Fill dirt is the term used to describe any type of soil or earth material that is used to fill a hole, level the ground, or raise the elevation of a property. It’s an important component of many construction projects, including the building of new homes. Fill dirt, also known as backfill, is typically sourced from a variety of locations, including excavation sites, construction projects, and agricultural fields. It’s important to note that not all fill dirt is created equal. The quality of the soil can vary greatly depending on its composition, moisture content, and other factors. This means that not all fill dirt is suitable for use in construction projects.

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As a residential home builder, we understand the importance of keeping pests at bay. Pests can cause significant damage to a home’s structure and can also pose health risks to the occupants. Plus, let’s face it nobody wants to share their home with uninvited guests. We recommend the installation of in-wall pest prevention systems to all homeowners to ensure that our clients don’t have the deal with unwanted tenants.

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Culverts are a type of drainage structure commonly used in home construction to manage the flow of water around and beneath a property. They are typically installed in areas where water tends to accumulate, most commonly along the edges of driveways or roads.

The Role of Culverts in Home Construction

Culverts play a crucial role in managing the flow of water around and beneath homes. They are installed in areas prone to water accumulation, such as along driveways and roads. Culverts come in various shapes and sizes, and they’re constructed using durable materials like concrete to channel water from one area to another without causing soil erosion or damage to surrounding properties.

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When you purchase property it’s important to know key terminology you will hear when a survey is obtained showing boundaries of the land. Here are some common terms you will most likely hear.  

What is A Right of Way? 

Right of way is the legal right to pass through the grounds or property someone else owns and the right to build or operate a road on the land. These can be public or private and are common if your property cannot be accessed without going through someone else’s. They grant the holder of the right of way the right to travel over another’s property. Right of way easements are the most common type of easement.  Continue reading ..

Beginning January 1, 2023, new efficiency standards for A/C units will take effect. The new regulations will focus on the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems. The new rating for the South will be 15 SEER. 

What is a SEER rating? 

The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) measures the energy efficiency of an A/C unit. It is a maximum efficiency rating, so the higher the SEER number… Continue reading ..

With the rapid expansion of home development in Cape Coral, many new homeowners are discovering the joy of owning waterfront property. Owning a little slice of waterfront paradise is the essence of Florida living, where life revolves around the water. If you’re considering building your dream home on a waterfront lot, this article will help guide you through the process, especially if your property includes natural vegetation along the water’s edge.

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Get the Dirt on Compaction Tests

When building in Southwest Florida you most often need to bring in yards of fill dirt to your property to meet elevation and drainage code requirements. The amount of fill dirt needed heavily depends on your lot specific characteristics, like the flood zone it resides in and its current elevation. (Learn more about virgin ground and Finished Floor Elevation (FFE) here).

The dirt used in home construction comes from a dirt mine. The dirt product can’t be too wet or too dry and must pass a soil test showing its properties are suitable for construction. In Florida with severe heat and a rainy season it’s very important your builder uses dirt from a mine supplying quality dirt.

Foundation Construction

One of the very first steps in your homes building process is the piling of the house pad whether you are building a stem-wall or monolithic foundation. Learn more about the differences here. 

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Basic Requirements for Building in Cape Coral, FL

Cape Coral, FL is a deed restricted city, better known as a city with ordinances, when it comes to the construction of a home. There are several basic residential building requirements to build in Cape Coral which we will discuss in this blog. These ordinances are guidelines that address the structure or home itself, the placement of the home on the land, as well as features of the home.

Cape Coral has requirements on the size of the land, the home’s proportion to the land it’s to be built on, the living area of the home, utility easements setbacks and height requirements that need to be met or not exceeded before you can obtain a building permit for your home. Let’s explore those requirements.

Land Minimum

The minimum land requirement to build a home in a zoned residential area is 10,000 square feet, not including community development areas.  That is the size of a standard 80’ x 125’ lot.  This size allows for the proper front, side, corner, and rear setbacks on the property which are:

• Front Setback* 25 Ft. Minimum
• Side Setback* 7.5 Ft. Minimum
• Corner Setback* 10 Ft. Minimum
• Rear Setback (Structure)* 20 Ft. Minimum
• Rear Setback (Pool/Cage)* 10 Ft. Minimum
• Building Height 30 Ft. Maximum

These setbacks are measured from the true property line to the structure to ensure the home does not encroach into the 6-foot utility easement, which the city is responsible for.

Minimum Living Area

There are minimum living area restrictions based on where your property is located.  If you are on a waterfront property, across the street from salt water, or are on a golf course you have a 1,400 sq ft minimum living area, not including garage, screened porches, or storage areas. That moves up to 1,800 square feet for those building on river front locations.  For dry lots there is a 1,100 sq ft minimum living area for a standard Cape Coral lot.

Garage

A home built in Cape Coral is required to have a garage. The garage depth minimum is 14’ x 20’ and must also adhere to the easements and set back requirements for the property.

Seawall

When building on a property with water frontage a seawall is required. Different types of seawalls for salt or freshwater properties and linear footage are required. These seawalls protect your home and property from erosion. You can find more information on seawall requirements in our blog here.

Septic

All property to be built utilizing a septic system will be required to pass Health Department inspections, which includes requirements on its placement and proper drainage.

Driveway 

If building a property on a boulevard or parkway in the city you are required to have a circular or hammerhead driveway. This ensures the homeowner a safer entrance or exit when coming off a main road.

Conclusion

Selecting a home builder that has experience with these requirements is imperative to the success of your home and its integrity. Not only to follow these basic requirements but also to conform to the building standard codes set forth by the City and State. With 65 years of combined experience and nearly 400+ builds completed in and around the Cape Coral community we have the knowledge to create your dream home that meets all building requirements based on its location so you can enjoy it from year and years to come.

The completion and closing process is the stage during which inspections are carried out so that all adjustments or corrections can be made. This will also be the buyer’s opportunity to check everything is as it was contracted. Then, comes the official sign off on the house to begin the exciting move into the brand-new home. The steps Sposen goes through when approaching the final stages of a build is a very important one and we have broken down the processes below.

On day 1/10 the Permit Department sends out an email upon receipt of Certificate of Occupancy (CO). This certificate will be sent to everyone involved in the build. Without the CO, no one may move into the house, as it has not been granted its official safety status.

On day 2/10 there is a 120-point Quality Control check (QC). This is when the Construction Manager (CM) works with the Warranty Manager (WM) to document and address any punch items. Punch items are things that need to be fixed. We review everything to check for missing or broken materials and check that all the nuts and bolts are in their proper place. It’s a detailed sweep, where we look at the entire place including appliances, cabinets and every nook and cranny so that we can be sure everything is satisfactory.

Day 5/10 is when we do the Homeowner Orientation. We go through the workings of the house with the buyer.  This ensures the buyers have a complete understanding of all the different functions and maintenance requirements of their house. The buyers will give the house their own inspection to confirm we have fulfilled our commitment to excellence, and that the house is ready to become a home. If the buyer does spot any issues, this is when they will voice their concerns. We will complete all the touch ups, big or small prior to the move-in date. We know the buyer is anxious to move in, but the house must be one hundred percent complete before they do. An empty house helps us to maximize the efficiency of the refining work. This will save the buyer from a headache of dealing with workmen in and out of their home as they settle in.

Day 10/10 is the Verification Walk. It is scheduled with the Warranty Department and the owner/buyers. At this point, we will discuss things like pest control, lawn and pool care, septic tank information, lighting systems, timers, keys, and transponders. Once everything on the punch list is completed, we arrive at the wonderful moment when the keys to the beautiful new home are placed in the homeowner’s hands.

Click below to view a one sheet that explains this process in a visual representation.

10 DAY CLOSING CHART FLYER.2021

The City of Cape Coral requires all canal properties to have a seawall built prior to the construction of a home. The purpose of the seawall is to prevent the water from eroding the property. Property owners have a few choices when it comes to the construction of a seawall. Following the proper steps prior to construction of the seawall is very important to ensure its integrity.

Prior to the start of construction on a seawall for your property you will want to have a licensed professional, specializing in seawall construction, do an analysis to determine what your site-specific property will require.

When Protected Plant and Animal Species are Present

An inspection of the property will help determine the scope of work and budget for the seawall. Some properties will need vegetation and rock removal, while others may need special permits for the removal of certain tree species that are protected in Florida.

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