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Advice! Building a cottage: Dream Or Reality?

Ashlee Brynn Burdick avatar
Ashlee Brynn BurdickBeach Comber
4,200 views
We are newbies to the whole building process and we are definitely clueless about building in South Walton. After doing some research and seeing it was clear the price per sq. footage around this area is completely different, as it should be being how awesome it is. I knew nothing about "30a" until we stumbled across some property in Santa Rosa after saying we wanted to move to the beach (Destin), which we found out would not be a great place for us. I did not realize the treasure that I had found! I love South Walton! But to my despair, after researching, I realized our dream may not be a reality. My question is: Is it realistic to have a builder give you a "budget" on what they thought your house would run to build in the Santa Rosa area bay side? Is that even possible? I don't need a bid right now. I am in need of trying to figure out if this build is actually possible for us. I also feel like it would be hard to get any help because of how busy the builders are and the fact that I'm sure they are only focused on building larger homes or beach front homes, which is business I understand. I'm looking at a cottage built up with a drive under garage, approximately 1500 to 1820 sq. feet with a budget of about $300,000 maybe even $350,000( I have an Allison Ramsey Architects Study Plan that is 1820 sq.ft.) granite/wood or tile floors finishes-(I have high end taste & not a high end budget) but I know there are finishes that can be comparable to high end taste without the higher price tag.
So......am I out of my mind? Please someone tell me this could happen! Thank you for any piece of knowledge or advice. #shouldwestayorshouldwego

Replies

28
Ashlee Brynn Burdick avatar
Ashlee Brynn BurdickBeach ComberAuthor
#3
Thanks Matt. We have purchased two lots side by side in the Magnolia Beach Area Off of Cabbage Rose, closer to Point Washington. As far as I know there are no restrictions.
LarsAtTheBeachBeach Fanatic
#4
All subdivided and platted lots have restrictions. The county comprehensive plan and land development plan also impose restrictions and building requirements. The state and county also requires building codes are met.
However, I do not believe Magnolia Beach has an HOA.
The numbers you are looking at are not out of reality.
Be certain to compare apples to apples when builder shopping. Have an eye on allowances. And there are significant costs that may...or may not, be in your construction contract.
Need more personal info? Feel free to pm me. I am state certified with over 40 years in the industry.
Ashlee Brynn Burdick avatar
Ashlee Brynn BurdickBeach ComberAuthor
#5
You are absolutely right. It was the HOA I was thinking about that had no restrictions lol. Well, other then no mobile homes which is a plus. That was one of the reasons we chose that area because there was not a build out time. Thank you for taking the time out to respond. I will keep that in mind. Thanks again!
BeachArkieBeach Lover
#6
It is doable, but you will need to be realistic about what things cost and what you can afford. It is much more expensive to build here due to hurricane codes, but a good architect and builder can help you make good decisions about where to save and where to splurge.
Ashlee Brynn Burdick avatar
Ashlee Brynn BurdickBeach ComberAuthor
#7
Thank you! We have expanded our business from Alabama to Northeast Florida, purchased our lots, so no turning back now! Get out of the way we are coming! Thanks again!
Conn006 avatar
Conn006Beach Lover
#8
Good Luck to you Ashley! The building process is very stressful, having done it several times in several states. Every builder has a different personality and their time table is not necessarily your time table! Nor is your picky eye always their picky eye when it comes to minor things being fixed. Keep in mind to pad your budgets for unexpected add ons!
It will be great in the end!!!
Ashlee Brynn Burdick avatar
Ashlee Brynn BurdickBeach ComberAuthor
#9
Thank you! I have heard many stories of the building process. Good & bad. I will be in this alone being my husband says " whatever you like... I love"!
Marmot avatar
MarmotBeach Lover
#10
Everything is gangbusters now, all the good builders are wide open and whatever the market will bear is the price, not sure of your time frame and when a downturn in the market will occur for best pricing. You might find someone to give you a "ballpark" but it also depends on your allowances (fixtures, cabinets, flooring, etc) as these can drive the price dramatically. Might want to determine what is most important and what is least. Spend the money where you are living in the house, cut corners elsewhere. Homework is the key, details, details,.....
Ashlee Brynn Burdick avatar
Ashlee Brynn BurdickBeach ComberAuthor
#11
I completely understand that. Even though we are not rushed, I see & understand the value in the areas & that they have every right to increase. I see all of the amazing things happening in South Walton & I just want to be apart of it. It truly is a treasure & I appreciate it's natural beauty & it being "laid back" with everything it has to offer. I need South Walton in my life lol! I need a change from this place I'm in now. It will be a stressful process but if we don't jump...someone else will, & we will regret it if we don't jump!
Thank you for your advice & time!
Matt J avatar
Matt JSWGB
#12
"Stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops are everything" - SHELLY
Ashlee Brynn Burdick avatar
Ashlee Brynn BurdickBeach ComberAuthor
#13
Agreed! I wouldn't have it any other way! Especially in a kitchen & bathroom.. I love marble, but it would not be practical in price or the fact that my glass of wine might roll over lol.
Our house now was new when we bought it and we had the option of changing some things out before we moved in & we made them change the countertops to granite and got better fixtures and above counter bowl sinks along with some other upgrades. I love interior design! It was my job in my past life...if there was a past life!
LarsAtTheBeachBeach Fanatic
#14
Oh crap!! :yikes:
I've built for designers and decorators. :bang:
(Just kidding) :lol:
Matter of fact, I'm finishing up a custom 3 year build for a crazy particular owner and decorator wife.
It's also a low VOC willingness home.
[pats self on back] owner is delighted with results [pats self on back]
Ashlee Brynn Burdick avatar
Ashlee Brynn BurdickBeach ComberAuthor
#15
That sounds extremely exciting. ( in my sarcastic voice) I try my best to be assertive but in a sweet way, it still works for me though in most cases. I'm not one to be difficult & like to go with the flow. I hate confrontation. I hope its not hard to find a builder who is just an overall good, cool person. Great job by the way. 3 years...geeeezzz!
Jimmy T avatar
Jimmy TBeach Fanatic
#16
"Stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops are everything" - SHELLY
We're still suffering with formica coutertops. It was one of those "tradeoffs" When we built. And the damn stuff lasts forever. I've never actually lived in a home with granite counter tops, so maybe I don't know what I'm missing. 🙂
Marmot avatar
MarmotBeach Lover
#17
Granite is nice but has its limitations with cleaning liquids, quartz is the best but more expensive. They have come a long way in making quartz have a natural stone look.
outofadreamBeach Fanatic
#18
That sounds extremely exciting. ( in my sarcastic voice) I try my best to be assertive but in a sweet way, it still works for me though in most cases. I'm not one to be difficult & like to go with the flow. I hate confrontation. I hope its not hard to find a builder who is just an overall good, cool person. Great job by the way. 3 years...geeeezzz!
Hello Ashlee, I am having a cottage/home built in BlueMountain Beach. It's not a large home but has quality finishes and design. Please call me, Mary at 850-387-5116. My builder is Mike Bryla and I am so pleased and thankful that I found him!
Ashlee Brynn Burdick avatar
Ashlee Brynn BurdickBeach ComberAuthor
#19
Granite is nice but has its limitations with cleaning liquids, quartz is the best but more expensive. They have come a long way in making quartz have a natural stone look.
Quartz was an option too. We have some customers that just just built a house with quartz in a new development called "The Waters" in Pike Road Alabama. That development reminds me of South Walton because the houses look somewhat similar in design. Thank you for taking the time out to share your thoughts & recommendations!
Ashlee Brynn Burdick avatar
Ashlee Brynn BurdickBeach ComberAuthor
#20
Hello Ashlee, I am having a cottage/home built in BlueMountain Beach. It's not a large home but has quality finishes and design. Please call me, Mary at 850-387-5116. My builder is Mike Bryla and I am so pleased and thankful that I found him!
Mary, we decided we wanted smaller ( in which budget wise here was the best option) It is just us 3, my son which is 11 & growing up fast. We do & will have friends & family visiting occasionally so we do need 3 beds/ 2.5 bath. Our current home now is 2030 sq ft. 4 beds/2 baths & frankly we don't even use one of the rooms. I am still getting to know the area. My husband on the other hand is down there every weekend with our business. We have about 15 banks, an apartment complex, a hotel & some residential homes that we take care of. (lawn & landscape) right now. The Blue Mountain beach area is great! I went through there for my first time in May. I was like wow, there are just cute treasures everywhere. How cool, so much to see and do. I have seen the " Mike Bryla" name in the forum before. Do you know if he has a website?

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