Building a Home in the Miami Dade Area

Building a home in Florida can be anything from a good to a stressful experience. Due to the fact that we have so many investors as well as residents coming in, the construction business is booming throughout Florida. If you get the right information however, building a home can be very profitable and in fact be the best way to go. Considering nothing really good comes easy is true in Florida. So above all, make sure you check with all the governing agencies as to building and zoning requirements.Basically lots in Florida as far as price goes will run as follows.
Most expensive

• Open-water—Atlantic or Gulf
• Open-water Inter-Coastal  or other Rivers-Lakes
• Canal Homes with Open water views (Bay or Atlantic-Gulf)
• Canal homes-Boat able and quick access to open-water
• Dry Lots—price widely varies based on the community and area.

As of September 2005
Vacant lots-Location-Number available and starting price.

• Miami, 575 starting at $2000.00
• Miami beach, 38, 488, starting at $285,000
• Key Biscayne, 1 at !,699,000
• Coral Gables 25, starting at $245,000
• Coconut Grove, 10, starting at $180,000
• Homestead, 86, starting at $64,000
• Kendall, 7, starting at $48,500

Permit prices and restrictions will vary in each community. Generally the more environmentally sensitive the area is, the more restrictions there are in getting a permit. (Since the water is one of the main reason people want to be here, the state and the communities want to keep it that way.

Important:

• Regarding pricing. The closer to the water and the deeper the boating,(boat draft-a 50 foot requires deeper water and wider canals than a flats boat) the higher the prices.
•  
• Another thing to do is find out what flood zone the property is in per FEMA maps and then talk to a local insurer on how that will affect your rates. Do this ahead of time.
•  
• #In all cases if you find a lot that you like, my suggestion is that you ask for a letter of build ability from the local zoning commission as a clause in your sales contract. Always-always, talk with the county yourself to get the update on the laws.
•  
• So, yes, you can build here and it’s done all the time, but make sure you ask all the necessary questions and if you can, get it in writing.
•  
• See the Biz directory for builders if that’s the way you want to go. If you want a new home contact a residential agent.

REGARDING BUILDINGAsk the REALTOR that you pick to help find you a good builder that can respond. Another consideration is to buy a lot and build later (be careful here as building codes and laws can change due to density controls) I would first see how long it takes to get a building permit and then if you get one how long you can wait. In the Keys when you get a permit there is a limit of a couple years during which time you have to at least start the process (bring electric to the site-do a septic check etc)Since all this varies widely make sure you get all the answers, Probably best to go the the permit department and have a discussionDade County Permit requirements

• Miami-Dade County uses a uniform building code called the Florida Building Code. This code can be purchased from the Miami-Dade Building Code Compliance Office located at 140 West Flagler Street, 16th floor.
• Section 104.1.1 of the Florida Building Code states: "Any owner, authorized agent, or contractor who desires to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy or occupant content of a building or structure, or any outside area being used as part of the building's designated occupancy (single or mixed) or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the technical codes, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit for the work.
•  
• Permits are required for replacement of windows and sliding glass doors, as well as screen enclosures, storage sheds and carports of canvas or metal.

Other Important links below.
http://www.miamidade.gov/bldg/permit_info.asp#building_permit_requiredFlorida Building Codes

Zoning ordinances For Zoning Information, Contact the Broward County Community Code Compliance Division at 954-468-3434The purpose of the Building Code is to protect the safety, health, and general welfare of the citizens through structural strength, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, and safety to life from hazards attributed to the built environment. This is accomplished through the implementation of building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes along with various state and local codes and standards

Information on Complaints Against Contractors:Don't get nailed! Many citizens in Florida have fallen victim to dishonest, unlicensed or improperly licensed contractors. Florida Statute 489 requires all construction contractors to hold a valid contractor's license prior to engaging in contracting. Always require that a contractor show you a valid contracting license before you sign a contract. Some indications that a contractor may be unlicensed are: the contractor requests a large deposit or all of the money up front before any work has commenced, the contractor asks you to pull a "homeowner permit", the contractor pressures you to sign a contract "today or I can't give you this special price." To verify licensure of a contractor, you may call the State of Florida Dep't of Professional Regulation at 941 338-2373 or search their contractor licensing database. The City requires proof of licensure from contractors who pull permits for properties located in the City, so be sure to require that the contractor pull the permit in his name, not your name
So always play it safe and do it right. This will certainly help you in the Insurance area also---The extra structural costs for doing it better really pay off if a Storm hits and or you decide to sell
#The information above is based on my experience in the Florida keys, which is highly regulated due to environmental concerns. With regard to making any decisions, be sure to check with local and state permit and zoning authorities and a REALTOR and/or a Real Estate attorney
To find contractors, builders and other business vendors see the business directory for the area (Under real Estate section) or contact a local REALTOR for help.

*Regarding, building and building permits, be sure to check with the County and city building departments as the laws change.