found a builder and through your research what you have learned ? We are also looking to build and have many of the same questions!
Thanks!

You can also go to DBPR: Home Page to see if a builder has had any complaints filed against them or licensing issues.