Questions and answers
Florida Custom Home Building FAQ
Straight answers about cost, timeline, lots, permits, financing and floor plans when you build a custom home on your lot in Florida.
Cost and pricing
What does it cost?
How BuilderK planning ranges work, what they leave out, and when you get a formal proposal.
How much does it cost to build a custom home in Florida?
BuilderK's shared calculator uses Central Florida base planning rates of Standard ($160 to $180/sqft), Midrange ($180 to $220/sqft), and Luxury ($220 to $280+/sqft), last updated July 18, 2026. It returns one combined planning range from the selections entered. Location, lot conditions, plan complexity, selections, and fees can materially change the range. After we review the plan, scope and site, we send a formal proposal. Use the planning calculator for an early range.
What is not included in the planning range?
Land, financing, government permit and impact fees, utilities, unusual site work, and the calculator's other listed exclusions are not included. Government permit and impact fees are billed at cost. Site work beyond standard slab foundation construction (land clearing, fill, stem wall or elevated foundations) is quoted separately. Coastal and flood zone builds typically cost more.
What do the Standard, Midrange and Luxury build levels mean?
Every plan is available in three build tiers. Tier reflects finish level, materials, and design customization. Your final price is confirmed in your custom quote. BuilderK lets you choose your own cabinets, countertops, flooring, fixtures, lighting, and paint at every build level. See the interior selections.
Is the calculator result a quote?
No. BuilderK's calculator provides one combined early planning range based on the home and feature selections you enter. After we review the plan, scope and site, we send a formal proposal.
Do the floor plan pages show prices?
Each published floor plan page shows a Standard planning range. It uses the shared Central Florida Standard tier assumptions, a two car garage, and typical complexity. Exclusions and costs that depend on your lot are listed in the calculator. Browse the floor plans.
Timeline and process
How long does it take?
The 8 steps from your first call to keys in hand, with typical timeframes.
How long does it take to build a custom home in Florida?
A typical custom home takes 6 to 10 months from permit approval to move in. The full timeline including design, financing, and permitting is usually 9 to 14 months from your first consultation. BuilderK provides regular progress updates throughout the entire build.
What are the steps to build with BuilderK?
There are 8 steps from your first call to keys in hand: Share Your Vision, Lot and Budget Review, Choose and Customize Your Plan, Financing Match, Engineering and Permits, Construction, Inspections and Walkthrough, and Keys and Warranty. See each step with its typical timeframe.
What happens after I contact BuilderK?
Tell us about your lot (or the one you're looking at), the home you want, and your budget. We respond within 1 business day and schedule a 15 minute discovery call. No commitment, no pressure.
Will I see my home before it is built?
Yes. We adapt the layout, elevation, and finishes to your lot, your code requirements, and your budget. You see 3D renders of your home before anything is built.
Who manages the construction?
A licensed GC manages every phase, every subcontractor, and every county inspection, with progress updates so you always know where your build stands.
What happens at the end of the build?
Final county inspections, certificate of occupancy, and your personal walkthrough. We go room by room together and resolve the punch list before you take the keys. You receive the keys after completion and closing requirements are satisfied.
Your lot and permits
Your lot and permits
What we look at on a lot, and how permitting works in Florida.
Can BuilderK build on my own lot?
Yes. BuilderK builds custom homes on your lot across Florida. If you own your lot, its appraised equity may reduce or replace the cash down payment required by a lender. The amount depends on the appraisal, total project cost, borrower qualifications, and loan program; it is not guaranteed.
Do I need to own a lot before I contact BuilderK?
No. Tell us about your lot or the one you're looking at. We look at your lot's basics: access, utilities, flood zone, and what it means for your build. Read what to check before buying a lot in Florida.
Do I need a permit to build a home in Florida?
Yes. New home construction requires building permits from your county or local municipality. BuilderK coordinates sealed engineering, submits the permit package, responds to municipal comments, and keeps you posted as your project moves through review.
How long do permits take?
Engineering and permits typically take 4 to 6 weeks. Timelines vary by municipality; we track it and keep you posted. See how permitting works in Florida.
Who pays the permit and impact fees?
Permit and impact fees are charged by the local government, not set by your builder. These fees are billed at cost, meaning you pay what the municipality charges, without markup. They vary by county and by project.
Does a flood zone or a coastal lot change the cost?
The flood zone a lot sits in can affect foundation requirements, insurance, and overall project cost. Coastal and flood zone builds typically cost more. Read what flood zones mean for a Florida lot.
What if my lot needs a well and septic system?
Some lots connect to city or county water and sewer. Others require a private well and septic system. Both can work, but they carry different costs and different steps. Utility connections are not included in BuilderK's published planning rates.
Financing
Construction loans
BuilderK is not a lender or mortgage broker. Loan approval, rates, fees, conversion, and qualification requirements are determined by the independent lender and loan program.
Does BuilderK help with financing?
Yes. We connect you with independent construction lenders and prepare the builder documents they request: plans, specifications, and budget. BuilderK is not a lender or mortgage broker. Your lender remains an independent company with its own application, underwriting, approval, and loan documents. See how financing works.
What is a construction loan?
A construction loan is temporary financing that covers the cost of building a new home. Funds are released in stages (draws) as construction progresses. During building, many programs charge interest on funds already drawn. Permanent financing depends on whether you chose a construction to permanent structure or a separate loan.
What is a single close construction loan?
A single close (construction to permanent) loan combines construction financing and a permanent mortgage in one closing. It may avoid a second set of eligible closing costs, but conversion, rate lock, appraisal, completion, and qualification conditions vary by lender and program. Read how single close construction loans work.
What credit score do I need for a construction loan in Florida?
Construction loan requirements vary by lender and program. Many programs look for a credit score around 680, while others accept lower scores or are based on assets and weigh the project more than the borrower's credit. Ask each lender which criteria apply to the specific program you are comparing.
Can I use my land as a down payment?
If you own your lot, its appraised equity may count toward the lender's equity requirement and may reduce or replace cash required. The result depends on appraised value, total project cost, borrower qualifications, and the selected loan program.
Do I need to own the lot before applying for a construction loan?
Not necessarily. Some construction loan programs can include land acquisition, while others require different timing or equity. Ask the lender how the lot purchase, appraisal, and closing must be structured before signing a land contract.
How long does loan approval take?
Timing varies by lender, borrower documents, appraisal, builder review, plans, budget, title work, and program. BuilderK prepares the project documents promptly, but only the lender can provide an approval and closing timeline.
Floor plans and design
Plans and design
Start from one of our floor plans or bring your own.
What floor plans does BuilderK offer?
BuilderK has five currently published Florida floor plan drawings, from 1,250 to 2,385 sq ft: 1,250 sq ft (3 bedrooms, 2 baths), 1,700 sq ft (3 bedrooms, 2 baths), 1,977 sq ft (4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths), 2,377 sq ft (5 bedrooms, 3 baths), and 2,385 sq ft (3 bedrooms, 3 baths). Browse the floor plans.
Can I bring my own plan or change one of yours?
Yes. Start from one of our floor plans or bring your own. We adapt the layout, elevation, and finishes to your lot, your code requirements, and your budget. We design custom plans from scratch, tailored to your lot, lifestyle, and budget.
What home styles can I choose?
BuilderK's home facade styles are Modern, Coastal, Contemporary, Traditional, and Luxury. Choose a style, customize the floor plan, and let our team coordinate the project from design through the final walkthrough. See the home styles.
Can I choose my own interior finishes?
Yes. BuilderK lets you choose your own cabinets, countertops, flooring, fixtures, lighting, and paint at every build level. We provide a complete selections sheet. Review everything together before construction begins. See the interior selections.
Company and service area
About BuilderK
Who we are, where we build, and how to reach us.
Where does BuilderK build?
BuilderK builds custom homes on your lot across Florida: Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Melbourne, Ocala, and surrounding areas. We build beyond these cities. Tell us where your lot is and we'll let you know if we can take it on. See all service areas.
Is BuilderK a licensed contractor?
Yes. BuilderK is a licensed Florida General Contractor, CGC License #1537163. License status can be independently verified through Florida DBPR. The company's legal name is Builders Knowledge Development Inc.
Does a BuilderK home come with a warranty?
Every BuilderK home includes a one year builder warranty covering workmanship and materials, in addition to the structural protections Florida law provides. Full terms are provided in your construction agreement.
How do I contact BuilderK?
Call (239) 230 4868, email info@builderk.com, or request a free consultation. A BuilderK team member responds within 1 business day. The office is at 4700 Millenia Blvd, Ste 500, Orlando, FL 32839.
Still have a question?
Tell us about your lot and your vision. The first conversation is free and takes 15 minutes.