Category: New Home Builds

  • Should You Build a Rental From Scratch? When a New Home Build is the Best Investment

    Should You Build a Rental From Scratch? When a New Home Build is the Best Investment

    Whether you’re new to being a landlord or a seasoned investor looking to expand your portfolio, building a rental property from the ground up offers distinct advantages. Instead of modifying an existing home to fit rental needs, a new home build allows you to customize the property for maximum rental income, long-term value, and flexibility. Here’s what you need to know when considering new construction for a turnkey rental property in Florida.

    Ideal Square Footage and Layout for Florida Rentals

    When designing a new home build as a rental property, layout matters. In Florida’s rental market, a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home is the sweet spot. This layout offers the best rental return by accommodating larger families or multiple tenants comfortably. More bedrooms mean higher rental income, as renters typically pay more for additional sleeping space.

    Avoid “flex spaces” that lack closets, as they don’t qualify as true bedrooms and won’t yield the same rental value. Instead, opt for well-defined bedrooms and an open-concept living and kitchen area to maximize appeal. Florida renters also prioritize outdoor living spaces, so incorporating a patio, screened lanai, or pool enclosure adds significant desirability to your rental property.

    Who Will You Rent To? Single-Family vs. Shared Housing

    When designing your new construction rental property, consider your ideal tenant type. Will you be renting to a single-family household, or do you want to attract multiple unrelated tenants? The answer can influence the design:

    • Single-Family Rentals: Opt for a traditional layout with a primary suite and secondary bedrooms clustered together. Ensure the living areas feel inviting and functional for family gatherings.
    • Multiple Households (Roommates or Co-Living): Consider a split-bedroom floor plan where each bedroom has easy access to a bathroom. This setup is especially popular for multi-tenant rentals, maximizing privacy and rental appeal.
    • Exit Points: When designing a rental home, incorporating multiple entry and exit points is a smart strategy to enhance privacy and convenience, especially for multi-tenant properties. Side doors, back doors off bedrooms, and separate entryways allow renters to come and go without disturbing others, making the home more functional for shared living arrangements. This setup is particularly beneficial for co-living situations, where individual tenants may have different schedules and preferences. By thoughtfully placing additional access points, you not only improve tenant satisfaction but also increase the rental appeal and versatility of the property.

    Building in the Tampa Bay Area: Understanding Rental Regulations

    If you’re building a rental property in the Tampa Bay area, location is key. Certain communities have strict Homeowners Association (HOA) rules that can restrict short-term rentals or impose additional fees on landlords. However, if you build in unincorporated parts of Hillsborough County, you are less likely to face such rental restrictions, giving you greater flexibility as a property owner. Before breaking ground, work with a contractor who knows the area, such as Quality Custom Contracting based in Riverview, FL, to ensure your rental plans align with local regulations and community guidelines.

    What Not to Waste Your Money On When Building a Rental Home

    While it’s tempting to go all out with high-end finishes, some upgrades simply don’t pay off in a rental property. Instead, focus on durability and cost-effectiveness. Here are some things to skip in your rental home build:

    • Designer Hardwood Floors: Instead, opt for vinyl plank flooring, which is durable, water-resistant, and much more cost-effective.
    • Luxury Countertops: Stick with quartz or high-quality laminate rather than marble or expensive granite.
    • High-End Light Fixtures: Renters care more about functionality than designer lighting. Choose stylish yet budget-friendly fixtures.
    • Elaborate Landscaping: While curb appeal matters, go for low-maintenance landscaping that won’t require expensive upkeep.
    • Premium Smart Home Features: Basic security and smart locks are useful, but high-end home automation may not add enough rental value to justify the cost.

    Building a Rental with Future Flexibility in Mind

    A well-designed rental home should not only perform as a turnkey rental property but also provide long-term flexibility should you ever choose to sell. If you plan to convert your rental back into a primary residence one day, here are key considerations:

    • Opt for Timeless Finishes: Neutral color palettes, durable flooring, and high-quality kitchen and bathroom materials make transitioning the property back to a home seamless.
    • Outdoor Features Matter: A home with a screened patio, pool cage, or quality landscaping will hold higher resale appeal in Florida’s market.
    • Zoning and Layout Flexibility: Ensure your floor plan allows for easy repurposing of spaces if needed.

    Your Partner in Building the Perfect Rental Property

    If you’re considering a new home build for a rental property in Florida, Quality Custom Contracting is your go-to expert. Based in Riverview, FL, we specialize in new construction, shell construction, kitchen remodels, interior and exterior painting, patios, pool cages, green enclosures, and pavers. We proudly serve Riverview, Brandon, Apollo Beach, New Tampa, Sun City Center, Wimauma, and surrounding areas.

    With a focus on high-quality craftsmanship and rental-ready designs, we ensure your investment property is built for success. Contact Quality Custom Contracting today to start your new construction rental property journey! Quality Custom Contracting – because it’s Your Dream.

  • Future-Proof New Home Builds: Designing a Layout That Adapts to Life’s Changes

    Future-Proof New Home Builds: Designing a Layout That Adapts to Life’s Changes

    When building a new home, one of the most important decisions is choosing a future-proof layout—one that adapts to life’s changing needs. In South Florida, where multi-generational living is common, home offices come and go, and families often host frequent visitors, a well-designed floor plan can make all the difference.

    Experts say that homeowners are increasingly looking for flexibility in their home designs, ensuring that rooms can serve multiple purposes as lifestyles evolve. The key to a future-proof new home build is strategic planning—considering how spaces will be used not just today, but five, ten, or even twenty years down the line.

    The Work-From-Home vs. Return-to-Office Cycle: Designing a Smart Workspace

    The past few years have seen a constant shift between remote work and returning to the office. Many homeowners dedicated space for a home office, only to find themselves needing that square footage for something else later. Experts recommend designing a workspace that can transition when work situations change again.

    Instead of creating a permanent, oversized office, consider:

    • Convertible Workspaces – A small, well-placed nook that can double as a reading area, craft room, or guest space later.
    • Built-in Desks in Flex Rooms – A home office that can later be turned into a bedroom, gym, or playroom.
    • Hidden Workstations – Fold-down desks, pocket doors, and modular office setups that can be tucked away when not in use.

    With many companies continuing to shift between in-office and remote models, having a home design that allows for work flexibility without wasting space is a major trend.

    Why a Future-Proof Home Layout Matters

    A well-thought-out floor plan allows spaces to be used in multiple ways over time. What works for a young family today may not work in ten years, so designing with adaptability in mind is crucial.

    Some of the biggest factors influencing new home builds today include:

    • Multi-generational living – Aging parents, adult children, or “boomerang kids” moving back in.
    • Entertaining & guests – Florida’s great weather makes it a hotspot for visitors.
    • Aging in place – Homes should be designed with future accessibility in mind.
    • Home Office Flexibility – Work situations continue to change, requiring adaptable workspace solutions.

    Where Should the Kitchen Go? Front, Middle, or Back?

    The placement of the kitchen is a major decision in any home’s layout. Trends have evolved, and while open-concept kitchens remain popular, there are strategic benefits to where you put the kitchen.

    • Kitchen at the Front of the House – Allows for quick access when bringing in groceries and can create a welcoming feel. However, it may not offer as much privacy if the front entry is heavily used.
    • Kitchen in the Middle – Centrally located kitchens allow for easy flow to both living and dining spaces, making them great for entertaining.
    • Kitchen at the Back – Offers privacy, a view of the backyard, and the option to extend the space into outdoor entertaining areas.

    In Florida, indoor-outdoor living is a priority, so many homeowners prefer the kitchen towards the back or middle of the home, allowing for an easy transition to an outdoor patio or lanai.

    Dining Room vs. Flex Space: Creating Versatile Rooms

    In the past, a formal dining room was a must-have in home design. Today, many homeowners prefer a flexible space that can be adapted for different uses as their needs evolve.

    • Traditional Dining Room – Great for families who host large gatherings regularly.
    • Multi-Purpose Flex Room – Can function as a dining room today, but easily convert into an office, library, or lounge in the future.
    • Open Concept Dining – Incorporates the dining area into a larger kitchen and living space, eliminating the need for a separate room.

    A flexible home layout ensures that a dining room today can become an office, playroom, or hobby space tomorrow without needing major renovations.

    Architectural & Design Features That Support Long-Term Flexibility

    To create a truly adaptable home, experts recommend incorporating design elements that make it easier to transition spaces in the future.

    ✅ Pocket Doors & Sliding Panels – Allow rooms to be closed off for privacy or opened for a more spacious feel.
    ✅ Wide Doorways & Open Hallways – Help with accessibility as homeowners age.
    ✅ Built-In Storage – Keeps clutter at bay and allows rooms to be repurposed without major changes.
    ✅ Convertible Rooms – Spaces that can be easily modified with minor adjustments, such as changing lighting or furniture placement.
    ✅ Dual-Purpose Features – A murphy bed in an office, a built-in bar in a dining space, or a kitchen island with seating to replace a formal table.

    Building a Home That Grows With You

    Choosing the right layout in a new home build ensures that your space adapts to life’s changing needs. Experts recommend thinking beyond just today’s requirements and considering how the home will function as family dynamics shift, work situations evolve, and priorities change.

    For homeowners in Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk Ranch, Apollo Beach, Wimauma, Sun City Center, and surrounding areas, Quality Custom Contracting offers expert craftsmanship in new home builds, remodels, green enclosures, pool cages and patios, pavers, outdoor kitchens, interior and exterior painting, and more.

    Quality Custom Contracting — because it’s Your Dream.