Whitehead Construction

Business Details

Custom Coastal Home Builders in Cortez, Florida

Since 1864, the Whitehead family has been a trusted presence in Manatee and Sarasota Counties, operating a construction business for over 80 years. As a family-owned and operated company, we specialize in coastal construction, leveraging advanced engineering education, decades of hands-on experience, and a commitment to ethical business practices. Our design/build model allows collaboration with pre-qualified architects or clients' preferred designers, ensuring tailored solutions that prioritize quality and cost efficiency. With an average team tenure of 26 years, we deliver custom homes on barrier islands, emphasizing transparency, client control, and meticulous cost management.

Our process integrates structural expertise and continuous communication to minimize surprises, while our debt-free model focuses resources on exceeding client expectations. Recognized for excellence by clients ranging from Fortune 500 executives to local homeowners, we remain dedicated to innovation, craftsmanship, and community impact through partnerships like LoveServes International.

Services

Custom Home Building Coastal Construction Architectural Design DEP Consulting Barrier Island Projects

Highlights and features

We have over 80 years of experience in custom coastal construction.
Our team averages 26 years of industry expertise.
Debt-free operations ensure focused client service.
We integrate engineering and design for cost efficiency.
Proven success with complex barrier island projects.

What people say

Exceeded expectations Quality craftsmanship On time and on budget Professional and reliable team Superior built homes

Website

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Services

Custom Home Building

We design and build bespoke coastal homes tailored to client needs. Our process integrates engineering precision with personalized service, ensuring quality craftsmanship and adherence to budgets. Clients benefit from direct collaboration with experienced project managers and a streamlined design/build approach that reduces timelines while maintaining attention to detail in barrier island environments.

Coastal Construction

Specializing in challenging coastal environments, we employ advanced techniques to withstand harsh conditions. Our expertise includes elevated structures, hurricane-resistant materials, and compliance with strict environmental regulations. This focus ensures durable, code-compliant homes that maximize waterfront views while minimizing long-term maintenance needs for properties along Florida's barrier islands.

Architectural Design

We partner with skilled architects like Allison Kaffka to create custom coastal designs blending historical elements with modern functionality. Our team provides 3D visualizations and structural engineering integration, ensuring aesthetically pleasing plans that optimize construction efficiency. This service reduces design time by 30% through collaborative workflows between architects and builders.

DEP Consulting

Our consultants navigate Florida's Department of Environmental Protection requirements for coastal projects. We handle permit applications, environmental assessments, and regulatory negotiations, achieving a 100% success rate in securing approvals. This service simplifies compliance for clients while maintaining project timelines and budget integrity.

Barrier Island Projects

We specialize in complex builds on barrier islands requiring specialized logistics and environmental considerations. Our experience includes elevated foundations, marine-grade materials, and local code compliance. This niche expertise ensures smooth execution for remote locations while maintaining the highest standards of coastal resilience and aesthetic integration.

People

Brent Whitehead

President

Third-generation leader with structural engineering expertise. Took over in 1980, expanding the company's coastal construction reputation while maintaining family values of integrity and client focus.

Allison Kaffka

Architect

Fourth-generation Floridian architect specializing in coastal styles. Educated at Rhode Island School of Design and Savannah College of Art & Design, blending historical Florida, Caribbean, and Hawaiian elements into modern designs.

Questions

What areas do you specialize in building?

We focus on barrier islands like Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island, and Bimini Bay in Florida.

Can you work with my preferred architect?

Yes, we collaborate with clients' architects or recommend pre-qualified professionals like Allison Kaffka.

How do you manage project costs?

We provide continuous cost updates and use engineering efficiencies to minimize surprises and optimize budgets.

What sets you apart from other builders?

Our 80+ years of coastal expertise, debt-free model, and 26-year average team tenure ensure unmatched reliability.

Do you handle DEP permitting?

Yes, our DEP Consulting service offers 100% success in obtaining required environmental permits.

Reviews (2)

Write a Review

Ann Marie Hoeksema

Nov 21, 2019 Report

Whitead Construction is the best builder in Manatee County. We have partnered with them for over 20 years and can say they build stellar homes year after year. Brent and his his staff are a pleasure to work with.

Shelley Wheeler

Jun 15, 2019 Report

I am going to write a very positive review for Whitehead Construction, but it is with a lot of ambivalence since I want them to build my next house before all you folks reading this review employ them to build your house.
Seriously, Brent is a person of great integrity as well as being the most accomplished builder imaginable. His interactions with everyone impressed me. Our project manager, Dan Willis is a construction genius and was so easy to get along with(quite a feat since I changed my mind often...usually on the day of installation) Ann Newby keeps the show running smoothly with her positive