So, you’ve decided to move to Florida. Well, you’re certainly not alone. On average, more than 1,000 people move to Florida daily, giving the state the country’s highest net migration rate so far this decade. We’re not surprised if you’re thinking about moving to the Naples area. With the #1 spot in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024-2025 rankings, Naples is the 12th fastest growing city in the nation.
Planning your Florida move will undoubtedly entail significant decision-making. If your relocation includes the planned construction of a custom luxury home in Naples, you’re probably wondering when you should begin the home-building process. With decades of custom home building experience in the Naples area, the experts at Carlson Harris General Contractors suggest you should probably initiate the process as soon as possible.
The state’s unique climate, weather patterns, and demand for construction services can significantly impact construction timeframes. At the very least, you’ll want to begin searching for a suitable building lot and should probably start seeking a skilled custom home builder who can take on the job. We examined construction timeframes in a previous blog, so let’s take a closer look at some factors that can influence them.
THE WEATHER’S INFLUENCE ON NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION
While Florida’s fabulous climate may play a role in your decision to move to the state, it will also influence the actual construction of your new custom luxury home in Naples. Thus, the ideal time to break ground and begin actual construction of your new home is in the late fall or early winter.
Florida’s hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, which combines with our June-September rainy season. While the threat of an approaching hurricane can cause construction delays, of more concern are the potential damages a hurricane strike—like from the recent Hurricane Milton—might have on the construction project. Rain can also put a damper on construction timeframes, and the state’s rainy season inevitably causes intermittent delays in just about every home construction project.
Intense summer heat can also cause construction delays. Not only can it slow down outdoor work by affecting construction laborers, but it can affect the application of materials like concrete and asphalt.
Despite the weather’s potential impacts on home construction between June and November, the spring and early summer are considered peak construction times in Florida. As such, construction projects can experience labor-related delays and may face higher labor and materials costs. Thus, by scheduling actual construction to begin in the cooler and drier months of late fall or early winter, you can minimize construction delays and take advantage of competitive pricing that may be available during the off-season building peak.
PRE-CONSTRUCTION PLANNING TAKES TIME
Another reason to get a jumpstart on your new custom home build project in Naples is to account for its pre-construction phase, which can take at least six to 12 months. Along with the property purchase, you must have it cleared and surveyed before construction begins. You’ll also need significant time to work with your architect, designers, and general contractor to develop and finalize building plans and budget. And, once the plans are complete, you can expect that it may take three to six months to secure necessary government permitting, though this could take longer if you’re building on the waterfront or otherwise have wetland issues.
By starting the process early, you can better understand how long the project might take. Such knowledge might be crucial if you are hoping to move into your new custom Naples home by a specific time, such as before the start of the school year or a major holiday.
MAKE THE MOVE TO NAPLES WITH CARLSON HARRIS
If you’re planning to move to the Naples, Florida, area, and want to get a jumpstart on building an exquisite custom luxury home here, contact the homebuilding experts at Carlson Harris General Contractors. With decades of custom homebuilding experience in the area, we have established a stellar record of building beautiful, high-quality luxury homes on time, within budget, and to the complete satisfaction of our clients. To learn more about our homebuilding expertise in Southwest Florida, contact Carlson Harris General Contractors today at 239-352-2460.
