Rebuild or repair? Get a straight answer first
Many Fort Myers owners are weighing whether to repair an older or storm-damaged home or replace it. The FEMA substantial improvement rule (often called the 50% rule) is usually the deciding factor: when the cost of improvements or repairs reaches 50% of the structure's market value, the building generally must be brought into compliance with current floodplain requirements, which can mean elevating it.
Before you spend money on plans, we help you understand how the rule applies to your property and compare the cost and schedule of repairing, renovating and rebuilding.
City of Fort Myers or Lee County
A Fort Myers mailing address does not always mean the City of Fort Myers reviews your permit. Many homes are in unincorporated Lee County, which has its own building department and its own substantial improvement process. We confirm jurisdiction at the first visit and plan the schedule around that office.
Built higher and built stronger
New homes in Fort Myers flood zones are designed around the required floor elevation, which drives the foundation type, the garage and entry layout, and the look of the home. We coordinate surveys and elevation certificates, and build to current Florida Building Code wind requirements with impact-rated windows and doors.
What we build in Fort Myers
- Custom homes on your lot
- Knockdown and rebuild projects
- Elevated homes on stem wall, raised slab or piling foundations
- Riverfront and canal-front homes
- Hurricane-rated construction and impact openings
- Additions and guest houses where zoning allows