Frequently Asked Questions

The cost to build a custom home in Palm Beach County typically ranges from $280 to $400+ per square foot, depending on design complexity, materials, finishes, and site conditions. For a 2,500 square foot home, you can expect an investment of $700,000 to $1,000,000+. This includes construction costs but excludes land acquisition and permit fees. Coastal properties often require additional investment for hurricane-resistant features like impact windows and reinforced foundations, which add to the overall cost but provide essential protection and long-term value.

Building a custom home in South Florida typically takes 10 to 18 months from initial consultation to final walk-through. The timeline includes design development (2-3 months), permitting (1-3 months), and construction (8-12 months). Factors that influence the timeline include design complexity, material availability, weather conditions, permitting requirements, and the scope of site preparation needed. At Sandhill Builders, we provide a detailed project schedule upfront and maintain transparent communication throughout every phase to keep your project on track.

No, you don’t need to hire an architect first. In fact, involving your builder early in the design process often leads to better outcomes and cost savings. At Sandhill Builders, we work collaboratively with architects and designers from the beginning, providing valuable insights about constructability, local building codes, and budget considerations during the design phase. This integrated approach helps ensure your architectural plans are not only beautiful but also practical and within budget, avoiding costly redesigns later.

A custom home builder creates one-of-a-kind homes tailored specifically to your lifestyle, preferences, and property, while production builders construct multiple homes from pre-designed floor plans with limited customization options. Custom builders like Sandhill Builders focus on quality over quantity, taking on fewer projects to provide personalized attention and craftsmanship. Every detail—from layout and materials to finishes and fixtures—is chosen specifically for you. Production builders offer faster timelines and lower costs but with significantly less flexibility in design and material choices.

Yes, changes can be made during construction, though it’s best to finalize major design decisions before breaking ground to maintain your timeline and budget. We understand that inspiration can strike at any time, and we accommodate reasonable modifications throughout the process. However, changes made after construction begins may affect your schedule and budget, so we discuss all implications upfront. Our goal is to ensure you’re completely satisfied with every decision, which is why we invest significant time in the design phase to get everything right from the start.

Sandhill Builders brings 45+ years of construction expertise to every project, with founder Jeff Burns serving as one of the youngest licensed general contractors in Delaware history. We differentiate ourselves through personalized attention, taking on a limited number of projects to ensure we’re fully present for yours. Our deep knowledge of Palm Beach County’s permitting process, coastal building requirements, and architectural styles means fewer surprises and smoother execution. Most importantly, we build relationships, not just homes—staying transparent, accountable, and deeply invested in your satisfaction from first conversation to final walk-through.

Absolutely. We build on land you already own and can also help you evaluate potential lots before purchase. If you’ve already purchased property, we’ll conduct a thorough site assessment to identify any challenges such as zoning restrictions, setback requirements, soil conditions, or utility access. If you’re still searching for the perfect lot, we can review properties with you to ensure they’re suitable for your vision and budget, helping you avoid costly surprises down the road.

Sandhill Builders primarily serves Palm Beach County, including Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Highland Beach, Ocean Ridge, Gulf Stream, Manalapan, and surrounding coastal communities. Our extensive experience in this region means we understand the unique building codes, architectural styles, and environmental considerations specific to South Florida coastal construction.

A comprehensive home renovation in Palm Beach County typically ranges from $150 to $350 per square foot, depending on the scope of work, quality of finishes, and structural modifications required. For a 2,500 square foot home, expect to invest $375,000 to $875,000+ for a full renovation. Major kitchen and bathroom remodels typically deliver the strongest return on investment. We recommend setting aside a 15-20% contingency budget for unexpected discoveries during demolition, which is common in older homes.

It depends on the scope of work. For smaller renovations like a single room or bathroom remodel, living on-site is usually manageable with some inconvenience. For extensive whole-home renovations, we typically recommend alternative living arrangements for your safety, comfort, and to allow work to progress more efficiently. If you choose to stay, we’ll implement dust containment systems, maintain clean pathways, and work with you to establish a temporary kitchen or bathroom setup. We respect your space, clean daily, and schedule work to minimize disruption to your routine.

Renovation timelines vary significantly based on scope. A single room renovation might take 4-8 weeks, a kitchen or bathroom remodel typically requires 2-4 months, and a whole-home renovation can take 6-12+ months. Factors affecting timeline include permitting (which can take 1-3 months in Palm Beach County), material lead times, scope of structural work, and unforeseen conditions discovered during demolition. We provide a detailed project schedule upfront and maintain consistent communication about progress and any timeline adjustments.

A comprehensive kitchen renovation includes cabinet removal and installation, countertop replacement, flooring, lighting upgrades, plumbing and electrical work, appliance installation, backsplash, painting, and fixture replacement. Depending on your goals, it may also include layout modifications, window or door changes, and structural work like removing walls to create an open concept. We walk you through every selection—from cabinet styles and countertop materials to hardware and lighting fixtures—ensuring every detail reflects your vision and how you use your space.

Yes, most renovations require building permits in Palm Beach County, particularly those involving structural changes, electrical work, plumbing modifications, or mechanical systems. Even some cosmetic updates may require permits depending on the scope. Navigating Palm Beach County’s permitting process can be complex, but Sandhill Builders handles all permit applications, inspections, and code compliance on your behalf. Proper permitting protects you legally, ensures work meets safety codes, and is essential when selling your home or filing insurance claims.

Strategic renovations typically increase home value, with kitchen and bathroom remodels historically delivering the best return on investment (60-80% ROI). However, ROI depends on your neighborhood’s market dynamics—over-improving beyond comparable homes in your area can make recouping your investment difficult. We recommend renovations that improve your daily quality of life while maintaining appropriate value for your location. If resale value is a priority, we’ll guide you toward improvements that maximize both your enjoyment and your investment.

Historic home renovation requires specialized knowledge, sensitivity to original architectural details, and often adherence to preservation guidelines or local historic district regulations. Unlike standard remodeling, historic renovation involves sourcing period-appropriate materials, using traditional construction techniques, and balancing preservation of original character with modern functionality and code compliance. Many historic homes have unique structural systems, outdated wiring and plumbing, and hidden conditions that require experienced craftsmen who understand how these homes were originally built.

It depends on your home’s designation. If your property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places or within a local historic district, you may need approval from your local Historic Preservation Commission before making exterior changes or significant interior modifications. Even if not formally designated, homes over 50 years old may have special considerations. Sandhill Builders has extensive experience navigating historic preservation requirements in Palm Beach County and can guide you through the approval process while ensuring your renovation respects the home’s character and meets all regulatory requirements.

Absolutely. One of our specialties is seamlessly integrating modern systems, energy efficiency, and contemporary amenities into historic homes while preserving their original charm and architectural integrity. This includes updating electrical and plumbing systems to current codes, installing modern HVAC that’s discreetly integrated, incorporating smart home technology, and creating updated kitchens and bathrooms that honor the home’s period while meeting today’s functional needs. The goal is creating a home that feels authentically historic yet functions beautifully for modern living.

Yes, several tax incentives exist for historic home renovation. Many states including Florida offer state tax credits for qualified historic rehabilitation projects. The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentive provides a 20% income tax credit for certified rehabilitation of income-producing historic properties (not owner-occupied residences). Some local jurisdictions offer property tax reductions for historic properties. Additionally, conservation easements can provide federal income tax deductions. We recommend consulting with a qualified tax professional to understand which incentives apply to your specific project.

We work with specialized suppliers and architectural salvage companies that focus on period-appropriate materials and authentic reproductions. This includes historic hardware, vintage fixtures, reclaimed wood, period-correct windows, and traditional plaster materials. When original materials can be preserved and restored, we prioritize that approach. When replacement is necessary, we source materials that match the original in appearance, dimensions, and quality. Our extensive network of craftsmen and suppliers who specialize in historic properties ensures we can find authentic solutions for even the most unique restoration challenges.

We build a wide range of additions including room additions (bedrooms, home offices, family rooms), primary suite additions, second-story additions, sunrooms and outdoor living spaces, kitchen expansions, garage additions, and bump-outs (small extensions of 10-15 feet that expand existing rooms). Each type serves different needs and comes with unique structural and design considerations. During our initial consultation, we’ll help you determine which type of addition best suits your goals, property, budget, and local zoning requirements.

Home additions in South Florida typically cost $200 to $450+ per square foot, depending on the type of addition, complexity of the project, and finish quality. A 400-square-foot addition might range from $80,000 to $180,000+, while a second-story addition or primary suite could exceed $200,000. Costs vary based on whether you’re building out (typically less expensive) or up (requires additional structural support), foundation requirements, tying into existing systems, and matching exterior finishes to blend seamlessly with your home. We provide detailed cost estimates during the design phase.

Yes, nearly all home additions require building permits in Palm Beach County. You’ll also need to ensure your addition complies with local zoning regulations including setback requirements (minimum distances from property lines), lot coverage limits, height restrictions, and architectural review board approval if applicable. The permitting process can take 1-3 months depending on project complexity. Sandhill Builders manages all permits, zoning compliance, and inspections on your behalf, ensuring your addition meets all code requirements and passes final inspection.

Yes, a home addition will typically increase your property taxes because it adds square footage and value to your home, which increases your property’s assessed value. The exact increase depends on the size of your addition, quality of finishes, and your local tax rate. However, the added value and improved functionality usually outweigh the incremental tax increase. We recommend consulting with a local real estate appraiser or tax assessor to understand the potential impact specific to your property and jurisdiction.

Seamless integration is one of our core specialties. We carefully analyze your home’s existing architectural style, roofline, exterior materials, window types, trim details, and color palette to ensure the addition looks like it was always part of the original structure—not an afterthought. This includes matching siding materials, roofing profiles, window styles, and even ensuring the foundation height aligns properly. Our goal is architectural harmony where the addition enhances your home’s overall appearance while expanding its functionality.

This depends on several factors including your attachment to your current location, the real estate market, and the scope of your needs. A home addition makes sense when you love your neighborhood, schools, and community but need more space; your current home has good bones and potential for expansion; real estate prices make moving cost-prohibitive; or you need specific customizations not available in existing homes. Moving makes more sense if your home lacks expansion potential due to lot size or zoning, the cost of additions would exceed the value of comparable homes in your neighborhood, or your needs have fundamentally changed (location, school district, etc.). We offer consultations to help you evaluate which option best serves your goals.