New build recs

There are seven new builds within walking distance of my home east end STX.  Most seem to make progress through lot prep, pouring the footers and cistern and then erecting the external block walls. Then things s-l-o-w down because of a shortage in roof sheeting (plywood) and triple pane hurricane resistant casement windows.

For example, I have been awaiting replacement casement windows now for six months. All are back ordered from FL and PR.  This is not just an island thing but we're small and out of the way.

Not to discourage but your plan will take twice as long in time and twice as much in money than you expect. Also, I highly encourage you relocate to the island first to oversee the build and keep things moving.  You really can't do this from a distance unless you have unlimited financial resources and island knowledge.

You're smart to engage an island designer /architect /contractor /engineer. This will help in securing the necessary permits for your project from DPNR.   

I have to agree with Gator’s Mom.  When building our Caribbean “dream” home we were behind schedule and over budget less than a week after breaking ground .  Building in the Caribbean is a challenge. our project ending up costing more than twice as much as the best pre-construction estimates we received from our architect and builder.  It certainly helps to have deep pockets.  

Sine we couldn’t be there full time during the building we hired a local  construction manager to oversee the project.   Costly, yes, but in the end was worth every penny.

Thank you both. Very aware of the issues with building in the islands. While we would love to be present for the building, any relocation for us would be 15-20 years from now. Given oversight and supply issues looking at some prefab companies like Topsider that will ship the supplies and plans and coordinate with local builders. Will definitely plan on having a local coordinator to oversee. 

Posted by: @acschm

Thank you both. Very aware of the issues with building in the islands. While we would love to be present for the building, any relocation for us would be 15-20 years from now. Given oversight and supply issues looking at some prefab companies like Topsider that will ship the supplies and plans and coordinate with local builders. Will definitely plan on having a local coordinator to oversee. 

Don't build anything without concrete walls and floors. 

We replaced wood floors with 6 inches of concrete filled with rebar after Maria. 

You'll be competing with folks with buckets and buckets of money who are on the island making sure their project takes precedence.

If you're plan is 10+ years - you might wait for a time when there aren't multitudes of new homes under construction.

BTW - contact James Benton.

Good luck.  

There are very few contractors that I would personally recommend but here is my short list:

Dave Follman

Michael Robbins

Celestine Contruction

Others here may know a few more.

Good luck!