Start with these 5 things when you decide to build

After years in the business, we know a thing or two about custom Florida homes. If you’re just starting your journey and don’t know where to start, here are 5 of our must-haves.

This is one of the main reasons why our clients choose to build a custom home. The ability to select the building materials one by one allows them to get a home that aligns with their sustainable principles. A sustainable home will help lessen your household’s overall carbon footprint, and can even lower your utility bills over time.

Sustainable can look very different according to your budget. For example, you might want to install a solar panel system to power your home. With the harsh Florida sun, most homes can easily cut down their electricity bill with solar panels.

Another great feature of a sustainable custom home is the choice in materials. You will have full control of what materials are used to build your home, so you can select non-toxic, ecologically responsible materials. Recycled options are also a great way of adding environmentally-conscious elements to your home.

Building a home from scratch also allows you to choose a sustainable roof from the beginning, instead of fully renovating the roof after buying. The right roof can lower the heat absorbed from the sun, meaning you’ll need less power to cool down your home.

Of course, pick and choose according to your budget and needs. You don’t need to have a 100% recycled home for it to be sustainable.

We love our state, but it’s impossible to deny living here has its challenges. On top of the year-round radiation and salty air, we also deal with hurricane season and serious downpours. Homes that are near the coast are especially vulnerable to these issues. Luckily, by building a custom home you can make sure your house will be ready for heavy winds and intense rain. For example, you will be able to install hurricane impact windows, which are designed to resist not only the wind, but also the impact of flying debris in the event of a hurricane.

Custom builds also allow you to control the shape of the roof, which can minimize the impact of heavy winds in your home. Multi-panel roofs in a hexagon shape, for example, perform better in high-wind situations than traditional roofs [3].

Another cool feature is building an elevated first floor. According to NOAA’s data, Florida’s sea level will rise in the next years [1], so building a home higher than usual can help mitigate the risks in case of flooding.

Having your home blueprint checked by a local engineer will also make sure it is as safe as possible in case of a weather emergency.

3.  Air  Flow

We love the sun and the year-round heat, but living in a home that gets too hot is very difficult. Fortunately, building a custom house can guarantee good airflow, to stay as cool as possible without even using AC.   Proper airflow (which many old houses don’t have) greatly increases indoor air quality, leading to fewer allergies and even improved mental health.  [2]

Of course, the first thing to consider for good airflow is your home’s orientation on your land. If possible, making doors and windows in the direction of the usual air currents can significantly lower the need for AC. Installing a proper air vent in the attic ensures hot air gets out instead of getting trapped and overheating the upper floor.

Making sure vents are in an optimal place is also easier when you’re building a custom home. So, for example, air ducts and vents need to be placed so the cooler rooms can supply cold air to the rest of the home, which in turn boosts your home’s energy efficiency.



4.  Air Conditioning

Especially in Florida, having a home with good AC is a must! To keep the muggy weather at bay, an AC system that works is key. New, custom-built homes are up to 17% more energy-efficient than traditional buildings, simply because they follow newer building codes. By building an energy-efficient home you’re effectively cutting down your electricity bill, especially during the warmer months.

The beauty of custom homes is that you can actually build them to lessen the electricity needed to cool them down. So, for example, we would recommend minimizing huge windows on South-facing walls. This would prevent the harsh afternoon sun from shining inside your home, keeping the house cooler.

Another must is having energy-efficient windows. These are built with an insulating system that keeps hot air out and cold fresh in, without needing to have sun-blocking curtains. The frame in these windows is also well-sealed, which helps insulate your home even further.

Of course, to keep your home comfortable you will need a modern AC system. Whether you’re installing central AC or a split unit, a custom home allows you to have a great cooling system without having exposed ducts all over the place.

Finally, with a custom home, you’ll be able to plan your gardens from scratch. Getting weather-appropriate plants, as well as planting hedges to block the sun, is a great way to save on your water bill and help cool down your outdoor spaces.



5.  Durability

If you’re building your own home, you can select materials to stand up to the test of time. This means you can not only tailor the size and design to your taste, but you can also ensure it can be passed down to your loved ones. Long-lasting materials include brick, stone, steel and concrete. These hold up well over time, even in our harsh weather and strong winds. Another great option is providing a solid foundation for your home through helical piers: these make sure your home’s weight rests on the solid ground below our sandy soils and prevent foundation damage down the line.

Building a home designed to bring enjoyment and living ease to you and your family is important.  Equally important is building a home to sustain and protect your family in our tropical climate.  Hopefully, the five elements we covered here will get you started on your way.