RESOURCES
Construction
Education
Everything you need to plan your custom home build. Free guides, glossary, and expert answers to common questions.
Educational Guides
In-depth resources for planning your build.
Land-to-Build Blueprint
Free DownloadThe complete guide to turning your vacant land into a valuable home. Cost breakdowns, timelines, and common mistakes.
Land-to-Build Program
How to use your land equity as a down payment and build with minimal out-of-pocket.
Construction Services
Custom homes, spec homes, additions, and renovations. What we build and how we do it.
Construction Financing
One-time close construction loans, rates, and how to qualify.
Building in Florida
Important considerations specific to Florida construction.
Hurricane Construction
Florida building code requires specific wind resistance. Impact windows, reinforced connections, and proper fastening are standard.
Flood Zones
Many areas require elevated construction or flood insurance. Always verify flood zone before buying land or starting plans.
Impact Fees
Counties charge impact fees for new construction. Budget $10,000-$30,000+ depending on location and home size.
Permit Timelines
Permit approval times vary by county—from 2 weeks to 3 months. Plan accordingly and start early.
Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' expensive lessons.
Common Construction Mistakes
- Buying land without checking buildability (zoning, setbacks, utilities, flood zone)
- Underestimating site prep costs (clearing, fill, drainage can add $20-50k)
- Choosing a builder based on lowest bid (often means cut corners or change orders)
- Skipping the geotech survey (soil problems are expensive to fix mid-build)
- Not factoring in impact fees, permit costs, and utility connections
- Making changes after permits are issued (causes delays and added cost)
- Not getting construction financing pre-approved before committing
- Assuming all "custom home" quotes include the same things
Construction Glossary
Plain-English definitions of common construction terms.
CBS (Concrete Block Stucco)
Florida's standard construction method using concrete block walls with stucco exterior. Hurricane-resistant and durable.
Certificate of Occupancy (CO)
Official document issued by the county certifying the home meets all codes and is safe to occupy. Required before move-in.
Change Order
A modification to the original construction contract, typically adding cost and time. TRULUX minimizes these through thorough planning.
Construction Loan
Short-term financing for building a home. Funds are released in draws as construction progresses.
Draw
A disbursement from the construction loan to pay for completed work. Typically tied to milestones like foundation, framing, etc.
Elevation Certificate
Document showing the height of the lowest floor relative to flood level. Required for flood insurance and often for permits.
Geotech Report
Soil analysis determining bearing capacity and conditions. Reveals if special foundations or soil work is needed.
Impact Fees
County fees charged for new construction to fund infrastructure (roads, schools, utilities). Can be $10,000-$30,000+.
One-Time Close
Construction loan that converts to permanent mortgage automatically. One closing, one set of fees, locked rate.
Punch List
List of items to be completed or corrected before final walkthrough and closing. Typically minor details.
Rough-In
Installation of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC before walls are closed. Inspected before drywall.
Setback
Required distance from property lines where building is not allowed. Determines your buildable area.
Spec Home
Home built without a specific buyer. Ready for purchase and move-in. Often better value than custom.
Truss
Pre-fabricated roof framing structure. Engineered for Florida wind loads and specific to each home design.
Wind Mitigation
Building features that reduce hurricane damage risk. Can significantly lower insurance costs in Florida.
Common Questions
Answers to questions we hear most often.
Construction costs typically range from $180-$400+ per square foot, depending on finishes and complexity. A 2,000 sqft home might cost $360,000-$600,000+ to build, plus land. Site work and impact fees add $30,000-$80,000 depending on location.
From permit approval to move-in, expect 6-12 months for most homes. Pre-construction (design, financing, permits) adds 1-3 months. Total timeline from first meeting to move-in is typically 9-15 months.
It depends. Building often creates instant equity because you're paying builder cost, not retail. However, land, impact fees, and site work add up. We can analyze specific scenarios—sometimes buying makes more sense, sometimes building.
Similar to a regular mortgage: good credit (typically 680+), stable income, down payment (20-25% of total project cost, land equity counts), and a qualified builder. Construction loans have additional requirements like approved plans and permits.
Florida requires a contractor's license for most work. You can be an owner-builder for your own home, but banks typically won't finance owner-built homes, and you assume all liability and coordination responsibility.
Standard is 1-year workmanship, 2-year systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC), and 10-year structural. Major components like HVAC and appliances have separate manufacturer warranties. Always get warranties in writing.
Check licensing (Florida CGC), insurance, references, and completed projects. Get detailed written quotes—not just price per sqft. Ask what's included and excluded. The lowest bid often isn't the best value.
A loan that combines construction financing and permanent mortgage into one closing. You lock your rate at the start, pay one set of closing costs, and the loan automatically converts when construction completes.
Full-Service Platform
TRULUX is more than construction. We offer real estate services and mortgage financing—all connected for a seamless experience.
Ready to learn more?
Download our free guide or book a consultation to discuss your project.
CONSTRUCTION LOANS
Need Construction Financing?
Our construction loan specialists can help fund your project from ground-up to completion.