Business Details
20 Years
experience
Your Trusted Custom Home Builders in Southwest Florida
Southwest Florida Dream Builders was founded in 2006 by Larry Cornell, a seasoned builder with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry. Our company is built on the philosophy of quality over quantity, ensuring every home we build meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. As a family-owned and operated business, we maintain direct involvement from start to finish, providing personalized communication and oversight without outsourcing key roles. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our Better Business Bureau A+ rating and long-standing relationships with trusted subcontractors who share our dedication to quality.We specialize in constructing hurricane-resistant homes using reinforced concrete blocks, impact-resistant windows, and steel-reinforced foundations designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. Our team of experienced professionals, including retired U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Christopher Cornell and sales expert Danny Cornell, works closely with clients to deliver fully customizable homes tailored to their unique visions and lifestyles.
Services
Custom Home Building
Floor Plan Design
Hurricane-Resistant Construction
Quality Craftsmanship
Personalized Customer Service
Block Construction
Home Renovation
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of combined experience in quality home construction.
- Our family-owned business provides direct owner involvement throughout the process.
- Built with hurricane-resistant materials meeting 160 mph wind standards.
- Better Business Bureau A+ rated since our founding in 2006.
- Maintain decade-long relationships with trusted, quality-focused subcontractors.
Associations and certifications
- Better Business Bureau
What people say
Quality construction
Process went very smooth
100% satisfaction
No hidden costs
Built correctly
Services
Custom Home Building
We specialize in constructing fully customizable homes tailored to client specifications. Our process combines personalized design consultations with premium materials and construction techniques. Each home features hurricane-resistant construction elements including reinforced concrete blocks, steel-reinforced foundations, and impact-resistant windows.
Floor Plan Design
Our team offers complete floor plan customization or modifications to existing designs. We work closely with clients to optimize space utilization and functionality. This service includes expert guidance on material selection, architectural details, and outdoor living areas like pools and lanais.
Hurricane-Resistant Construction
We build homes to withstand 160 mph hurricane winds using advanced construction methods. This includes steel-reinforced concrete foundations, hurricane straps connecting roofs to walls, and impact-resistant windows and doors as standard features.
Quality Craftsmanship
Our commitment to excellence ensures superior quality in every construction detail. We maintain strict quality control through direct owner supervision and long-term partnerships with experienced subcontractors who share our dedication to excellence.
Personalized Customer Service
We provide direct owner communication throughout the building process. Our approach emphasizes transparency, timely updates, and addressing client needs in real-time. This ensures a smooth building experience with no hidden costs or unexpected surprises.
People
Larry Cornell
Owner & Lead Supervisor
With over 40 years of construction experience, Larry holds the CRC license and personally oversees all projects. His management expertise ensures quality control while maintaining hands-on involvement in every home built.
Christopher Cornell
Operations Manager
A retired U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant, Christopher manages scheduling and subcontractor coordination. His military leadership experience streamlines project timelines and organizational efficiency for more efficient home construction.
Danny Cornell
Sales & Customer Service
With over 10 years in construction sales, Danny serves as primary client contact. His expertise in material selection and project specifics ensures clients receive personalized guidance throughout the building process.
Questions
How does your hurricane-resistant construction meet building codes?
Our homes use reinforced concrete blocks, steel-reinforced foundations, and impact-resistant windows rated for 160 mph winds, exceeding local hurricane code requirements.
Can I fully customize my home's design?
Yes, we specialize in complete custom home design or modifications to existing floor plans to meet your specific preferences and lifestyle needs.
What areas do you service?
We build custom homes throughout Charlotte County including Englewood, Rotonda West, South Gulf Cove, Port Charlotte, North Port, and Cape Haze.
How involved are owners during construction?
You'll work directly with owners at every stage with regular updates, as we don't use outsourced supervisors or third-party representatives.
What quality assurance measures do you have?
We maintain quality through direct owner oversight and decade-long relationships with trusted subcontractors who share our commitment to excellence.
What pricing options are available?
New homes start at $399,000 with customizable features, with current inventory including a spec home with pool starting at $545,800.
Reviews (6)
Mary Wcislo
Sep 14, 2021
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We recently used SWFL Dream Builders to construct our dream home in South Gulf Cove (Port Charlotte, FL). My husband and I cannot be more pleased. They were awesome to work with and their quality of work and attention to detail was outstanding. They worked with us hand in hand with us and the subcontractors to make changes and revisions to our home plans. They were always responsive, honest and up front with us. I would highly recommend them as a quality home builder. They did indeed make our dream come true!!
Anita Mrs. P. Plantamura
Apr 19, 2021
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This is a family run company who built my dream home from the ground up. They take pride in their work and it shows!! Our home is gorgeous! There is no middle man you deal directly with either the father or the son and they treat you like family. When you either call or email for any reason they respond within the hour or less! I highly recommend SWFDB!!! I am now living in my dream home thanks to the Cornells!!!
Bill Sullivan
Sep 12, 2020
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We are so excited about our new home from Southwest Florida Dream Builders. This is a great team and we highly recommend working with them. Very responsive to our needs and wanted to make us happy. You can't go wrong with this builder!
Service:Design
Service:Design
Stephen Becker
Jan 07, 2020
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This was our first experience building a home. I spent quite a bit of time researching builders so I felt confident using Larry Cornell and his sons. We truly have no negatives. Our home is exactly everything we dreamed of and more! Larry Cornell is in involved in every aspect of the build and very hands on. Towards the end he was at our home every evening checking on everything that was done during the day. He doesnt miss a thing! The new home biz in Florida is scary with many people getting ripped off by unscrupulous builders. You do not need to worry about the Cornells. Family owned and run
Phil Van Der Heyden
Oct 21, 2019
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When I had buyers looking to build a new home, we visited several local builders. After meeting with Larry & Danny of Southwest Florida Dream Builders, and seeing the quality of their work, and what they include which other builders consider upgrades, the choice was easy. During the construction process, questions were answered quickly, things progressed well, and allowing the buyer to make their own selections of many items makes it feel more of a custom home. The home was recently finished, and met all expectations. Everyone is happy! As a Realtor, recommending Southwest Florida Dream Builders
Nick B.
Aug 21, 2019
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SWFL Dream Builders recently built a new home for me in Englewood, Florida. They were extremely professional and gave attention to details. I was out of state during my build and they took the extra time to routinely provide updates and photos during the build to keep me in the loop. Overall I am very pleased with my new home and they have been responsive to all my questions and concerns.
