Questions to Ask When Choosing a Home Builder in Pinellas County

Looking to build a new home in the St. Pete area? You’re not alone! Some of the most desirable new home communities are found in Pinellas County, Florida, thanks to our nearly year-round sunshine, stunning coastal views, walkable neighborhoods, and a thriving cultural and art scene.

You also have plenty of options when it comes to selecting a new home builder in Pinellas County. So it’s important to ask the right questions to find the right fit for you and your family. Here’s a list of questions to get you started.

1. What kind of experience do you have meeting home elevation requirements in the St. Pete area?

Living near the coast means that every community in Pinellas County has strict elevation requirements for new home constructions. It’s important that you work with a home builder who understands the nuances of flood zones and base flood elevations (BFE) in the area where you want to build your home. This includes how to read FEMA maps, how to find your BFE, and how to move through city, county, and state permitting steps with fewer surprises.

Ask your home builder to explain all these steps to you. As an experienced elevated home builder in Pinellas County, WinWay Homes can ensure that your permitting requirements are being met, thanks to an in-depth familiarity with the area’s geography, regulations, and engineering requirements. Our design professionals can answer any questions you have about elevation requirements.

2. Do you build custom homes, or do I have to use a floor plan?

This is an important question because custom home builders offer more floor plan options and custom choices for your new home construction, as opposed to builders who only offer spec homes. For example, at WinWay Homes, we specialize in building fully custom homes in Pinellas County. We also offer a variety of thoughtfully designed floor plans for inspiration, but you are never locked into a one-size-fits-all model.

When you partner with WinWay Homes, you can start from one of our existing plans and modify it, or work with our team to design your home completely from scratch. Our goal is to bring your new home dream to life.

3. Do you have experience building custom homes in Pinellas County, and can you help me find a lot?

At WinWay Homes, the answer is yes! Because we are a local, full-service custom home builder, we have the knowledge and resources to design and execute a project that is not only specific to your desires but also works with your community.

Need help finding a lot for your new custom home? Our experts at WinWay Homes can help you find the ideal location for your new dream home. We’ve already vetted some of the best neighborhoods in Pinellas County to build a new home, where you’ll find the best value for your new home investment, based on feedback from our most discerning WinWay homeowners. Take a look at our available properties on our website to learn more!

4. Are elevated homes more expensive to build than other new constructions?

Elevated homes can cost more to build than comparable ground-level homes, depending on the elevation height, type of foundation, and site conditions.

However, from a long-term value perspective, building an elevated home offers many long-term cost benefits, including:

• Lower insurance costs: Raising a home above the BFE can reduce insurance costs by 30% to 60%, whereas ground-level homes in flood-prone zones can cost thousands of dollars more annually in insurance premiums.
• Increased longevity: Elevated homes are less likely to suffer flood damage, reducing long-term repair and maintenance costs and increasing the lifespan of the structure. They’re also built to higher standards for standing up to high winds and salty, humid conditions.
• Better resale value: Elevated homes typically see a 15% to 25% increase in resale value in flood zones, compared to similar ground-level homes in Pinellas County.

5. Can I choose my own finishes and features, such as cabinets, flooring, and paint colors?

As a custom home builder that specializes in a full-service construction experience, WinWay Homes will always answer YES to this question. For example, personalization is a key part of our home-building process. Our in-house design experts work with our new home buyers to select finishes that reflect their personal style and preferences. From cabinets and countertops to flooring and fixtures, a custom home should be just that: customized to your tastes.

We can also work with you to select high-quality materials to ensure your new home looks as great as it does on the day you move in. It’s important to note that a high-quality home doesn’t need to be incredibly expensive. The design professionals at WinWay Homes can help you make choices to increase your home’s longevity, resale value, and long-term enjoyment for years to come.

More Questions to Ask a Home Builder per Real Estate Experts

Now that we’ve covered some of the most important questions to ask when choosing a home builder in Pinellas County, here are some standard questions from experts like Realtor.com and our WinWay Homes design experts to help you vet new builders.

How long will it take to build my new home from start to finish?

Be wary of builders who promise fast turnaround times for any new home construction. While there may be typical timelines for specific types of home floor plans or model homes that are already under construction, a truly custom home’s timeline will depend on your specific needs and choices. Factors that may influence your home’s timeline may include:

• Selections: After the initial meeting with the home builder, start compiling your inspiration list for your home’s design: plumbing fixtures, kitchen layouts, outlet placements, etc. No final decisions need to be made at this stage, but when you and your builder are on the same page, it makes designing a lot easier.
• Materials: Specialty items may be on back order. Make sure your builder has a clear understanding of what kind of specialty items or upgrades you are interested in.
• Elevation: An elevated home can add 4-6 months to your timeline compared to a non-elevated home. However, our WinWay Homes approach to elevation complies with local building codes and FEMA requirements. It also provides long-term value by potentially lowering flood insurance costs.

Note that there are often financial benefits if you have some time flexibility for your new home construction. For example, as a Pinellas County custom home builder, WinWay Homes can use that extra time to help you find materials and features at an affordable price. And we can help you select a lot and a location to give you the best home value for your investment.

What kind of warranty do you offer?

It’s important to note that many new home buyers often confuse a home warranty with homeowners’ insurance. Generally, home warranties cover repairs and/or replacements for new home systems, such as electrical, plumbing, or the water heater, as well as appliances like washers/dryers or kitchen appliances.

You should ask for specifics on exactly what the warranty covers, how long it lasts, and for details on any separate warranties for appliances.

After Asking the Right Questions: What’s the Home Builder’s Reputation in Pinellas County?

While you can review customer testimonials by reviewing each builder’s website, there’s no substitute for seeing their work firsthand. WinWay Homes is the only custom home builder that has a model home in Pinellas County, Florida. Visit our beautiful model home to see WinWay’s design-build approach, including our attention to detail for both functionality and curb appeal.

Additionally, WinWay is the only fully custom home builder in the area that offers virtual tours. Our “open house” virtual events showcase completed homes prior to each homeowner’s move-in. This is an excellent opportunity to check out examples of available features and options. From a Chef’s Kitchen equipped with high-end Bosch appliances to a spa-inspired Master Suite with an electronic-control shower and freestanding tub, virtual tours let you view our work online to expedite your vetting process.

Got More Questions for New Home Builders in Pinellas County? WinWay Homes Has Answers.

Whether you’re just beginning to research builders or you already have a lot, our WinWay Homes team is here to walk you through every step of building in Pinellas County — from elevation requirements and lot selection to plans, finishes, budget, and timeline. If you have questions, we’ll give you clear, honest answers so you can move forward with confidence in building your new home in the St. Petersburg area.

Ready to talk through your ideas and next steps? Reach out to WinWay Homes with your questions by visiting our Contact page or by calling 727-342-7876 to speak directly with a WinWay Homes professional.