Thinking about building a new home in Port St. Lucie but unsure how long it will take or what it will really cost? You are not alone. New construction can be a smart move if you want modern finishes, energy‑efficient systems, and fewer near‑term repairs, but the process has many parts. In this guide, you will learn typical timelines, key costs, permits and inspections, and how to plan your budget with confidence in St. Lucie County. Let’s dive in.
New construction options in Port St. Lucie
Spec or inventory homes
Spec homes are already built or near completion. You can often close in 30 to 90 days once your contract is signed, depending on your lender and appraisal. You get less customization, and upgrade negotiation is limited, but the fast timeline can be a win.
Production to‑be‑built homes
You choose a floor plan, elevation, and options from a builder’s portfolio. If the home is not started, expect a multi‑month build. Base price covers standard finishes, while upgrades and lot premiums add to the total. If a home is mid‑build, your closing date depends on the construction stage.
Semi‑custom and custom builds
You get more say in plans and finishes. Timelines are longer, often 9 to 18 months or more, and soft costs like plans and engineering increase. This path fits buyers who want a unique design and are comfortable with a longer horizon.
Timeline from contract to closing in PSL
Typical milestone schedule
- Contract signing and deposit, 1 to 2 weeks
- You finalize your contract, make the deposit, confirm financing, and start options selections.
- Plan approval and permit application, 2 to 8 weeks
- The builder completes plans, engineering, and any HOA review, then applies for permits with the City of Port St. Lucie or St. Lucie County.
- Permit issuance and site prep, 2 to 6+ weeks
- Once permits are issued, the builder schedules a pre‑construction meeting, then clears the site and mobilizes crews. Utility coordination can add time.
- Foundation and slab, 1 to 3 weeks
- Includes municipal pre‑slab inspection.
- Framing, 2 to 6 weeks
- Framing inspection by the municipality occurs before closing walls.
- Mechanicals and rough‑ins, 2 to 4 weeks
- HVAC, plumbing, and electrical rough‑ins, followed by inspections.
- Insulation and drywall, 2 to 6 weeks
- Insulation inspection, drywall install, and base interior paint.
- Interior finishes, 4 to 10 weeks
- Cabinets, counters, flooring, lighting, and fixtures.
- Final systems and exterior, 1 to 3 weeks
- Commissioning of systems, landscaping, driveways, and cleaning.
- Final inspection and closing, 1 to 3 weeks
- Municipal final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy if required, then closing.
Total time ranges
- Spec homes: often 30 to 90 days from contract to closing if the home is move‑in ready.
- Production to‑be‑built: typically 4 to 10 months.
- Semi‑custom or custom: commonly 9 to 18 months or more.
Permits and inspections in PSL
Municipal permits and required inspections
For in‑city lots, the City of Port St. Lucie Building Division handles permits and stage inspections. For county lots, the St. Lucie County Building and Permitting Office is the authority. Common inspections include footing or pre‑slab, framing, rough mechanicals, insulation, and final. The contractor schedules these.
Independent inspections you control
Municipal inspections are essential, but a third‑party inspector adds another layer of quality control. Consider:
- Pre‑slab inspection to verify reinforcement and drainage.
- Framing inspection to review structure and rough routing.
- Pre‑drywall inspection for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC before coverage.
- Final inspection and an 11th‑month warranty walkthrough to document defects.
Who pays and how access works
You usually pay for independent inspections. Most builders allow a buyer‑hired inspector at defined stages, with coordinated access through the site superintendent.
What drives total cost
Base price, lot premiums, and site costs
The builder’s base price covers standard features. Lot premiums often apply for a corner location, water view, or cul‑de‑sac, and can be a meaningful add. Site work like fill, grading, and drainage can also affect costs. Utility tap or connection fees may apply depending on the property.
Interior and structural upgrades
- Minor finish upgrades: about $3,000 to $15,000.
- Mid‑level kitchen or bath package: about $15,000 to $50,000.
- Major structural changes or high‑end finishes: about $50,000 to $200,000+.
- Landscaping and exterior hardscaping: about $3,000 to $25,000+.
Structural changes, larger footprints, and deluxe kitchens usually move the budget the most. Lot premiums in certain communities can also be significant.
Soft costs and closing costs
Plan changes, engineering, HOA architectural review, and surveys may add fees. Closing costs include lender fees, title, recording, and prorations. Builders sometimes offer incentives with a preferred lender that can reduce out‑of‑pocket closing costs. Read the details before you commit.
Impact and utility fees to verify
Impact fees for roads, parks, or schools, and water or sewer connection fees vary by jurisdiction and can change over time. Ask your builder for the current schedules and confirm with the City or County utilities.
Financing for new builds
Financing for spec homes
Inventory homes often use standard purchase mortgages similar to resale transactions. Appraisals rely on comparable sales in the area.
Construction loans for custom builds
For custom or semi‑custom projects, you may use a construction‑to‑perm loan with draw schedules and lender inspections. Plan your rate‑lock strategy, and ask about float‑down options if available.
Appraisals and comps in PSL
Appraisals depend on available comparable sales. Some neighborhoods have plenty of new‑build comps, while others have fewer, which can affect underwriting. Your lender and agent can help you plan around this.
Smart planning checklist
- Get pre‑approved and confirm how long your rate can be locked.
- Identify your must‑have upgrades versus nice‑to‑haves.
- Ask for the full inclusion list, allowances, and current lot premiums.
- Confirm permit timelines with the builder and any HOA review steps.
- Build in a delay buffer for weather, supply, or permit backlogs.
- Schedule third‑party inspections at pre‑slab, pre‑drywall, and final.
- Track your punch‑list and follow up on completion deadlines in writing.
Contract and warranty essentials
Warranty coverage
Many builders offer a 1‑year workmanship warranty, a 2‑year systems warranty for mechanical, plumbing, and electrical, and a 10‑year structural warranty for major defects. Coverage details, claim process, and start dates vary, so get the documents and read them carefully.
Clauses to review with an expert
- Allowance schedules and what is included versus an upgrade.
- Lot premium details and what the premium covers.
- Change order pricing, deposits, and timing cutoffs.
- On‑time completion language and how delays are handled.
- Default, termination, and deposit refund conditions.
- Dispute resolution process and any arbitration requirements.
- HOA rules and your responsibilities at turnover.
Local watch‑outs in Port St. Lucie
- Permit and utility coordination can impact start dates, especially for new hook‑ups or sewer tie‑ins.
- Community infrastructure and amenity timelines may be phased. Ask when amenities are scheduled to open.
- Supply chain and labor availability affect lead times and upgrade costs during high‑demand periods.
- Appraisals can be sensitive to the number of nearby new‑build comps.
Ready to move forward?
Building new in Port St. Lucie can be smooth if you understand the steps, set a realistic timeline, and lock in your total budget early. If you want a guide who knows the process and the local market, reach out to Evan Sophir for concierge, education‑first support from contract to keys.
FAQs
How long does new construction take in Port St. Lucie?
- Spec homes often close in 30 to 90 days, to‑be‑built production homes take about 4 to 10 months, and custom builds commonly run 9 to 18 months or more.
What inspections should I order on a new build?
- Consider third‑party inspections at pre‑slab, framing or pre‑drywall, and final, plus an 11th‑month warranty walkthrough to document any defects.
Who handles permits in PSL and St. Lucie County?
- The City of Port St. Lucie Building Division handles in‑city permits and inspections, while St. Lucie County manages county lots and inspections.
What upgrades typically cost the most?
- Structural changes and high‑end kitchen or bath packages usually add the most, and lot premiums for select locations can also be significant.
What warranties come with a Florida new home?
- Many builders provide a 1‑year workmanship warranty, a 2‑year systems warranty, and a 10‑year structural warranty, with details set by the contract.
Who pays impact and utility fees on new construction?
- Builders often cover certain permits, but contracts may pass some impact or tap fees to the buyer at closing, so confirm the specifics in writing.
