When it comes to building homes in Florida, not all home builders are created equal. Just as there are many types of Florida homes, there are many different types of home builders. Finding the right builder for your new Florida home requires time and research. This is an important decision, since purchasing a new Florida home is a large investment. You'll want a Florida home that suits your needs and will withstand the test of time.
Different types of Florida home builders
Florida home builders can be easily divided into two main types: custom home builders, and tract home builders. The main differences between these two types of builders are quality and availability of custom options. Tract homes are often referred to as "Cookie-cutter homes", and with good reason. These homes are identical in every way because the materials used to build them are purchased in bulk. Often, lower quality materials are used by these Florida home builders.
Custom home builders do not purchase their materials in bulk, and tend to adhere to higher standards of quality. And since they are custom homes, the home buyer has the option of choosing the features, colors and overall look of their new home. Each buyer is free to express their own individual style, which leads to greater satisfaction with the finished product. Custom homes tend to cost a bit more, but most owners of these homes will agree that it is money well spent.
Hurricane protection
All Florida home builders are held to certain standards of hurricane safety when they build their homes. However, unless you live in one of the few Florida counties that require the highest standards, most homes are built only to withstand a Category 2 storm. Today, some custom home builders are going above and beyond this standard, adding additional roof trusses, shatter proof windows, and solid-concrete construction to build homes capable of withstanding a Category 4 hurricane or higher. If you decide to invest in a custom home, look for a Florida home builder who adheres to these higher standards.
Building in today's competitive market
Most Florida home buyers are aware of the current real estate market conditions. With an abundance of existing homes on the market and continued growth in the newly constructed home sector, today's real estate market favors the buyer. This means buyers now have the time to shop around, and no longer have to rush into a purchase. But since the price of construction materials continues to rise, some Florida home builders have resorted to cutting corners on construction and building materials in an effort to remain competitive and still turn a profit. When you interview prospective builders, be prepared to ask the tough questions. Does the home builder use high-quality, 5/8 inch plywood to build the roof? Do they use 30 year architectural shingles? Do they construct their homes using solid, poured concrete?
These questions apply to interior features as well. It's easy to use cheaper materials for fixtures, paint, cabinetry, and flooring. Many times, the cheaper materials still look expensive, at least in the beginning. But over time, wear and tear will take a toll on cheap materials. Ask all prospective home builders for a list of materials they use, both inside and outside the homes. Once you obtain this list, you can research each company and the materials they produce. Check consumer reports, and don't discount the value of word of mouth.
Remember, high quality construction materials make for solid, long-lasting Florida homes. The Florida climate presents unique challenges for all structures built here, and shoddy construction just can't meet these challenges over a number of years.
The right Florida home builder for your needs
With a bit of extra time and attention, you can find the right Florida home builder to construct your new Florida home. In the long run, your time, effort, and yes, even the extra money you may spend on a high quality home will serve you and your family well. Finding a Florida home builder you can trust is always worth the extra investment, and will result in greater customer satisfaction over the long term.
The real estate boom of the past five years has created a Florida housing market that is very attractive to home builders. Hundreds of home builders are currently working in the state of Florida, and their work has a tremendous impact on the Florida economy. Housing accounts for 16% of the US Gross Domestic Product, and home builders created millions of new jobs in 2005. A solid market for home builders is a huge benefit for Floridians living in a state where housing has been big business for years.
Although there has been concern of late over a cooling housing market, sales of new homes remain strong. Home builders across the country have adjusted their plans to suit the realistic expectation of today's market, which maintains the delicate balance between supply and demand. Sale prices have dropped somewhat, and this creates a housing market that favors today's Florida home buyer.
The Current Market and the Resulting Impact on Florida Home Buyers
It is vitally important for the Florida home buyer to be aware of the current market conditions, and what home builders are doing to improve their product and attract new home buyers in a competitive market. Despite rising mortgage rates, the current housing market favors the buyer. Increases in income levels across the country and decreases in previously skyrocketing housing prices have created an excellent market for today's home buyer.
For the first time in five years, the Florida home buyer is in the driver's seat. Bidding wars are a thing of the past, and with a bit of research and careful shopping, it is now possible for the home buyer to get a lot more for their money. And when Floridians purchase newly constructed homes from Florida home builders, it provides the impetus needed to continue growing the Florida economy. This creates a win-win situation for both Florida home builders and Florida home buyers.
New Trends in Florida Home Building
There will always be tract home builders, especially in Florida. But the latest trend in Florida home building is one of higher quality at affordable prices. The Florida home buyer no longer has to settle for a tract or cookie cutter home just because they can't afford the steep price tags that once accompanied high quality custom homes.
Affordable Safety Upgrades for the Florida Home Buyer
A few home builders in Florida are taking hurricane safety and preparedness to a new level when constructing their homes. Not only are these homes built above Florida hurricane code to withstand a Category 4 hurricane, they are also affordable for the average Florida home buyer. These sturdy homes are built using solid poured concrete, additional roof truss straps, and impact resistant windows.
Any additional cost incurred when purchasing a home with these special safety features is offset by the benefits they provide. It is often possible to obtain discounts on homeowner's insurance policies, since these above code homes sustain far less damage during a severe storm. This resistance to storm damage also saves the home owner from costly repairs and rebuilding expenses. Not to mention the protection the homes provide for the homeowner's most valuable possessions.
More Options for Today's Florida Home Buyer
Another method Florida home builders are using to attract new buyers is to provide a wider array of customization options on all of their homes. Today Florida home buyers have the opportunity to purchase the home of their dreams, with all of the amenities they have always wanted.
High quality custom home builders are currently offering new buyers everything from upgraded interior and exterior paint colors, better landscaping and irrigation systems, granite countertops and upgraded kitchen cabinetry, substantial lighting and fixture allowances, and top of the line appliances.
Most builders of high quality custom Florida homes are also offering their buyers an array of spacious floor plan choices, and homes built in some of the most desirable communities in Florida.
On all accounts, there has rarely been a better time for the Florida home buyer to purchase a beautiful, high quality custom home from a reputable Florida home builder. With more options, safer construction, and stabilizing (and in some cases, falling) sale prices, Florida home builders are going above and beyond to attract new buyers. This is great news for the Florida home buyer.
Tom Beaty has sinced written about articles on various topics from Buying and Selling Home, Sell Home and Buying and Selling Home. Concrete Florida Homes survive hurricanes - Tom Beaty a real estate broker and home builders in Palm Coast, Flagler and Volusia County. Visit: . Tom Beaty's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.