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Architect and builder for Watercolor

Beach Comber
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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.

Replies

37
Franny avatar
Beach Fanatic
#2
Beachduck please check your PM's.
Curtis avatar
Beach Lover
#3
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 avatar
Beach Lover
#4
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.
:lolabove: Savoie Architects (Matt Savoie) Web address

Edited

DuneAHH avatar
Beach Fanatic
#5
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 avatar
Beach Fanatic
#6
Dawn Thurber in Grayton is an exceptional architect. 850 534-0338
GTSViper avatar
Beach Lover
#7
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.
Beach ComberAuthor
#8
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.
Beach ComberAuthor
#9
How about Gulfview Construction ? I saw there web site and some homes they had built in the area.
Chickpea avatar
Beach Fanatic
#10
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 avatar
Beach Lover
#11
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 avatar
Beach Fanatic
#12
How about Gulfview Construction ? I saw there web site and some homes they had built in the area.
Gulfview is very competent.
GTSViper avatar
Beach Lover
#13
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 avatar
Beach Fanatic
#14
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 avatar
Beach Fanatic
#15
What about Eric Watson? I've viewed his web site - gorgeous architecture!
TheSheep avatar
Beach Fanatic
#16
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 avatar
Beach Fanatic
#17
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! :clap:

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 avatar
Beach Fanatic
#18
Why Ms. Chickpea, what loverly advice. In a pup eat pup competitive world, your demeanor is praiseworthy! :clap:

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 avatar
Beach Fanatic
#19
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.
Matt J avatar
SWGB
#20
A competent architect will generally gather bids for you. That is my experience though.
TheSheep avatar
Beach Fanatic
#21
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" :rofl:

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

Yes he is, a bit of a head on him :biggrin: 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?

Edited

TheSheep avatar
Beach Fanatic
#22
What about Eric Watson? I've viewed his web site - gorgeous architecture!
Indeed, Scoots, very much a SoWal feel.
Beach Crab
#23
How about Gulfview Construction ? I saw there web site and some homes they had built in the area.

Highly recommended.
Beach ComberAuthor
#24
Thanks again and keep the ideas coming.
Beach Crab
#25
Beachduck,


Check your private messages.
Beach Crab
#26
Beachduck,

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