Build Custom Design Floor Plans

Explore "Build Our Plan" Process

This is one of the most popular ways to build with Canopy Builders. We receive requests to build these homes over and over again, and we believe they are popular for several reasons: They are specifically designed for the lot sizes of the historic neighborhoods of St Pete, with timeless architecture, efficient design, and a reasonable price.

These plans are constantly refined by the latest trends, unusual lot sizes, and most importantly by our clients. If you don’t find your perfect home among them, you will likely find one that rhymes with your vision. With a few alterations, you can make it your own.

An important note: You do not need a lot to Build our Plan. We may already have one, or we can help find one for you!

Initial Meeting

At this meeting, we learn all about you and your vision for the project. This could be an architectural style or other inspirations you have for your new home. Beyond the vision we will focus on Location, Program, Budget, and Timeline. All of these are intertwined and if you are unsure of any of them, we look forward to discovering them with you!

Location can be as specific as a neighborhood, or as general as “not in a flood zone.”
Program is simply the size of the home (square feet), number of bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as special rooms such as a study, den, loft, mudroom, ADU, etc.
Budget is simply what you would like to spend on your new home, including if you will be paying cash or financing the project.
Timeline is based on your specific needs, either when you would like to get started, or your desired move in date.

Plan Development & Tours

Once we’ve landed on a plan, perhaps with some mark-ups to fit your lot, our next step is to go back to your vision of your home and its features and finishes. You will tour some of our completed homes to understand where your vision might lead. This is both an important component of the Budget and also a necessary step in making sure your vision for your custom home becomes a reality! We will also customize your marked-up plan and have it ready to review at our next meeting.

Final Plan & Specifications Review

Once the floor plans and elevations are settled, and you’ve had opportunity to tour many of our homes, we perform a comprehensive review of the Specifications. These specifications are modified to fit the vision and the budget of your home.

Contract

At this stage, we have an excellent understanding of the floor plan, elevation, budget, and finishes and features of your home, which are the essential components of our Contract. A contract will be generated for your review and approval. Once signed, the Design Selection and Construction process begins.

Design Selections

While your plans are with the architect and in the permitting process, you will have a series of meetings with one of our on staff Project Designers to select finishes. Your project designer will guide you through the process to make choices that fit your vision. These selections will be reconciled against the overall budget of the home, and culminates in a final signoff of the Design Package.

Permitting & Construction

As soon as the contract is signed, plans are finalized to submit for permit. Plan finalization and permit approval typically take three to four months, but this will vary based upon the plan, amount of customizations, and other factors. Once the permit is issued, you will be introduced to your Project Manager, who will be your main point of contact through the remainder of Construction.

Move In & Warranty

Near the end of construction, your new home will go through our Canopy Quality Control inspections, so that it is ready for your New Home Orientation and move in. The New Home Orientation, which occurs just prior to closing, serves as your introduction to our new home Warranty program. You will be introduced to our in-house Warranty Manager, who will be available to address any of your warranty concerns prior to closing and the years ahead.

At Canopy Builders, we’re committed to building your dream home where your family can make memories for years to come. Contact us today to learn more about our custom build services and how we can bring your vision to life.