Recent Information: Cost to Renovate 1950s CBS vs Cost to Build New (Sarasota: insurance, new house)

[buda615]

Have been looking at an early 1950s CBS home in Whitfield area on Bowlees creek. Thought we had something that could have been used as-is as a snowbird home, or renovate existing footprint for use as full time residence.
Home inspection has presented some serious issues that may alter our plans.
Does anyone have recent experience renovating an older CBS home in North Sarasota / South Bradenton and if so; what did your builder charge per sq ft? Any recommended builders or GC that specializes in remodels or total renovations of older CBS homes?

If we don't think we can renovate for a reasonable price the only other option would be to scrape and build new. Would be looking to build a 2400-2500 sq ft ranch home with medium grade finish and amenities. Are there any reliable builders that build on your lot for $125 or less per sq ft (under air)?

My only reference point is a builder that quoted me $160 per sq ft (conditioned space) for high end finish on a two story CBS stilt home (different lot).

Any recent information would be appreciated.
Thanks,

Buda

[Cardiff by the Sea]

People could be more helpful to you if you said what the "serious issues" are.

And what is the emphasis on "recent information"? Are you asking for recent costs? Is that the point? What do you consider to be recent?

[buda615]

Recent to me would be work performed during the past 6-12 months where I stand a fair chance of obtaining similar pricing.

Extensive work is in the eye of the beholder. I am interested in price to gut and rebuild on existing footprint (2100 sq ft). Interested in new home cost per sq ft as previously stated.
Am typing on netbook keyboard so am being frugal with words.

[Sunshine Rules]

Is the current property in a flood zone? If so, you may not be able to build on the original 1950's footprint, you may have to change the elevation of the slab in order to build now or build a 2 story home with the living space on the upper level.

[buda615]

Yes it is in flood zone but is above BFE. Just received a quote for flood insurance for $800 a year with 3k deductible on existing structure.

[Cardiff by the Sea]

How long do you have to decide what to do with the information in the inspection report?

Why not get an actual estimate from a couple of builder remodelers?

There are a couple of builders who post regularly on this forum and they are NOT in the group of builders known for requiring your first born child as part of the payment.

In the last month or so, someone enlightened us as to the business names of the two builders, but I can only remember one and I can't find the post, but I think their user names are Mr&Mrs Sunshine and Coastal Chic. Someone step in and correct me.

[mr&mrssunshine]

be warned two storey homes push the price up considerably...your $125 may not be achieveable

[buda615]

Unfortunately we will need to commit to buying or walking away within the next several days. Would not be looking at multistory construction; either fully renovate existing one level CBS home or scrape and build new house.

I have heard that Johnson Construction (not Todd Johnston) may be able to build a new home for the price point I am looking at but from what I can tell he seems to focus on building in ongoing developments such as Twin Rivers.

[mr&mrssunshine]

single storey, then the answer is yes, it is perfectly possible to build a good spec home for $125 psf under AIR

[Sue in Ohio]

Originally Posted by buda615

Unfortunately we will need to commit to buying or walking away within the next several days. Would not be looking at multistory construction; either fully renovate existing one level CBS home or scrape and build new house.

I have heard that Johnson Construction (not Todd Johnston) may be able to build a new home for the price point I am looking at but from what I can tell he seems to focus on building in ongoing developments such as Twin Rivers.

I would call Dennis Johnson ASAP. He is a straight-up, likeable person who will give you honest answers to your questions (no "bait and switch" tactics by him). They will build on an individual lot; it doesn't have to be in one of their preferred subdivisions. My husband and I are big fans of Dennis and his son, Brian, as we worked with them for over two years while planning our move to Florida and, besides being patient with us (!), they built us a high quality home at a reasonable price (compared to other builders we talked to). A couple of the sub-contractors told my husband that Dennis uses construction methods that none of the other builders they work for use and that his houses are "built like a tank." You can PM me if you have any questions about him. Note: I am not a paid commercial spokesperson...lol...just a satisfied customer!

www.johnsonhomesinc.net