Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Custom Coastal Home Builders in Florida
Since 1864, the Whitehead family has established a legacy of excellence in construction, specializing in custom coastal homes across Manatee and Sarasota Counties. With over 80 years dedicated to construction, we have built more than 600 homes, leveraging advanced engineering expertise and a commitment to quality. Our team, averaging 26 years of industry experience, combines structural knowledge with personalized service to deliver projects on time and within budget. As a debt-free design/build company, we prioritize client needs through transparent communication and cost-effective solutions. Our focus on coastal construction integrates historical design elements with modern efficiency, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal. By maintaining close relationships with pre-qualified architects and subcontractors, we streamline the building process while upholding rigorous quality standards.Our 100% success rate in DEP permitting demonstrates our regulatory expertise, and our 40-year track record with repeat clients underscores our reliability. We differentiate ourselves through hands-on project management, value engineering, and a family-driven ethos that places integrity above all. This approach has earned us recognition from industry leaders and testimonials from high-profile clients, including former corporate executives and governors. Ultimately, our mission extends beyond constructionwe build lasting relationships grounded in trust, craftsmanship, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Services
Custom Home Construction
Architectural Design
DEP Consulting
Coastal Construction
Renovation Services
Details
- Year established: 1943
Highlights and features
- We have 80+ years of specialized coastal construction experience in Florida's barrier islands
- Our team averages 26 years of industry expertise with engineering and architectural backgrounds
- Debt-free operation enables focused client-centric service without inventory pressures
- 100% DEP permit approval rate across hundreds of consulting projects
- Proven track record with 40+ year relationships from high-profile repeat clients
What people say
Exceeded expectations
Professional and reliable
On time and budget
Superior quality
Personalized attention
Services
Custom Home Construction
Specializing in custom coastal residences, we transform architectural visions into reality with precision engineering and quality craftsmanship. Our process begins with concept design collaboration, followed by accurate cost estimation and efficient project management. With decades of experience in Florida's barrier islands, we deliver homes that combine historical architectural elements with modern functionality while maintaining strict budget and timeline adherence.
Architectural Design
Partnering with pre-qualified architects like Allison Kaffka, we create detailed coastal-style designs that integrate Florida, Caribbean, and Hawaiian influences. Our engineering expertise reduces design time by 30% while maintaining aesthetic integrity. The service includes 3D visualization, specification development, and cost optimization to ensure designs align with client expectations and budget constraints.
DEP Consulting
Providing comprehensive consulting services for Department of Environmental Protection requirements, we maintain a 100% permit approval success rate. Our expertise streamlines regulatory processes for coastal construction projects, handling everything from initial assessments to final permit acquisition. This service operates independently or in conjunction with our design and construction offerings.
Coastal Construction
Specialized in challenging coastal environments, our construction methods address unique regulatory, environmental, and structural demands. With 80+ years of local experience, we implement advanced engineering solutions for hurricane resistance, erosion control, and saltwater durability while maintaining aesthetic appeal across Florida's barrier islands.
Renovation Services
Offering comprehensive renovation solutions for existing coastal properties, we combine structural upgrades with modern design elements. Our team handles complex projects like raising historic structures while preserving architectural integrity, ensuring compliance with current building codes and enhancing long-term value through quality craftsmanship.
People
Brent Whitehead
President
Leading since 1980, Brent combines structural engineering expertise with fourth-generation construction experience. He oversees operations while maintaining hands-on involvement in complex projects, ensuring adherence to family values of quality and integrity.
Allison Kaffka
Architect
Fourth-generation Floridian architect specializing in coastal design, Allison brings global experience from Hawaii and the Caribbean. Her Rhode Island School of Design education enhances her ability to create historically inspired, three-dimensional architectural solutions tailored to Florida's environment.
Larry
Project Manager
Key team member with decades of coastal construction experience, Larry provides on-site leadership and client communication. His expertise ensures quality control while maintaining the company's reputation for transparent, client-focused project execution.
Neil
Construction Supervisor
Seasoned supervisor with 26+ years in coastal building, Neil implements technical specifications while mentoring subcontractors. His hands-on approach maintains quality standards across complex barrier island projects from foundation to completion.
Ann
Client Coordinator
Serving as primary client contact, Ann manages communication flow and documentation. With extensive local knowledge, she coordinates timelines between architects, engineers, and tradespeople to ensure seamless project progression.
Questions
What types of homes do you specialize in?
We focus on custom coastal homes in Florida's barrier islands, combining historical architectural elements with modern engineering for hurricane resistance and long-term durability.
How does your design/build process work?
We start with concept design collaboration, provide accurate cost estimates before detailed drawings, and maintain continuous budget updates throughout the process to minimize surprises.
Can you handle DEP permitting requirements?
Yes, our DEP consulting service maintains a 100% permit approval success rate, managing all environmental regulatory requirements for coastal construction projects.
How experienced is your team?
Our average team member has 26+ years in coastal construction, with leadership possessing structural engineering degrees and fourth-generation local building expertise.
Do you work with outside architects?
Yes, we collaborate with pre-qualified local architects or your preferred designer, leveraging our engineering background to reduce design time and costs.
What quality guarantees do you provide?
We deliver projects on time and within budget with hands-on management, proven processes, and a 40-year track record of repeat clients from governors to corporate executives.
