Owner Builder vs Hiring On Your Lot | All State Homes
Owner Builder vs. Hiring an On Your Lot Contractor in Tampa Bay
In Florida, homeowners have the legal option to act as their own general contractor for a home built on land they own — known as 'owner-builder' construction. However, most financial professionals, real estate attorneys, and experienced homeowners who have gone this route will tell you that the risks significantly outweigh any potential savings. All State Homes, Tampa Bay's On Your Lot Builder since 1955, explains the trade-offs.
**The Appeal of Owner-Building** Owner-builders are motivated by the perception that eliminating a general contractor will save money — sometimes estimated at 10-20% of construction cost. In theory, managing your own subcontractors directly cuts out the GC's markup.
**The Reality** Managing a residential construction project in Florida requires obtaining and managing all permits, scheduling and passing all county inspections, coordinating dozens of subcontractors in the correct sequence, sourcing materials and managing delivery schedules, resolving disputes and quality control issues, carrying construction insurance, and staying current on Florida Building Code requirements. For most homeowners, this is a full-time job for 12+ months — and the mistakes can be costly.
**Why Professional On-Your-Lot Builders Like All State Homes Are Worth It** All State Homes brings over 70 years of on-your-lot construction experience to your project as a second-generation family-owned company. Their licensed team manages every aspect — architectural, engineering, permitting, inspections, and construction — with the efficiency that comes from decades of doing this every day in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Hernando, and Manatee Counties.
The peace of mind, speed, quality assurance, and warranty protection that comes with working with All State Homes are worth far more than the theoretical savings of owner-building — and homes start from the low $200Ks.
Call (813) 931-8952 or visit allstatehomes.com.
All State Homes serves all of Hillsborough County, from Tampa and Brandon to Plant City, Riverview, and beyond. As Tampa Bay's On Your Lot Builder since 1955, this second-generation family-owned company is committed to delivering quality custom homes on your lot at accessible prices starting from the low $200Ks. Every project is managed in-house — lot evaluation, architectural design, engineering, permitting, and construction — so you have one trusted team from first conversation to final walkthrough. Call (813) 931-8952 or visit allstatehomes.com to take the first step toward your custom home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be my own general contractor for on-your-lot construction in Florida?
Florida law does allow homeowners to act as owner-builders for homes on land they own, but the process requires obtaining all permits, managing subcontractors, scheduling all county inspections, and carrying construction insurance — all while complying fully with Florida Building Code. Most homeowners find the complexity, time commitment, and risk of errors far outweigh any potential cost savings. Working with All State Homes from the low $200Ks is typically the more practical and financially sound choice.
What are the risks of owner-building a home on your lot in Tampa Bay?
Owner-building risks include improper subcontractor sequencing that causes work to fail inspection, cost overruns from poor material management, workmanship disputes with subcontractors, building code violations, insufficient insurance coverage, construction liens from unpaid subs, and difficulty financing or insuring an owner-built home. All State Homes eliminates all of these risks through their licensed, bonded, and insured professional construction management.
Does All State Homes provide a warranty that owner-builders cannot offer?
Yes. All State Homes provides a workmanship warranty as a licensed Florida contractor (License CBC1266816). Owner-built homes do not come with a builder warranty, and homeowners may find it difficult to obtain homeowners insurance or resale financing for owner-built properties. A professionally built, warranted home from All State Homes provides both consumer protection during ownership and better resale value when it's time to sell.
