Happy with your builder?

We were very happy with our builder in Watercolor - Chris Clark Construction.

Are you just posting surveys?

No, I am not just posting surveys (as this is a reply). I am trying to find out as much about the area as possible, so when I move there my transition will be as easy as possible. I hope my quest for knowledge doesn't offend you.

I'm very happy with my builder, but I'd better be. I'm married to him.
What type of home do you want to build?

Well, you certainly need to check out this thread:

Update on Yippie's Mold Ridden Home - Sad but worth reading - SoWal Beaches Forum

Yippie- I feel for you. After reading your posts I feel that I really need to investigate these builders and read the stories so I can make the best decision possible.
MissCritter- I am favoring the "florida cottage" style 2 or 3 stories with unattached garage. Want front porches and screened pool. You're a lucky girl, did you build your dream home?

We built a great home in Sandestin that I loved (we're on their approved builders list,btw), but I've found my definition of "dream home" changes over time. My dream home would probably be a compilation of features from each of my previous homes. My husband says I'm the worst customer he's ever had. :roll:

I found this thread:

Check out Burwell and Associates for architectural designs... www.burwellassociates.com Under "work" on the website, there is a house on Mystic Cobalt in WaterColor, which was on the Parade of Homes a few years ago. Excellent design, absolutely no wasted space. The builder was Boyd Martin of Martin Properties of NW FL, Inc. Meticulous craftmanship as you will see. He does not have a website, but could be reached at martinpropinc@mchsi.com or 850-585-8282.

We personally know Boyd and Daphne Martin, and they are great people. He and his wife are natives of that area and he builds a quality product.

Depending on where you plan to build, you may be limited to whom you can choose. Many developments have a list of approved builders to choose from.

Good luck with your new home!

Thanks for the info Miss Critter, beautiful designs. It is going to be a difficult decision.

I think builders are like realtors in the area---there are so many good ones it is a difficult choice. The coastal style homes are so beautiful. I always spend more time looking at homes than on the beach. Wish we had homes like these in our area.

We built in 2001 in Old Seagrove with Arbor Homes--Rod and Michelle Joly. We love that house and them. Michelle was so patient. But do not think they are building now. Mike Gregg is a wonderful builder also.

There are really so many good buys on the market. It is almost cheaper to buy than build, but you may have your dream lot already.

Here is a link to our houses www.goincoastalbeachrentals.com
;-) Both are for sale too.

Good luck

www.compassbuildersfl.com

(approved in most of the areas around here. SanDestin, Watercolor, etc.)

I highly recommend Gage Construction. I have never used this contractor, but have been thru several projects (some repeatedly) and they are of the highest quality I have seen.

Please comment on builders that you would recommend. I would love to hear about your personal experiences with builders! feel free to PM me.

I would highly recommend Peter Horn of Artisan Construction. He has been building homes in Seaside, Watercolor, Watersound and all along 30-A for over 25 years! He just recently finished the construction on my home in Watersound and personally I would not consider building a bird house without his help. He made the entire process easy and is the most honest contractor I have ever worked with. Building on the coast, especially when it comes to beach construction requires a contractor with a lot of experience. I would meet with him before I even selected an architect. His number is 1-850-231-4604. Experience makes the difference and you want go wrong building with Peter Horn.

I think builders are like realtors in the area---there are so many good ones it is a difficult choice. The coastal style homes are so beautiful. I always spend more time looking at homes than on the beach. Wish we had homes like these in our area.

We built in 2001 in Old Seagrove with Arbor Homes--Rod and Michelle Joly. We love that house and them. Michelle was so patient. But do not think they are building now. Mike Gregg is a wonderful builder also.

There are really so many good buys on the market. It is almost cheaper to buy than build, but you may have your dream lot already.

Here is a link to our houses www.goincoastalbeachrentals.com
;-) Both are for sale too.

Good luck

The Joly's (Arbor Homes) are terrific folks. We built three homes with them. If they are still building, you'd do well to at least consider speaking with them.

Alan Ficarra, Ficarra Builders. Would do it all over again!

http://www.ficarra.com/

I would highly recommend Peter Horn of Artisan Construction. He has been building homes in Seaside, Watercolor, Watersound and all along 30-A for over 25 years! He just recently finished the construction on my home in Watersound and personally I would not consider building a bird house without his help. He made the entire process easy and is the most honest contractor I have ever worked with. Building on the coast, especially when it comes to beach construction requires a contractor with a lot of experience. I would meet with him before I even selected an architect. His number is 1-850-231-4604. Experience makes the difference and you want go wrong building with Peter Horn.

I agree...and an all around nice person and very civic minded.

Alan Ficarra, Ficarra Builders. Would do it all over again!

http://www.ficarra.com/

I have heard wonderful things about Alan Ficarra. If I was building a house he would definitely be one that I would interview.

I think builders are like realtors in the area---there are so many good ones it is a difficult choice. The coastal style homes are so beautiful. I always spend more time looking at homes than on the beach. Wish we had homes like these in our area.

We built in 2001 in Old Seagrove with Arbor Homes--Rod and Michelle Joly. We love that house and them. Michelle was so patient. But do not think they are building now. Mike Gregg is a wonderful builder also.

There are really so many good buys on the market. It is almost cheaper to buy than build, but you may have your dream lot already.

Here is a link to our houses www.goincoastalbeachrentals.com
;-) Both are for sale too.

Good luck

I really like Mike Gregg too. He has been building here for as long as I can remember (and I am a LOCAL). He just finished a house in Cassine for my Aunt and Uncle in Vegas. They have been bragging on him saying that he built it himself with very little use of sub-contractors. They love the house and have all nice things to say about Mike.

I really like Mike Gregg too. He has been building here for as long as I can remember (and I am a LOCAL). He just finished a house in Cassine for my Aunt and Uncle in Vegas. They have been bragging on him saying that he built it himself with very little use of sub-contractors. They love the house and have all nice things to say about Mike.

Mike's # is 850-598-0777 or home 850-231-4740

I'll second that motion about the Joly's..(Arbor Homes). top notch quality, conscientious, and good peeps. We built our only home in the area with them... more than fair on total costs too.

I highly recommend Gage Construction. I have never used this contractor, but have been thru several projects (some repeatedly) and they are of the highest quality I have seen.

Thanks swgb. Our company's first and foremost goal is to build a house that will withstand the test of time. Every measure is taken from ground breaking to the finished product to ensure the highest quality of construction. If you would like a tour of completed homes in the area PM or give me a call. 850-231-1985.
Ralph Gage

We're very happy with our builder who is building my home in ALYS. This is my second stint with him, having used him to build my home in Atlanta. However, he is based in Atlanta. The upside is we are able to build more affordably and more efficiently because we can source subs from Atlanta and Florida. The firm's name is Dencity and they are largely a modern design firm. You can visit their site at www.dencity.us.

THOMAS CONSTRUCTION... IS THE BEST! Buddy has been building in this area for years. Great Guy and very high quality work. 850-231-0730