Category: Uncategorized

In Florida, kitchen remodels that touch plumbing, electrical, structure, or layout changes legally require permits, no exceptions. It’s not about red tape, it’s about risk, safety, and future-proofing your home. Florida Kitchen Permit Rules: What Needs One and What Doesn’t In Florida, most kitchen remodels beyond surface-level changes, like moving sinks, updating wiring, or altering layout, require permits.  Flood-prone areas …

ICF homes typically last 75 to 100+ years thanks to their steel-reinforced concrete cores, energy-efficient insulation, and resistance to Florida’s toughest threats, hurricanes, moisture, pests, and fire. They outperform wood and block in both lifespan and structural reliability. Why ICF Homes Last Longer Than Wood or Block Construction Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) are among the most durable residential systems today, …

The Coastal Building Zone (CBZ) in Florida is a regulated area extending 1,500 feet inland from the Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL), or further on barrier islands, designed to protect shorelines, habitats, and ensure hurricane-resistant construction. Key Things to Know About the Coastal Building Zone If you’re building or remodeling near Florida’s coast, here’s what you must understand about the …

Cost to build a new home in Fort Lauderdale in 2025 ranges from $600K to $1.2M+, with per-square-foot prices averaging $200–$350. Waterfront lots, hurricane-rated materials, and labor shortages drive costs higher than inland Florida builds. Cost to Build a New Home in Fort Lauderdale: Key Facts You Need Now Building in Fort Lauderdale comes with unique coastal factors that shape …

The least flood-prone areas in Florida include inland cities like Lake City, Gainesville, and Clermont, where high elevation, better drainage, and lower storm surge exposure make them safer choices for building or buying a home. Where to Live in Florida to Avoid Flood Risk Flooding is a major concern in Florida, but some inland cities stay consistently dry thanks to …

Babcock Ranch avoids flooding through a system of elevated design, smart stormwater lakes, preserved wetlands, and layered drainage that works with natural terrain, not against it. How Babcock Ranch Avoids Flooding: Key Takeaways Up Front Babcock Ranch was purpose-built to handle Florida’s toughest storms.  Located 20 miles inland on high ground, it uses smart design and natural systems to manage …

Modular homes in Florida typically take 4 to 6, even 8 months from start to finish, including design, factory construction, site prep, and final inspections. How Long Does It Take to Build a Modular Home? Here’s the Full Breakdown Modular homes are faster than traditional builds, but not overnight miracles.  The total timeline includes five main stages, from floor plan …

Mobile home calculators often leave out land, delivery, permits, insurance, and setup costs, meaning buyers can end up paying 1.5 to 2 times more than the listed price. The Real Cost of a Mobile Home: What Calculators Miss Buying a mobile home may look affordable, but most calculators leave out key costs like land, delivery, setup, permits, utilities, rising lot …

Mobile homes are transportable, HUD-regulated structures, while modular homes are built to local codes, permanently installed, and better suited for long-term value, financing, and storm resilience in Florida. Mobile vs Modular: What You Need to Know Up Front Both mobile and modular homes are built off-site, but that’s where the similarities end. In Florida, where zoning, weather, insurance, and resale …

If repairs or improvements to a home in a FEMA flood zone exceed 50% of the structure’s value, the entire building must meet current flood and building codes, often requiring elevation or full-code upgrades. Florida’s 50% Rule: What Homeowners Must Know Up Front The 50% Rule is one of the most misunderstood parts of Florida’s building regulations, and it can …