Guides

Building in South Florida, explained.

Practical, bilingual guides for homeowners planning to build, renovate or buy a home in Miami-Dade and Broward: costs, waterfront sites, hurricane code, permits and choosing the right builder.

Front elevation of 493 Holiday Drive
Planning and budget · 7 min read

What It Really Costs to Build a Custom Home in South Florida

What shapes the cost of building a custom home in Miami and South Florida: lot, flood elevation, hurricane-zone engineering, finishes, permits and more.

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Front elevation and garden at 391 Holiday Drive
Waterfront · 7 min read

Building a Waterfront Home in South Florida: What to Know Before You Start

Building on the water in Miami-Dade or Broward: flood zones, base flood elevation, seawalls and docks, pilings, salt-air materials and coastal permits.

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Front elevation and garden at 391 Holiday Drive
Buying and building · 7 min read

Buying a New-Construction Home vs. Building a Custom Home in South Florida

Should you buy a new-construction house or build custom in Miami or South Florida? Compare control, timeline, cost certainty, lots and what to inspect.

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Front elevation of 493 Holiday Drive
Choosing a builder · 7 min read

How to Choose a Custom Home Builder in South Florida

How to vet a custom home builder in Miami and South Florida: license checks, insurance, references, fixed-price vs cost-plus contracts and change orders.

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Poolside view of the Cabana at 490 Holiday Drive
Planning · 9 min read

Renovate, Add On or Rebuild? How to Decide for a South Florida Home

How to choose between renovating, adding on or rebuilding a South Florida home: structure, the FEMA 50% rule, layout, permits, cost and living through the work.

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Front elevation and garden at 391 Holiday Drive
Permits · 8 min read

Building Permits for a New Home or Renovation in Miami-Dade and Broward

What homeowners should know about building permits in Miami-Dade and Broward: who issues them, plans, zoning, flood and HVHZ rules, inspections and the CO.

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Waterfront residence and dock at 1379 NE 104 Street
Building · 8 min read

Hurricane-Resistant Home Construction in South Florida

How hurricane-resistant homes are built in South Florida: HVHZ rules, impact windows, roofs, reinforced concrete, flood elevation and open, luxurious design.

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