Custom Home Building in Miami

Building a Custom Home in Miami: From Experts in Construction, Design and Finance!

In this podcast we delve into the world of Custom Home Building in Miami. I sit down with Luciana Fragali owner of Design Solutions, a luxury interior design and architectural firm, and Dany Sebaaly owner of Builcore Construction an experienced and luxury general constructor. As a team, we’ve collaborated on numerous successful projects, and now, in this video and blog, we’re here to address the common questions you often ask about custom homes, sharing our expertise and insights. If you are looking to build a custom home as an end user or as an investor, hopefully, this article served as a good intro. Please do not forget to read my conclusions at the end of this article.

We address:

  • The Costs of Building a Custom Home
  • Timing to build a custom luxury home in Miami
  • The Process and Timeliness
  • Three Main Recommendations
  • Conclusions and Advantages of working with us

What Does Custom Home Building Cost in Miami?

Building a brand new home in Miami, especially at the caliber of DS-Miami and Builcore, comes with a starting point of $650 per square foot. Please note, that this is based on the gross square footage, not just the air-conditioned space. This comprehensive rate encompasses everything, from tiles and lighting to millwork and flooring, ensuring a fully finished home. The minimum cost per square foot is $650, but it can certainly climb to $1,000 per square foot or even higher.

Custom homes demand a higher investment per square foot, but the ultimate result and value derived from these homes are unquestionably worth it, as they tend to command significantly higher selling prices. While custom homes do carry a higher per-square-foot price tag, as a realtor, I am committed to providing guidance on what makes financial sense. I can provide insight into market caps and the estimated selling price of a home with the finishes you desire. I’m transparent and won’t encourage you to overspend. As an agent, I will tell you what will be the ceiling to spend. We want you to build a home that you love and can sell with a profit once you are ready to move on.

Custom Home Building in Miami. The Costs, Timelines, Timing and Upsides of building a custom luxury Home in Miami.

An example of a renovation of a historic home in the Gables on which we all worked together.

Is this the Right Time to Build a Custom Home in Miami?

In prime areas, the cost of purchasing a completed home has seen a remarkable increase. Property values have surged by 20% to 30% compared to last year, and a staggering 50% when looking back just two years. Despite a soaring demand with 90% of buyers seeking new properties, our market is grappling with a significant shortage of available homes.

Presently, the cost of a custom-built home on a dry lot can range from $1,400 to $2,000 per SF. If you have your sights set on a custom waterfront home, be prepared for costs ranging from $2,000 to even $4,500 per SF. Given these price tags, it’s becoming increasingly financially sensible to embark on the journey of constructing your own home.

From an economic perspective, building your own home is not only a sound financial decision but also a strategic one. The current market values are unprecedented, making it an opportune time to create a luxury custom home in Miami. Demand is high, with homes selling for 50% more than pre-pandemic levels. Well-finished custom homes consistently set new records and command significant premiums.

The shift in the type of buyers coming to Miami has driven a demand for top-notch products, and they are willing to pay a premium. Even if your construction cost hovers around $1,000 per square foot, the ability to sell at $2,000 or more translates to a 100% profit.

Over the past few years, several of the most significant waterfront transactions occurred through off-market channels. The data above exclusively reflects sales officially recorded on the MLS. In the case of Coconut Grove, only two waterfront sales were observed, and each data point corresponds to a single transaction.

The Custom Home Building Process

Step 1: Land Selection. I will provide valuable insights into property values in different areas and local building regulations. It’s essential to be aware of varying regulations, including restrictions on the percentage of land you can build on. Finding the perfect land can be challenging in Miami, therefore we often explore off-market opportunities.

Step 2: Assembling Your Dream Team. Assemble a team: designer, architect, and General Contractor. Involve the designer early to align architectural and interior design, preventing delays and extra costs. Early collaboration avoids complications and overspending.

Step 3: Schematic Design and Sketches. Now, you’ll dive into the design process, with your team providing full schematic designs and sketches of your future home. This stage usually involves a two-month back-and-forth process before final plans are ready.

Step 4: Refining the Details. With your schematic designs in hand, the next step delves into the finer details of your home, including interiors, exteriors, materials, and finishes. You’ll also engage electro-mechanical consultants and structural engineers to bring your design to life and prepare for city submissions. This phase typically spans 8 to 10 months.

Step 5: The Permitting Process. The next stage involves obtaining the necessary permits, which requires submitting your team’s plans to the city for approval. Typically, permitting takes 8 to 10 months, following the design phase, resulting in an 18-month timeframe from design to permitting.

Step 6: Demolition and Ground Preparation. Demolishing a home is straightforward; permits take a few weeks. Plan utility disconnection two months ahead to avoid delays. Careful pre-construction planning is essential.

Step 7: Construction and Interior Finishing. Home construction takes around 18 months. The initial phase (6-8 months) builds the shell, including roof, doors, and plumbing. Next, 8 months to finish interiors, plumbing, electrical, and millwork.

How long does it take to build a custom home?

Home Building Steps Calculated Time Cumulative Time
Step 2 & 3: Assembling Your Team and Finalizing the Schematic Design and Sketches 2 Months 2 Months
Step 4: Refining the Details 8-10 Months 10-12 Months
Step 5: The Permitting Process 8-10 Months 18-22 Months
Step 6 & 7: Construction and Interior Finishing 18 Months 36 months - 40 Months
Total Time 3 Years with several months of buffer time

Three Final Recommendations From Each Expert

Interior Design: It’s important to manage your expectations when it comes to interior design. Many buyers come in with a lot of inspiration and Pinterest pictures, which is fantastic if you know exactly what you want. However, there’s a distinction between knowing your preferences and being willing to invest in them.  I’ll provide you with an honest estimate, and then you can decide if it aligns with your desires. Often, buyers opt for the lowest quote, only to discover that timelines and costs unexpectedly escalate.

General Contractor (GC): Selecting the right team is crucial in custom home building. Look for a team with a strong track record, and good teamwork, and check their references for punctuality and budget adherence. High-end home projects require skilled labor, which can be challenging to find in Miami. Successful teams use in-house workers instead of subcontracting. Buildcore, for instance, handles everything internally, with employees on their payroll, giving them a competitive edge.

From the Realtor’s perspective: Understanding the economic context is essential. Ensure that the location you choose can support the type of property you wish to build. In gated communities, you have more flexibility to go all out. These areas have limited supply, and therefore  the potential for property appreciation is high. Quality homes in these markets tend to break records due to the elevated standard and demand for excellence. Cutting corners is not advisable when constructing high-end custom homes; people are willing to pay for quality. Quality supply is limited, and well-done homes consistently attract potential buyers.

Start Looking for Land to Build Your Custom Home!

Neighborhoods Search Land for Sale Search New Construction Homes (Built max. 2 years ago) Comments
Coral Gables Land for Sale New Construction Homes Ask me for off-market opportunities!
Coconut Grove  Land for Sale New Construction Homes
South Miami  Land for Sale New Construction Homes
High Pines/Ponce Davis Land for Sale New Construction Homes
Pinecrest Land for Sale New Construction Homes
Miami Beach Land for Sale New Construction Homes

Advantages of working with us as a team

  • You will get the best land possible, we know the values, we know where the market is heading and we go off-market to find the best deals.
  • We know the city rules in different parts of town when it comes to building a home and can advise you on that.
  • You will not be forced into overspending on a custom home that is not in line with predicted sales prices in the area
  • We work as a tide-knit family so the team gets together early in the process
  • We will provide you with clear timelines and transparent, accurate budgets. No surprises along the way.
  • We know the pitfalls and risks in the process and know how to avoid or manage them
  • Builcore has expedition managers who are familiar with working the city’s bureaucracy and know how to get your permits in the fastest possible way
  • We have our own team of designers and builders, and everyone takes responsibility for his/her job.
Custom Home Building in Miami. The Costs, Timelines, Timing and Upsides of building a custom luxury Home in Miami.

Example of a custom home that was bought as a shell home by the David Siddons Group and finished to perfection by Builcore and Design Solutions

Main Takeaways of this Article / Summary

  • Use a professional to buy land that fits your lifestyle and that can give you insights into property values in the area.
  • Land is extremely scarce these days so look for a realtor that offers an off-market portfolio or is willing to scout off-market opportunities.
  • Bring in a professional before you close on a property. You really want to know the costs and timelines of renovating a home before you sign the papers.
  • Introduce all three parties (Design, GC, and Architect) at the start of the process to avoid delays and additional costs.
  • Choose the parties with the best track record that are willing and capable of seamlessly working together.

Schedule a Meeting with David and Partners about Custom Home Building in Miami

Please contact us about building a brand new home inMiami. We can have a zoom meeting with all parties involved and walk you through the process.

FAQ

These are the most commonly asked Google Real Estate Related questions

1. What are the Current Best New Condos in Miami?

If you want to hear in more details our opinions on the best new Miami new construction condos. Please read this article:Best New Construction Condos 2022-2023

2. What is the best New Construction Condo in Fort Lauderdale?

In our opinion, the Residences at Pier Sixty-six are certainly the most interesting and unique. Already well underway this 32 Acre project will be home to the first of its kind Marina where owners will be able to anchor up vessels up to a staggering 400 ft! For specifics of this project see our independent review of this project.

3. How can I compare the new luxury construction Condos to the best existing Luxury Condos in Miami? 

Our Best Luxury Condos in Miami article will prove to be very useful to those looking to compare the existing to the new. You may also want to watch this video which shows the performance of the best Condos in Miami over the last 15 years!

WHY WORK WITH DAVID? THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW...

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