According to a report from the Jacksonville Business Journal in September, some of the top homebuilders in the Jacksonville area have seen an increase in projects in the past year. Numbers scanned developments across a host of divisions in the Jacksonville area. Some of the communities that are seeing increases in projects include Nocatee in St. Johns, Amelia Concourse, Yellow Bluff Landing and Oakleaf.

According to figures released by the business journal, the combined amount of homes built by about 300. Last year, there were about 2,340 homes built by the top developers. This year that number went up to 2,608 homes built by the top developers in the Jacksonville area. Of course, this doesn’t include all the developers outside of the top ten, which would make the number considerably higher.

These numbers could be positive for Jacksonville area developers as the top three homebuilders all constructed over 400 homes last year. Even though the average home price has gone down a little, it seems as if there are more home building projects beginning in the area. Some new areas in Jacksonville are also positive signs for future building including Worthington Park and Hunters Creek.

According to a recent article from Builders Online and a recent homebuilding publication, Jacksonville is prepared to see rejuvenation in the housing market in 2012. The publications point towards job gains, rising home prices and an overall improvement in median income in the area as key contributors.

These could be great signs for the Jacksonville area. Unemployment did drop in August throughout the area. The median home price also went up 2 percent and Jacksonville apartment vacancy rates are also dropping. Comparing the numbers of built houses, local counties are building about 100 more houses in recent months, when compared to their 2010 counterparts.

Some of these figures could prove to be great signs  for any people on the fence about buying or building a new home in the Jacksonville area. The combination of new developments and communities, along with sale prices, could be a great push for anyone who may be interested in finally getting the house of their dreams built in the North Florida area.

Pricing in Hunters Creek begins in the low $300,000s for a home/lot package.

North Florida Builders is Jacksonville’s premier custom homebuilder, started in 1977, and now under ownership of the founder’s son, Jason White.

For more information, please visit our website, www.northfloridabuildersinc.com and call us at 904.288.7670

Residents of Worthington Park in Fruit Cove and Hunters Creek in the Julington Creek area enjoy a small-town feel. Though Businessweek in 2010 named Fruit Cove the nation’s fastest-growing community, the unincorporated area located just across the Jacksonville line in St. Johns County retains its tranquil, family-centric character. And that controlled growth has helped Fruit Cove dodge many of the downfalls of the recent economic troubles. Julington Creek is a tributary of the St. Johns River and is the top rated relocation community in Northwest St. Johns County. Both Fruit Cove and Julington Creek are about a 25-minute drive from downtown Jacksonville to the north, historic St. Augustine to the south and the beautiful Atlantic coastline to the east.

Worthington Park amenities include a gated entrance, basketball court, playground, swimming pool, playfield and clubhouse. Hunters Creek is an intimate 10-lot community.  Both communities are within the highly rated St. Johns County school system. Residents have easy access to all of the retail and professional services in the Julington Creek and Mandarin areas. Additionally, Julington Creek Plantation offers fitness, tennis and swim memberships to the public.

Want to tour a few of our new homes for sale, Jacksonville? Contact North Florida Home Builders at 904-288-7670, or via the convenient email form on our website.

A primary consideration is your lot’s natural landscape. If you have a narrow lot, you’ll want to consider a multi-level home to ensure adequate living space. Wider lots allow for broader, one-story house plans. And if your lot features a great view of a neighborhood park, a marsh or beach for instance, you’ll want to plan for large, panoramic windows and perhaps an outdoor deck, porch or balcony.

Your phase of life is a major factor in choosing the interior features of your home. A newlywed couple hoping to start a family will need a floor plan that allows for expansion as the family grows, whereas couples reaching retirement typically are looking to downsize to a smaller home that still features room for children and grandchildren to visit.

Entertaining also is a big consideration in Jacksonville. Contractors recommend lots of exterior deck and patio space for homeowners who love to throw parties for family, friends and colleagues. Formal dining rooms are great for those who prefer smaller, intimate gatherings.

Got a hobby that’s loud or messy? An off-to-the-side room  or even a detached structure will be perfect for your teenage future rock start’s drum practice or Dad’s woodworking projects. Homeowners who love to garden will want space for a wet room where they can clean up before going inside. You’ll need to check zoning and easement restrictions before planning a detached structure.

As a Jacksonville contractor with years of experience building homes that are both beautiful and practical, North  Florida Builders offers an array of fully customizable floor plans that can be built on any lot. Contact us at 904-288-7670 or via our online email form to begin planning your dream home.

Remodeling projects are varied and some bring higher returns on investment than others. A few of the top recommended projects according to multiple studies are:

• Adding a deck – A new deck is the easiest way to expand your home’s living space. And with the tight economy fueling a trend of entertaining at home rather than heading out on the town, it’s a feature that’s sure to boost buyer interest. Favored designs feature decks directly accessible from a large family room.
• Spicing up the kitchen – Kitchens typically get the most wear and tear of any room in the house and they’re the one spot in the house that can be outdated quickest. Updating cabinetry, adding or enlarging a walk-in pantry and installing new, energy-efficient appliances and modernizations like a wine cooler all are investments that will show a solid return.
• Transform your bathroom into a “wet room” – Bathrooms are the next focus of most home buyers. And in Jacksonville, remodeling and renovation trends include features that give an upscale spa-like feel, but actually are money savers. Doorless, walk-in shower stalls are increasingly popular. This “wet room” style features sloped floors, splash guards and extra drains to direct water away from dry areas, eliminating the need for physical dividers between the shower space and the rest of the bathroom.

Remodeling can be a challenging, multi-phase process. And many contractors are all too happy to listen to your ideas once, then take over the project and limit communication. North Florida Builders understands that while a remodeling or renovation project might seem overwhelming, homeowners still want to be involved in the decision-making process. Our staff will walk you through each step of the process from concept to completion. To get started on your Jacksonville remodeling or renovation project, contact North Florida Builders at 904-288-7670 or via our online email form.

The North Florida Builders team prides itself on a high level of experience, expertise and personal service to our clients looking for new homes in Jacksonville. We walk you through every step of the process, from choosing the perfect floor plan to selecting practical and decorative details to getting the keys to your new front door.

If you’re considering building a new home or remodeling your existing one, stop by our blog regularly for updates on our services, floor plans and completed homes available for sale. We’ll also post informative pieces about home building trends, tips and ideas. We believe that a well-informed and actively involved client makes a happy client. So, unlike other builders who take over and leave you in the lurch when it comes to decision making, we’re with you all the way.

Get to know us better. Visit our new website to see examples of our work. Check our blog regularly for tips and ideas. And when you’re ready to discuss your dream home, contact us at 904-288-7670 or via our online email form.