Custom Home Builder in St. Cloud and Central Florida
Building a new home is the biggest construction project most people will ever take on. The difference between a good experience and a bad one usually comes down to the contractor. TEK Construction Group is a licensed general contractor and home builder in Central Florida with over 25 years of experience in new home construction. We are a family-owned business based in St. Cloud, and we build custom homes and spec homes across Osceola County, Orange County, and surrounding areas.
We use our own crew, not a revolving door of subcontractors. That means more accountability, better communication, and consistent quality from foundation to final walkthrough.
Custom Homes vs. Spec Homes
TEK builds both custom homes and spec homes, and the choice comes down to your situation and timeline.
Custom Home Construction
A custom home is designed around your specific preferences and built on your lot. You are involved in every decision: floor plan, room configuration, ceiling heights, kitchen layout, bathroom design, exterior style, finishes, and materials. TEK works with an architect to develop plans that reflect your vision and meet Florida building code. Custom builds typically take 12 to 18 months from contract to closing. This is the right path for homeowners who have a clear vision and want a home that is truly theirs from the ground up.
Spec Home Construction
A spec home is built by the contractor on their lot or yours based on a set plan, then sold at completion or during construction. Spec homes move faster because design decisions are already made, and they are typically less expensive than a fully custom build. TEK has completed spec home projects in the St. Cloud and Central Florida area. If you want a new home without the full custom design process, a spec home may be the right fit.
What TEK Handles on a New Construction Project
TEK is a full-service general contractor for new construction, which means we manage every phase of the build. Here is what that includes.
Pre-Construction and Planning
Before anything is built, there is significant planning work. TEK coordinates with your architect or our in-house design team to finalize plans, then submits for permits with the county. This phase also includes soil testing, site preparation, and utility coordination. In Osceola and Orange counties, this process typically takes 6 to 12 weeks depending on the project scope and current permit office timelines.
Foundation
Most new single-family homes in Central Florida are built on slab foundations. TEK handles all foundation work including the slab pour, moisture barriers, and any specialty requirements based on the soil conditions of your lot. Foundation work is inspected before framing begins.
Framing
Framing defines the structure of the home and is one of the most critical phases. TEK uses our own framing crew. Wall framing, roof framing, window and door openings, and any structural steel or engineered lumber components are all handled in-house. Framing is inspected by the county before mechanical work begins.
Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing
MEP work happens after framing is approved. HVAC ductwork and air handler positioning, electrical rough-in, plumbing rough-in for all fixtures, and low-voltage wiring for networking and security are all roughed in during this phase and inspected before insulation and drywall.
Insulation and Drywall
Florida homes need proper insulation for both energy efficiency and comfort. TEK uses insulation systems appropriate for Central Florida's climate including spray foam where it provides the best return. Drywall goes up after insulation passes inspection, and finishing work begins.
Interior Finishes
This is where the home starts to look like a home. Flooring, cabinetry, countertops, tile work, paint, trim, doors, and hardware are all installed during this phase. TEK works with many of the same vendors we use on our remodel projects including Cambria, Hallmark Floors, Marsh Cabinets, and Samsung. You can visit our showroom in St. Cloud to make material selections in person.
Exterior and Landscaping
Exterior finishes including stucco, siding, roofing, windows, doors, and exterior paint are all completed. TEK uses Atlas roofing products and works with WeatherStrong and other trusted vendors for exterior components. Basic grading and landscaping are handled as part of the close-out of the project.
Final Inspections and Certificate of Occupancy
The final phase includes all inspections required by the county, a punch list walkthrough with you, correction of any final items, and issuance of the certificate of occupancy. The CO is what legally allows you to move in. TEK manages all inspections and does not consider a project complete until everything on your punch list is resolved.
Where We Build
TEK primarily serves St. Cloud, Osceola County, and Orange County for new home construction. We have also completed new construction projects in the broader Central Florida area. If you have a lot in another county and want to talk through feasibility, give us a call.
What Does a Custom Home Cost in Central Florida?
New construction costs in the Orlando area vary widely based on lot, size, and finish level. A standard custom home in Central Florida typically runs $175 to $275 per square foot for construction, not including land. A 2,000 square foot home would put you in the $350,000 to $550,000 range for construction cost. High-end finishes, complex architecture, and premium locations push that number higher. TEK provides free estimates based on your plans and lot, and we discuss budget openly from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Home Construction in Central Florida.
From contract signing to certificate of occupancy, a custom home typically takes 12 to 18 months. Permitting alone can take 6 to 12 weeks depending on your county and the complexity of your plans. Construction itself generally runs 8 to 12 months for a standard single-family home. TEK gives you a detailed project schedule and keeps you updated throughout.
A custom home is designed specifically for you, on your lot, with your material and finish selections. You are involved in every decision. A spec home is built on a set plan that is already designed. Spec homes are typically less expensive and move faster. TEK builds both. During your initial consultation, we will help you figure out which approach makes sense for your situation.
Yes. TEK manages all permitting including building permits, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and any specialty permits required for your lot or project. We work regularly with the permitting offices in Osceola and Orange counties and know what the process looks like at each stage.
No, but lot selection affects everything including what you can build, how it needs to be designed, and the cost. If you already have a lot, bring the survey and any existing permits or restrictions to your first consultation. If you are still looking for land, we can advise on what to look for from a construction standpoint.
TEK manages the full scope including pre-construction planning, permit coordination, site preparation, foundation, framing, MEP rough-in, insulation, drywall, interior finishes, exterior finishes, roofing, and final inspections. We use our own crew for the core work and coordinate specialty trades. You have one point of contact from start to finish.
Changes during construction are common, but they need to be managed carefully. Depending on the phase of the project, some changes are straightforward and others require design revisions, re-permitting, or material changes that affect cost and timeline. TEK uses a change order process to document and price any scope changes before proceeding, so there are no surprises.
TEK works with homeowners who are financing through construction loans, which are common for custom home builds. We provide the documentation lenders require including detailed estimates, plans, and draw schedules. GreenSky financing is also available for certain project types. Talk to us about your financing situation during your free consultation.
