How to Build on Your Lot in Jacksonville, Florida

What you need to do to build on your land in Jacksonville.

Jacksonville is the largest city in the United States when it comes to land mass and is the largest city in the state of Florida. Home of the Jacksonville Jaguars, beaches and nearby locations such as historic St. Augustine, Jacksonville is a popular city for both residents and visitors. Jacksonville also is a big military town with naval bases and Army National Guard bases throughout the area. If you own a lot in Jacksonville, you can custom build a home in the area.

Instructions

1. Create building plans with an architect or builder. Have plans drawn up that include the square footage, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms and amenities you want in your home. Numerous custom home builders in Jacksonville will work with you to create the floor plan of your choice and even work on building the home for you.

2. Apply for a construction loan. Contact your bank and at least two other lenders to gather information about construction loans. Find out information such as the interest rate you pay during the construction, the term or how long the lender gives you to build, up-front costs such as application fees or inspection fees and whether or not the loan rolls into permanent financing or you need to apply for a new loan when construction is done. When you choose a lender, you need to submit an application, copies of the last two years tax returns, last two months bank statements, the building plans and the builder you intend to use.

3. Apply for building permits. The City of Jacksonville Department of Planning and Development issues building permits. You need to apply for a permit for each aspect of building your home including when the foundation of the home is built, when the electrical is installed, when the plumbing is added and when the roof is put on the home. The fee for each permit is a percentage of the value of the work that is done under the permit. The fee also includes the inspections the city inspector does after the work is complete for each permit.

4. Hire a builder or general contractor. Either a builder or general contractor oversees the building of your home in Jacksonville. Each one also is responsible for hiring the electrician, plumber, roofer, builders and other professionals required to complete the construction on the home. Check with the Better Business Bureau and the Florida State Attorney General's Office for complaints lodged against the builders or general contractors prior to hiring them to build your home.

5. Apply for permanent financing. After the construction on the home is complete, you should apply for permanent financing, which pays off your construction loan and provides you with a traditional mortgage.

References

• Jacksonville City: Data
• COJ: Permit Fees
• COJ Department of Planning and Development: Guidelines

Resources

• King South Homes: Build on Your Lot in Jacksonville
• Collins Builders: Our Home on Your Lot