[twinpartners]

I've been looking at the postings here, doing my homework, before I decide on an affordable builder. Other than Holiday, it seems like there is no one still in business that has a good reputation down here! (I've decided against Adams due to the high negative response here)

I own 20,000 sqft of land in Gulf Cove that I never sold (thank god) and am ready to build. I'm on a budget and have noticed that most of the "modular" builders are even more expensive than "stick built" builders (PalmHarbor, Clayton etc.).

So, for someone on a budget, are there any affordable reputable builders in this area anymore? (BTW, anyone know anything about Keating Homes??)

BTW, I've heard nothing but bad things about the well water in North Port. Is it just as "bad" in Gulf Cove (south of the rivah)? What about artesian wells that go down much deeper as opposed to shallow wells. Isn't the water down there supposed to be much better quality???

Thanks!

[Racelady88]

My husband worked for Allstate Builders many years ago. They seem to have decent prices.

I have a couple of friends who built with them and several years later built with them again.

Allstate Builders of SW Florida, Inc. (broken link)

[twinpartners]

Thanks, any more suggestions anyone??

[Ladywithafan]

Brent Whitehead, Whitehead Construction from Cortez, FL, builds along the gulf coast from AMI to Key West.

He built my home for me and I'd use him again in a heartbeat.

[SoFLGal]

That's funny you mentioned Brent- he also built my parents home on Little Gasparilla Island when he was fresh out of school many years ago. I would definitely recommend Brent as well but I'm not sure he builds this far south anymore.

Allstate Builders has a big sign in front of their model home saying, "$89,900 on your lot". When you go in and inquire about it they say it is an old condo in Port Charlotte for the $89,900. To me that is VERY deceptive and I would never use them.

As far as the well water in North Port goes, I have a well and as long as you have a decent filtration system on your home it's fine. We even drink the water. My advice would be to get a really good water system and you shouldn't have to worry about it. Actually I would rather have a well than city water, you don't get the large bill every month.

[shotdown]

I have to say these people have nice blueprints but like most builders you get only as good as their subcontractors which are substandard in my opinion. A relative of mine bought from them without a real estate att. They were overcharged on the price ($358000 on a house valued at $245000) The foundation has severe cracks (big enough to lose your wallet in) which breaks tiles don the middle. Rotting door frames (The house is three years old) Cheap appliances, "Oak" cabinets with oak looking paper thats pealing up. Much more.
My relatives who bought this were rushed to close & threatened about losing their downpayment if they didnt make it to signing.
This com[any is noyhing but crooks that also have their own financing co.
I would go with Halverson or Josh Johnson or I would build it myself before going to AllState.