For many, owning a custom Sarasota home is a long time dream. It is clear why many look to this area as the perfect retirement or second home location – our beautiful white beaches, clear water, and year-round sunshine are truly representative of paradise.
While many choose to move to Sarasota full-time, others build a home as a part-time residence. Others will be moving here, but won’t do so until their home is finished. For those who live in a different state but are building a custom home here in the Sarasota area, we have a few tips on how to manage the process and build the home you envision.
Steps to Building a Sarasota Custom Home
If at all possible, you should plan a visit to the Sarasota and Longboat Key area for the first steps in building your home.
- Visit the Area: If you are looking to build a custom Sarasota home, you should first begin by coming to the area for a visit. Even if you are familiar with the area, it is important to physically eyeball the vacant properties which are available if at all possible. You may want to be sure that the neighborhood is what you expect, to understand how walkable the area is, and to see how close amenities, beaches, and other areas of interest are.
- Speak to a Builder: When here in Sarasota, interview a few builders to find out their methodology and philosophy regarding the construction process. You can also view their work, explain your vision and ideas for your home, and discuss basic pricing and budgets.
- Review Blueprints: Once you return home, the building will be in touch regarding plans, blueprints, pricing and permits. Be sure to review everything carefully and ask any question, no matter how small, before agreeing to begin the project.
- Create a Vision Board: These days, it is easy to find beautiful design ideas online on sites such as Houzz.com and Pinterest.com. These sites showcase millions of images of interior design, construction ideas, landscaping ideas, and more. Collect images of those things which you would like to incorporate into your design, and share with your home builder.
- Utilize Technology: While just a decade ago builders could send photos or perhaps rough video of construction progress, it is now possible to send real time, HD video of progress, materials, and even the smallest of details. Home buyers can also utilize live webcams to monitor progress, and even drone footage to understand the construction from an aerial view. Technology can also be used by construction foremen to ask questions of the home buyer in real time, utilizing Facetime or other similar applications.
- Check In: Determine ahead of time a few key checkpoints in the construction process where you can make a visit. Although taking the time and spending the money may seem an inconvenience, you are making a huge investment – and it will be worth your peace of mind.
Of course, if you are familiar with Sarasota and already own a piece of vacant land, you may not have to come visit the area prior to construction. It is recommended that you have a good working relationship and understanding with your builder before you begin construction. It will be up to your builder to obtain permits and keep the construction moving legally along.
The team at Lindahl Construction is committed to helping to build your Sarasota custom home exactly as you imagined. Call us today, and let’s talk about the creative ways we can work around your absence, and facilitate your purchase of your new dream vacation home.