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We'd love to learn more about your project and get you one step closer to the home you deserve!
We'd love to learn more about your project and get you one step closer to the home you deserve!
Custom Coastal Homes
Envision your dream home—whether it's a personal sanctuary, an investment property, or a captivating vacation getaway—and let our expert team bring it to life. With a deep understanding of the coastal charm of Santa Rosa Beach, FL and the allure of this Emerald Coast paradise, we specialize in crafting exceptional homes that blend modern luxury with natural beauty.
Experience the joy of owning a custom home that captivates the senses and creates cherished memories. We can't wait to be a part of your homebuilding journey as we craft your custom home that reflects your aspirations and stirs your soul.
Custom Coastal Homes
Envision your dream home—whether it's a personal sanctuary, an investment property, or a captivating vacation getaway—and let our expert team bring it to life. With a deep understanding of the coastal charm of Santa Rosa Beach, FL and the allure of this Emerald Coast paradise, we specialize in crafting exceptional homes that blend modern luxury with natural beauty.
Experience the joy of owning a custom home that captivates the senses and creates cherished memories. We can't wait to be a part of your homebuilding journey as we craft your custom home that reflects your aspirations and stirs your soul.
how much does it cost?
Custom Home Building Prices
Of course, it's virtually impossible to list the exact cost of a custom home in Santa Rosa Beach, because it depends on dozens of unknown factors. Such as: designs and finishes, local labor/material costs, location-specific hurdles, government requirements, environmental considerations and more.
The below pricing will give you an idea of a starting budget, based on the 3 of the types of homes typically built along 30A and in Santa Rosa Beach.
traditional
custom home*
Cottage-style
custom home*
luxury
beach home*
*Price is per square foot, heated and cooled. The prices provided are average estimates based on the dozens of homes we've built in the area over the years and are subject to change based on a number of factors. To get a more accurate quote for your custom home, simply fill out the form below.
how much does it cost?
Custom Home Building Prices
Of course, it's virtually impossible to list the exact cost of a custom home in Santa Rosa Beach, because it depends on dozens of unknown factors, such as:
- Designs and finishes
- Local labor
- Material costs
- Location-specific hurdles
- Government requirements
- Environmental considerations
...and more
The below pricing will give you an idea of a starting budget, based on the 3 of the types of homes typically built along 30A and in Santa Rosa Beach.
traditional
custom home*
Cottage-style
custom home*
luxury
beach home*
*Price is per square foot, heated and cooled. The prices provided are average estimates based on the dozens of homes we've built in the area over the years and are subject to change based on a number of factors. To get a more accurate quote for your custom home, simply fill out the form below.
photo gallery
Custom Homes Portfolio
Swipe to see some of our favorite custom home building projects.
Seclusion Bay, Custom Build
Seagrove, Spec Home
Panama City Beach, Custom Build
Seagrove, Custom Build
Bay Home, Custom Build
Seagrove, Custom Build
GET IN TOUCH
Let's See if We're a Good Fit!
Fill out the short form so we can learn a bit more about your project before we reach out to you to discuss more.
what to expect
Our Process
Here's an overview of our process and what you can expect from beginning to end.
discovery
Let’s “talk”’ about what’s important to you about your builder, your goals on the project and your budget range
This will help us both get to know each other to see if we’re a good fit
Then let’s meet in person—at our office—for a “date” to continue to explore your project ideas and our way of working and determine if we’re moving forward together
Pre-Construction Services Agreement
At this stage we would agree to “get engaged” and move forward with preliminary budgeting and architectural design work (with our referred Designer or your's)
We'll be your professional guide and advocate through the WHOLE process, making sure all the pieces come together, minimizing surprises
Comprehensive planning and design will get us a much more focused budget and view of your project
Contract & Project Development
Once we have a good idea of our design and cost, we should be ready to move forward to the contract and final project development, IF we’re both ready to “get married"
Then on to finalizing the design and specs so we can start the permitting process
All of our projects are built with our management team of 4-5 people, plus our own in-house team for special attention to the many important details
Our contracts are Cost-Plus with our Builder fee ranging from 18-24% margin
Build Your Dream Home
Final planning, sub and vendor selection and permitting
Start of lot prep and construction
Construction time: 6 months – 2 years
All depending on the size and complexity of your project
GET IN TOUCH
Let's See if We're a Good Fit!
Fill out the short form so we can learn a bit more about your project before we reach out to you to discuss more.
what to expect
Our Process
Here's an overview of our process and what you can expect from beginning to end.
discovery
Let’s “talk”’ about what’s important to you about your builder, your goals on the project and your budget range
This will help us both get to know each other to see if we’re a good fit
Then let’s meet in person—at our office—for a “date” to continue to explore your project ideas and our way of working and determine if we’re moving forward together
Pre-Construction Services Agreement
At this stage we would agree to “get engaged” and move forward with preliminary budgeting and architectural design work (with our referred Designer or your's)
We'll be your professional guide and advocate through the WHOLE process, making sure all the pieces come together, minimizing surprises
Comprehensive planning and design will get us a much more focused budget and view of your project
Contract & Project Development
Once we have a good idea of our design and cost, we should be ready to move forward to the contract and final project development, IF we’re both ready to “get married”
Then on to finalizing the design and specs so we can start the permitting process
All of our projects are built with our management team of 4-5 people, plus our own in-house team for special attention to the many important details
Our contracts are Cost-Plus with our Builder fee ranging from 18-24% margin
Build Your Dream Home
Final planning, sub and vendor selection and permitting
Start of lot prep and construction
Construction time: 6 months – 2 years (All depending on the size and complexity of your project)
what to expect
What Our Clients Are Saying
Marcia and Bob Pell
"Tate just lead the way. He was always calm and spent a lot of time explaining to us our options. His workers that came were always respectful."
Ryan and Cayla Anderson
"Tate followed through on everything he said he was gonna do. If he told us he was gonna do 'this at this time,' that’s when he did it. If there was a change in the process or something was running a little bit behind, he’d text us...The communication—which was amazing to us and so important—he had the whole time."
Ed and Beth Deluzain
"We did not have a day’s concern about our contractor. And that has been the greatest blessing. We were confident the first day we met Tate, that we had somebody that was absolutely competent and absolutely honest."
Remodeling/Structural Repairs
We have the experience and expertise to handle all types of remodeling projects, from painting jobs to full kitchen and bath renovations, window and door replacements, siding replacements, and even whole house additions. Along the coast, we understand the potential problems of moisture intrusion and have also dealt with a wide range of structural issues, including leaking balconies, porches, roofs, stucco, windows, and doors.
testimonials
What Our Clients Are Saying
Marcia and Bob Pell
"Tate just lead the way. He was always calm and spent a lot of time explaining to us our options. His workers that came were always respectful."
Ryan and Cayla Anderson
"Tate followed through on everything he said he was gonna do. If he told us he was gonna do 'this at this time,' that’s when he did it. If there was a change in the process or something was running a little bit behind, he’d text us...The communication—which was amazing to us and so important—he had the whole time."
Ed and Beth Deluzain
"We did not have a day’s concern about our contractor. And that has been the greatest blessing. We were confident the first day we met Tate, that we had somebody that was absolutely competent and absolutely honest."
Remodeling/Structural Repairs
We have the experience and expertise to handle all types of remodeling projects, from painting jobs to full kitchen and bath renovations, window and door replacements, siding replacements, and even whole house additions. Along the coast, we understand the potential problems of moisture intrusion and have also dealt with a wide range of structural issues, including leaking balconies, porches, roofs, stucco, windows, and doors.
faqs
Frequently Asked Questions
In what area will you build?
We keep all our work very close to home, working these local areas: all of South Walton, Santa Rosa Beach, 30A area, Dune Allen, Blue Mountain Beach, Gulf Place, Grayton Beach, Watercolor, Seaside, Seagrove Beach, Rosemary Beach, Seacrest, Inlet Beach.
Which comes first: builder, architect or lot?
While the answer may seem obvious, it’s important to know the right answer in order to avoid problems from the beginning. Surely it’s the designer, right? Ok well then it must be the lot? Wrong for both! Don’t get the cart before the horse. Yes, before you build you do need a lot and a plan—but you really need to get a BUILDER before both. Settle on a BUILDER FIRST—one that you are comfortable with, one you can trust to really hear you, one that will tell you all the truth. A good builder can help you steer clear of all types of plan or lot issues that could cause major headaches or even prevent you building what you truly want.
Here’s a short list of items they can help with:
- Maintaining a desired budget - the wrong plan can bust your budget wide open
- Provide a preliminary estimate - knowing the local building costs can get you headed in the right direction
- Determine restrictions or limitations of a potential lot - additional costs or requirements on lots can mean big money
- Navigate county planning and building codes - this can greatly affect what you can build and the time frame
What are some of the qualities I should look for when selecting a builder?
Determine what you value and decide what is most important to YOU:
Quality — Speed — Service — Price
Of course you want all four components to be excellent, but most often you will need to find a builder who can provide a high degree of two or three of these four items and reasonable on the others. That’s just reality.
- Quality — A good builder prides himself on providing a high quality product, especially in the custom home market. He encourages you to look closely at work done for others and affirm you would be happy with the same type workmanship. Top quality often requires top quality material and labor which can often cost a bit more but also speed up your job.
- Speed — Building quickly depends mostly on the builders mindset and experience but also on his planning and organizational skills. Good relationships with quality vendors and subs that he has used for years can help speed projects up along with having multiple options when needed. A builders resourcefulness goes a long way especially in a busy building market. Ask how long he has taken on recent jobs.
- Service — Exceptional client care takes good communication before, during and after your project is completed. How do they communicate and how often? How do they manage the job? How often are they there? Do they use email, text, website, phone calls, on-site visits, photos, videos, job cost updates, etc.—all these can keep you informed and comfortable throughout the whole process.
- Price — The best builders are never the cheapest—but probably not the most expensive either. Great builders deliver good value and strive for excellence in all areas. An honest builder will charge at or below local market prices for the level of service and quality product they provide. Very seldom is the cheapest price the best choice.
Should I use a Fixed-Price or Cost-Plus Contract?
Fixed-Price
This is a contract in which the plans, specs, all materials and finishes are fully determined (fixed) before you start construction on your home.
- Pro - the price you pay for your home is pre-determined or fixed whether or not the price of material or labor goes up or down
- Pro - the builder assumes full responsibility for all risk associated with building your home including price fluctuations
- Con - the price is higher for the builder taking all that risk
- Con - changes to the plans and specs can be costly to the owner
- Con - timeframe is usually longer—owner must chose all material and finishes prior to start
Who should choose fixed-price? Owners willing to pay a premium for locking in the total cost of the project and are not likely to make changes—mostly used for pre-sale, pre-set plans with limited finish choices.
Cost-Plus
This is a contract that takes all the costs of the home and adds either a percentage or a flat fee for the builders overhead and management fee.
- Pro - good for larger custom homes with high finish levels and likely changes
- Pro - owners know their actual invoiced costs on an ongoing regular basis—everything is 100% transparent - no need to worry about builder markups or expensive change orders
- Pro - your builder will charge a smaller fee since he assumes less risk
- Pro - your costs are largely determined by your choices of detail, material and finishes
- Pro - owner and builder are on the same team
- Pro - the project can start sooner, before every detail has been decided - owner make decisions throughout the construction process
- Pro - both look for solutions in the best interest of the owner
- Con- you won’t know your total final cost until your project is finished and a full accounting is done
- Con - you assume the risk of price fluctuations for material and labor
Who should choose cost-plus? Owners who are comfortable knowing their costs are determined mostly by their choices and have a trustworthy builder—almost always used for larger custom homes.
The builder’s costs are the same with both types of contracts, however, the price the owner pays will differ because of the risk associated with each type of contract.
Will we go over budget?
If you’re like most people, yes, you will probably go over budget. I’ve found that it generally doesn’t matter how high the initial budget, most projects will go over budget—most clients make changes and additions—most projects just become more than initially expected.
Here are just a few reasons:
- Changes in labor costs - due to availability and current labor demand
- Changes in material costs - some building material costs fluctuate like commodity prices—other suppliers increase prices annually or unexpectedly
- Building site conditions - site prep surprises, weather conditions, house elevation changes
- Plan changes - clients often make adjustments after they walk thru the house & come up with “new” ideas
- Spec changes - clients always change the finishes—more tile, cabinets, trim, pool, etc.
- Allowance overages - upgrades are so hard to pass up—flooring, appliances, lights, etc.
Building cost is almost always an important part of a successful project. We like to work closely and early on in the process with our clients to establish a realistic workable budget and clearly define the costs for every single line item before construction starts. This will “minimize” your budget changes. Inevitably, some changes are unavoidable, others make good sense and a few indulgences are hard to pass up, but they all lead to higher costs than the initial budget. My suggestion is to plan for that contingency by making sure you have 5-10% more funds available and staying on top of the costs every week.
Why do I need to make sure a contractor has workers compensation and liability insurance?
- If you don’t, you could be exposed to major risk that your homeowners policy probably will not cover. In FL, every licensed contractor is required to maintain a minimal GL policy in order to pull a building permit, BUT no workers comp or exemption is required for a permit in Walton County, HOWEVER, the State of FL Div of Workers Comp DOES require every worker on a construction site have either (1) an active workers comp policy that covers all workers for that business OR (2) an exemption for workers comp issued by the Div (but this can only cover the owner(s) of that company—max of three).
- You should make very sure your licensed general contractor has adequate General Liability insurance. They can easily have their insurance company email you a GL Insurance Certificate with you the owner as the Certificate Holder—it looks like this GL Insurance Certificate. This way if any damage occurs to your home or a neighbors property during construction, you’re covered.
- Also, in FL all workers on construction job sites are required to be covered under a Workers Comp Policy OR be Exempt as a business owner—here is what an exemption looks like. The FL Div of Workers Comp link is here.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes, we have a 1-year warranty on workmanship and a 10-year structural warranty. We make every effort to conform our workmanship to generally accepted construction practices like those set forth in the NAHB Residential Construction Performance Guidelines.
Will you provide me with a schedule?
On most projects, YES we can provide an estimated schedule early in the process. Since we communicate on a constant basis, you can always stay up-to-date on the progress and expected completion.
Established by Tate Watson and located in gorgeous Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, 850 Building Group has been custom building and remodeling fine homes for over 30 years.
Lic # CBC-1254315
850 Building Group, LLC © 2024
Contact Info
850 Building Group, LLC
551 Serenoa Rd
Unit A
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Phone: (850) 270-8904
Email: Tate@850BuildingGroup.com
