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Frequently Asked Questions
We’re here to answer your most common questions about our repair and contracting services.
What minimum lot size is required to build a custom home in Orlando?
At Holland Builders Co, we work with lots of various sizes throughout Orlando and Central Florida. While the minimum lot size requirements depend on local zoning (typically 50' x 100' in many Orlando residential areas), our team specializes in maximizing your land's potential regardless of its dimensions. During our "free land assessment," we'll evaluate your specific property to determine the optimal home size and design for your unique lot, ensuring compliance with setback requirements and building codes while creating a home that perfectly fits your land.
How does lot shape and size affect what floor plans work best in Orlando?
Your Orlando lot's dimensions significantly influence which floor plans will maximize your property's potential. Wider lots generally accommodate sprawling ranch-style designs, while narrower lots may benefit from two-story homes that increase square footage vertically. Our team expertly adapts designs to irregular lot shapes, considering factors like optimal orientation for Orlando's climate and maximizing outdoor living space, which is particularly important for Florida's indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
Can you build on narrow or irregular lots in the Orlando area?
Absolutely! Holland Builders Co has extensive experience building beautiful custom homes on narrow or irregularly shaped lots throughout Orlando. Our approach begins with our comprehensive "land assessment" where we identify creative solutions for challenging lot configurations. We specialize in designing homes that transform perceived space limitations into unique architectural opportunities. Our "over 100 years of combined experience" has equipped us to handle even the most complex lot shapes while maximizing livable space and maintaining the aesthetic appeal you desire for your Orlando home.
How much buildable area do I need on my Orlando lot?
The buildable area required depends on your desired home size and Orlando's specific zoning requirements for your neighborhood. Generally, after accounting for setbacks (typically 20-25 feet front, 5-7.5 feet sides, and 10-20 feet rear in most Orlando residential zones), you'll need sufficient space for your home's footprint plus any additional structures like pools or detached garages. During our "free land assessment," we'll calculate your lot's buildable envelope, accounting for any easements, protected trees, or drainage considerations specific to Orlando properties. This assessment ensures we design a home that maximizes your lot's potential while complying with all local regulations,
state-of-the-art kitchen and
spa-like bathroom remodel.
What are common site preparation challenges for Orlando lots?
Orlando lots present several unique site preparation challenges that our experienced team routinely addresses. These include managing Florida's high water table, addressing sandy or organic soil conditions, navigating tree protection ordinances, managing proper drainage for heavy rainfall, and occasionally dealing with limestone deposits. As one of "Orlando's leading lot builders," we begin with a thorough site analysis during our "free land assessment" to identify these challenges early. Our proactive approach allows us to develop appropriate engineering solutions and include necessary site work in your project plan and budget from the start, preventing surprises during construction.
How do you handle Florida's high water table when preparing my lot?
Florida's high water table requires specialized site preparation approaches that Holland Builders Co has mastered through years of local experience. Depending on your specific Orlando location, we may implement solutions such as proper lot grading, installing French drains or swales, creating retention areas, or elevating your home's foundation. For particularly challenging sites, we might recommend engineered fill or specialized foundation systems. Our "seasoned professionals who understand the lay of the land" will assess your property's specific conditions and design appropriate water management solutions that protect your investment while complying with Orlando's stormwater management requirements.
What soil conditions in Orlando might affect my foundation costs?
Orlando's soil conditions vary significantly across the region, potentially impacting your foundation requirements and costs. Common soil challenges include sandy soils with poor load-bearing capacity, organic soils that compress over time, areas with shallow limestone, and sites with fill from previous development. Solutions may include reinforced concrete slabs, specialized footings, or in some cases, more substantial engineering solutions. Our experience throughout Central Florida ensures we anticipate these conditions and incorporate appropriate solutions into your initial project proposal.
How do Orlando's tree protection ordinances affect clearing my lot?
Orlando and surrounding municipalities have specific tree protection ordinances that may impact lot clearing and home placement. These regulations typically protect certain species and trees over specific diameters, requiring permits for removal and sometimes mitigation through new plantings. Our team handles all necessary permits and works with local arborists when needed. We balance respect for Orlando's urban canopy with maximizing your property's potential, often turning existing mature trees into beautiful landscape features that enhance your new home's value.
What's involved in connecting utilities to my Orlando lot?
Connecting utilities to your Orlando lot involves several coordinated steps that Holland Builders Co manages seamlessly as part of our "streamlined development process." This typically includes applying for water and sewer connections with Orange County Utilities or your local provider, coordinating with Duke Energy, FPL, or OUC for electrical service, arranging natural gas connections if desired, and setting up telecommunications infrastructure. For properties outside city services, we may need to arrange well and septic installations with appropriate permits. Our team handles all necessary applications, inspections, and coordination with local utility companies, ensuring your home is properly connected to essential services without delays to your timeline.
How long does it typically take to get utility connections in Orlando?
Utility connection timelines in Orlando typically range from 2-8 weeks depending on your property's location and existing infrastructure. Properties within established Orlando neighborhoods generally have quicker connection times, while rural or newly developing areas may require extended timelines for utility extensions. As part of our commitment to "handling all the necessary permits and approvals," Holland Builders Co initiates utility applications early in the process, often concurrent with permitting, to prevent delays. We maintain strong relationships with local utility providers and monitor application progress throughout your project, keeping you informed while ensuring all connections are ready when needed for
custom home construction and final occupancy.
What are the average costs for utility connections in Central Florida?
Utility connection costs in Central Florida vary based on your property's location and service availability. Within Orlando city limits, water and sewer connection fees typically range from $5,000-$15,000, electrical connections average $1,000-$3,000, and telecommunications setup costs approximately $500-$1,500. Properties requiring significant utility extensions may incur additional costs. During our "detailed project proposal" phase, we provide comprehensive estimates for all utility connections specific to your lot, ensuring these expenses are transparently included in your budget. Holland Builders Co's established relationships with local utility providers often help navigate the most cost-effective connection options for your specific situation.
Can you build on a lot without city water/sewer in the Orlando area?
Yes, Holland Builders Co frequently builds beautiful custom homes on lots without city water and sewer throughout the Greater Orlando area. In these locations, we design and install private well and septic systems that comply with all Florida Department of Health regulations. Our team handles necessary soil evaluations, permitting, and coordination with specialized contractors who understand Central Florida's unique groundwater conditions. During our "free land assessment," we'll evaluate your property's suitability for these systems and include all necessary components in your project plan. We ensure these systems are properly sized for your home design while positioned optimally on your lot to meet setback requirements and allow for future maintenance.
What Orlando neighborhoods have the strictest deed restrictions?
Throughout Orlando, several prestigious communities are known for their comprehensive deed restrictions, including Baldwin Park, Lake Nona, Windermere's gated communities, Isleworth, and newer developments in Dr. Phillips and Winter Garden. These communities typically have detailed architectural controls governing everything from roof materials to landscape design. Holland Builders Co's extensive experience throughout Central Florida means we understand the specific requirements of various neighborhoods. When you choose to "build on your lot with us," we leverage this local knowledge to navigate even the strictest restrictions, creating a beautiful custom home that satisfies both your preferences and community guidelines while avoiding potential delays or revision requirements.
How might deed restrictions affect my custom home design in Orlando?
Deed restrictions in Orlando communities can influence numerous aspects of your custom home design, potentially including minimum square footage requirements, architectural style limitations, exterior material and color restrictions, roof pitch and material specifications, window types, garage orientation, driveway materials, landscape requirements, and fence or pool enclosure guidelines. However, these restrictions don't need to limit creativity. Our commitment to "helping our clients build on their lots in Orlando" includes creative solutions that work within community guidelines. During our design process, we'll clearly identify any restrictions and explore design options that meet both community standards and your personal preferences.
What special features should I include for Orlando's climate?
Orlando's unique climate calls for specific design features that enhance comfort while protecting your investment. We recommend incorporating large covered outdoor living areas, energy-efficient windows with appropriate solar orientation, substantial roof overhangs for shade and rain protection, enhanced insulation systems, moisture management details, efficient HVAC systems with proper zoning, ceiling fans throughout, and durable exterior materials that withstand humidity and sun exposure. Holland Builders Co's designs inherently address these considerations, reflecting our understanding that "building a house on your Orlando property" requires climate-specific knowledge. During our design process, we'll guide you through climate-appropriate options that combine functionality with your aesthetic preferences, ensuring your home is perfectly suited to Orlando living.
How do you design homes to withstand Florida's hurricane seasons?
Holland Builders Co integrates numerous hurricane-resistant features into our Orlando custom homes, exceeding Florida's stringent building codes. These can include impact-resistant windows or hurricane shutters, reinforced garage doors, stronger roof-to-wall connections using hurricane straps and clips, enhanced roof sheathing attachment, more substantial foundation connections, proper soffit venting systems to prevent pressure buildup, and strategic landscaping that minimizes potential projectiles. Our
Ground-breaking construction methodology incorporates continuous load paths from roof to foundation, ensuring forces are properly transferred during high winds. These features are implemented seamlessly within your design, providing peace of mind during storm seasons while maintaining the aesthetic quality and functionality you expect when you "build a house on your land" with Holland Builders Co.
What energy efficiency considerations are important for Orlando's heat and humidity?
Energy efficiency is particularly important in Orlando's climate of prolonged heat and humidity. Holland Builders Co incorporates numerous efficiency features, including properly sized HVAC systems with appropriate SEER ratings, zoned cooling systems for optimal comfort, enhanced ceiling and wall insulation, radiant barrier roof sheathing, energy-efficient windows with low-e glass, proper air sealing to prevent moisture infiltration, programmable or smart thermostats, energy-efficient water heaters, and LED lighting throughout. We can also accommodate solar readiness or installation if desired. As "Orlando's leading lot builders," we balance efficiency with your budget priorities, helping you make informed decisions about which energy-efficient features provide the best return on investment while significantly reducing long-term operating costs in Central Florida's demanding climate.
How do you address water management on Orlando lots?
Effective water management is crucial for Orlando properties due to the combination of heavy rainfall events and high water tables. Holland Builders Co implements comprehensive water management strategies including proper lot grading with appropriate slope away from the foundation, strategically placed downspouts with extensions or underground drainage, French drain systems in problem areas, properly designed swales or retention areas as needed, vapor barriers beneath concrete slabs, and effective foundation waterproofing systems. For properties in flood-prone areas, we may recommend elevated foundations or other specialized techniques. Our commitment to "assessing your land's potential" includes thorough evaluation of existing drainage patterns and soil conditions, allowing us to develop appropriate water management solutions that protect your investment throughout Orlando's rainy seasons.
What's the typical timeline for building on my lot in Orlando?
Building a custom home on your Orlando lot typically spans 10-14 months from initial consultation to move-in, though timelines vary based on home size, complexity, and current permitting conditions. This includes approximately 1-2 months for design development, 2-3 months for permitting (which can extend during busy seasons), 7-9 months for construction, and final inspections and closing documentation. As mentioned in our "building process" section, Holland Builders Co provides clear timeline expectations during your initial consultation and keeps you informed throughout the project. Our established relationships with Orlando permitting offices and inspection departments help streamline the process, while our experienced project management ensures efficient construction scheduling that accounts for Central Florida's seasonal considerations.
How do Orlando's permitting timelines compare to other areas?
Orlando's permitting process typically ranges from 6-12 weeks for custom homes, which is somewhat longer than some less regulated markets but generally more efficient than South Florida counties. Various factors affect this timeline, including current department workloads, the complexity of your design, and whether your property has any special zoning considerations. Holland Builders Co's expertise in "navigating the financial aspects of home construction" includes our thorough understanding of local permitting processes. Our team prepares exceptionally complete permit submissions with all required documentation, reducing the likelihood of time-consuming revisions. We maintain strong relationships with permitting officials throughout Orange County and surrounding municipalities, allowing us to efficiently navigate the process and monitor your application's progress.
What parts of the building process take longest in Central Florida?
In Central Florida's custom home building process, several phases typically require the most time. Permitting generally takes 6-12 weeks depending on current municipal workloads. Foundation and framing phases usually span 6-8 weeks combined, as these stages require multiple inspections and must account for Orlando's weather conditions. Interior finishing work typically takes 10-12 weeks, often extended by material lead times for custom selections. Final inspections and certificate of occupancy processing usually require 2-3 weeks. Holland Builders Co's commitment to making "the entire process as seamless as possible" includes realistic scheduling that accounts for these timeframes. Our project management team actively coordinates these phases to minimize gaps between trades, maintaining momentum throughout your build while ensuring quality craftsmanship.
How does Orlando's rainy season affect construction schedules?
Orlando's rainy season (typically June through September) can impact
renovation work schedules, particularly during site preparation, foundation, and framing phases when weather protection is more challenging. Holland Builders Co proactively manages these potential delays through strategic scheduling that places weather-sensitive work in drier months when possible. Our construction methodology includes quick dry-in techniques that prioritize getting the home under roof, allowing interior work to progress regardless of weather. We build appropriate weather contingencies into our schedules and utilize modern moisture management practices to safely continue work during intermittent rain. Throughout your project, our commitment to "open lines of communication" means we'll keep you informed about any weather impacts while implementing solutions to maintain progress toward your move-in date.
Which local Orlando subcontractors do you partner with?
Holland Builders Co has cultivated strong relationships with Orlando's finest subcontractors across all trades, including excavation specialists, foundation experts, framers, roofers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, drywall professionals, finish carpenters, flooring installers, painters, and landscape specialists. While we maintain the confidentiality of our specific business partnerships, many of our subcontractors have worked exclusively with us for years, sharing our commitment to craftsmanship. As "one of the most significant decisions you will ever make" is choosing your builder, we ensure our subcontractor team reflects our standards for excellence. During your project consultation, we're happy to discuss the qualifications of the specific trade partners who will be involved in creating your custom home.
How do you ensure quality control with your Orlando subcontractors?
Quality control with our Orlando subcontractors begins with our selective partnering process, choosing only those who demonstrate consistent excellence and align with our values. We maintain detailed specifications for every aspect of construction and conduct regular on-site inspections at critical phases, often exceeding municipal requirements. Our project managers perform pre-inspection reviews before official inspections and hold regular quality-focused meetings with trade partners. As mentioned in our testimonial from Camille C., we are "very committed to the details and had a high level of craftsmanship." This commitment extends to our subcontractor management, where we maintain clear communication about expectations, provide detailed plans and specifications, and ensure proper sequencing between trades. This comprehensive approach results in the superior craftsmanship evident in every Holland Builders Co home.
Do you use the same trusted team for all your Orlando projects?
Yes, Holland Builders Co maintains a consistent core team of trusted subcontractors for our Orlando projects, fostering continuity and reliability throughout our builds. Having established relationships with exceptional trade partners allows us to maintain our high standards and efficient processes. These subcontractors understand our expectations for quality and customer satisfaction, enabling seamless collaboration. While we may engage specialized subcontractors for unique project requirements, our primary team remains consistent. This approach supports our commitment to "attention to detail" and ensures the "high level of craftsmanship" noted in our client testimonials. Our subcontractors take pride in their association with Holland Builders Co and approach each project with the same dedication to excellence that defines our brand.
What specialized trades are important for Orlando home building?
Several specialized trades are particularly important for Orlando custom homes due to our unique climate and building conditions. These include experienced foundation contractors familiar with Florida's soil conditions, framing crews trained in hurricane-resistant construction techniques, HVAC specialists who understand proper sizing for our climate, waterproofing experts for our high humidity and rainfall, pool contractors for optimal outdoor living spaces, specialists in impact-resistant windows and doors, and landscape professionals familiar with Florida-friendly plants and irrigation requirements. Holland Builders Co's extensive experience as "Orlando's premier lot builders" has allowed us to identify and partner with the region's best specialists in these critical areas. Our comprehensive approach ensures your home benefits from trade-specific expertise in all the areas that make a significant difference in quality, durability, and comfort in Central Florida's unique environment.
How do Orlando's building codes differ from other areas?
Orlando and all of Florida follow the Florida Building Code, which includes some of the nation's most stringent requirements due to our hurricane exposure and climate challenges. These codes include enhanced wind resistance standards, specific energy efficiency requirements for our hot climate, detailed moisture management provisions, and rigorous foundation specifications. As mentioned in our commitment to "evaluating your property," Holland Builders Co maintains comprehensive knowledge of these code requirements. Our designs incorporate these standards from the outset rather than treating them as afterthoughts, ensuring smooth inspections while providing you with a home that exceeds minimum requirements. This approach delivers both peace of mind during severe weather and long-term energy savings specifically calibrated for Orlando's climate conditions.
What Orlando-specific permits will I need for my lot?
Building on your Orlando lot typically requires several permits, including a building permit for the main structure, separate permits for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems, and often specialized permits for septic systems (if applicable), wells (if applicable), pool construction (if desired), and tree removal (if necessary). Many Orlando-area communities also require environmental permits addressing stormwater management. As noted in our content about "handling all the necessary permits and approvals," Holland Builders Co manages this entire process, preparing and submitting all required documentation, tracking applications, addressing any questions or requirements from building officials, and scheduling all necessary inspections. Our familiarity with local permitting procedures ensures a smooth process without the delays often experienced by those less familiar with Orlando's specific requirements.
How many inspections are required for new homes in Orlando?
New custom homes in Orlando typically undergo 10-15 municipal inspections throughout the construction process. These include foundation inspections, framing inspections, roof sheathing inspections (particularly important for hurricane requirements), rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical inspections, insulation inspections, drywall inspections, final trade inspections, and overall final building inspection. Pool construction, if included, requires its own series of inspections. Holland Builders Co's commitment to "strict construction standards" means we treat these inspections as minimum requirements rather than targets. Our internal quality control process includes pre-inspections before official visits, ensuring compliance and avoiding delays from failed inspections. We coordinate all inspection scheduling and maintain detailed documentation, making this complex process completely transparent to you while ensuring your home meets or exceeds all applicable codes.
What impact fees should I expect when building in Orlando?
When building your custom home in Orlando, you should budget for several types of impact fees that vary by specific location within Central Florida. These typically include transportation impact fees ($5,000-$15,000), school impact fees ($5,000-$10,000), parks and recreation fees ($1,000-$3,000), and water/sewer capacity fees ($5,000-$15,000 if connecting to municipal systems). The exact amounts depend on your home's size and specific jurisdiction. As part of our "cost-effective building solutions" approach, Holland Builders Co provides detailed estimates of all applicable impact fees during your initial project proposal, ensuring these costs are accounted for in your budget from the beginning. We stay current on fee schedules across all Central Florida municipalities and advocate for appropriate fee classifications for your specific project.
