Ocala, Fl. - Architect/Contractor recommendation?

[chargermann]

I recently purchased a home in Ocala, Florida (Marion County) and wish to have an outbuilding constructed on the property. I have the land to accommodate the size I really desire - between 1500-2000SF.
Our HOA prohibits steel, therefore CBS or frame w/ hardy-board siding.

Can anyone recommend a local Architect to develop a set of 'approved' plans and a Contractor to perform the site work and erect the shell? The last two Contractors I called quoted me a price of $138K & $168K! I'm not asking for the Taj Mahal, but a simple building (sealed envelope) w/ overhang, 12-14' height, 6/12 roof, three roll-up garages doors and a few windows.

Any opinions on utilizing pre-drawn designs, such as what JustGaragePlans.com offers? Can these designs actually be signed and sealed by a registered Architect?

Thanks Guys. Your comments are greatly appreciated.

 

[fyrlt1]

unfortunately, you are finding out that when it comes to finding anybody that can do anything in a quality fashion or a timely manner at any price, well.......Ocala aint Miami.
any company in the construction trade in marion county is committed to working down in 'the villages', which is a booming area south of Ocala. for them to walk away from that goldmine for a small scale project like yours would guarantee they would charge you a fortune to do so and the construction time would be extensive, and you might not get their best crew. I've been down the road you are now on. good luck.

 

[ovrrdrive]

Ocala is just starting to build again after the big boom a few years ago saturated the market with unsold homes. As such there are a ton of subs out there that will still work pretty cheap. If I were you I'd get a white hard hat and play GC myself. If you have the time to oversee the build you would save a lot of money. I don't have an answer to your question but one thing I've learned about Ocala is that if you go to someone with a request like this they do their best to make you bleed. The town is full of poor people and rich people. The rich keep getting richer at the poor peoples expense too.

A lot of people are relocating to Ocala because the real estate is cheaper than it is down south or even up north. They're selling their small houses at market then coming here and buying houses twice as big for half as much money. Wages are low here, real estate is cheap, but I find that when you try to hire someone they are asking big city rates. It doesn't all add up sometimes...

 

[golferguy]

Yeah that Florida element will eat up your sheet metal and your Dodge needs a shelter but you know that already. I could store it in Ga. but will need the keys! lol

 

[wilkrod]

Howdy ,
Jeff here in Silver Springs.
I had a 40' X 30' CBS free standing garage built about 5 years ago by a local fella who specializes in such.
Nothing fancy, he supplied the plans/permits, managed the subs, basically did it all. I was into it for about $35K all in.
If you want to stop by sometime and see if you are interested I can give you his contact info.
Regards

 

[chargermann]

Howdy ,
Jeff here in Silver Springs.
I had a 40' X 30' CBS free standing garage built about 5 years ago by a local fella who specializes in such.
Nothing fancy, he supplied the plans/permits, managed the subs, basically did it all. I was into it for about $35K all in.
If you want to stop by sometime and see if you are interested I can give you his contact info.
Regards

Jeff, I'd like to reach out to your Contractor. Can you PM me his contact information please?

I did contact one local Contractor and he's in the ballpark of $60.00 a square foot.

Thanks everyone.

 

[taumac]

Welcome to the neighborhood and welcome from the West Coast Chargermann. It seems I found more guys from FL I didn't know about. I have no input into contractors but just wanted to welcome you.

 

[chops101]

I would definitely stay with and price out CBS, and stay close to Dade Co codes if your budget allows.