Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Coastal Construction Excellence
Since 1864, the Whitehead family has been a trusted presence in Manatee and Sarasota Counties, operating a construction business for over 80 years. Our legacy of excellence is built on a foundation of advanced engineering expertise, coastal construction specialization, and a commitment to exceeding client expectations. As a design/build company, we integrate in-house architectural design with hands-on construction management, leveraging decades of experience to deliver custom homes that combine aesthetic beauty with structural integrity. Our team's average 26 years of industry experience ensures meticulous attention to detail, while our debt-free business model prioritizes client needs over inventory concerns.With a 100% success rate in DEP permitting and a network of trusted subcontractors, we streamline the construction process to minimize costs and timelines without compromising quality. Our engineering-driven approach enables precise cost management throughout every project phase, ensuring transparency and control for homeowners. This combination of technical proficiency, local knowledge, and ethical business practices has earned us recognition from prominent industry leaders and repeat clientele across Florida's barrier islands.
Services
Custom Home Building
Coastal Construction
Design/Build Services
DEP Consulting
Architectural Design
Permit Assistance
On-Site Management
Engineering Services
Renovation Services
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 1943
Highlights and features
- We have 80 years of continuous operation in Florida's coastal construction market
- Our team maintains 26 years average industry experience per member
- 100% DEP permit approval success rate for hundreds of past projects
- Debt-free business model ensures client-focused operations
- Integrated engineering and construction management reduces project timelines
What people say
Exceeded expectations
On time and budget
Professional team
Superior quality
Stress-free experience
Services
Custom Home Building
Specializing in luxury coastal residences tailored to Florida's unique environment. Our process combines architectural design with engineering expertise to create structurally sound, aesthetically distinctive homes. Each project benefits from 80+ years of local construction experience and a network of trusted subcontractors. We maintain strict quality control through full-time on-site management.
DEP Consulting
Navigating Florida's complex environmental regulations with 100% permit approval success rate. Our specialists handle all aspects of DEP applications, from initial consultations to final negotiations. This service ensures compliance while maintaining project timelines and budget integrity for coastal construction projects.
Architectural Design
Creating site-specific designs that blend Florida's coastal heritage with modern functionality. Our partnership with architect Allison Kaffka provides access to specialized coastal design expertise and 3D visualization technology. This service integrates historical elements from Florida, the Caribbean, and Hawaii into practical, buildable plans.
Engineering Services
Providing technical expertise that reduces construction costs and timelines. Our engineering team develops precise structural drawings and cost estimates early in the design process. This approach enables continuous budget management and minimizes unexpected expenses during construction phases.
On-Site Management
Maintaining quality control through dedicated on-site personnel. Our management team ensures adherence to specifications while facilitating clear communication between homeowners and subcontractors. This service provides real-time updates and proactive issue resolution throughout the construction process.
People
Brent Whitehead
President
Third-generation construction leader with structural engineering degree. Took company leadership in 1980, expanding coastal construction expertise. Holds advanced degrees in design engineering and maintains active industry involvement.
Allison Kaffka
Architect
Fourth-generation Florida architect specializing in coastal styles. Educated at Rhode Island School of Design and Savannah College of Art & Design. Brings international experience in Caribbean and Hawaiian architecture to Florida projects.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We specialize in Manatee and Sarasota Counties, with particular expertise in Florida's barrier islands including Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island, and Bimini Bay.
What construction services do you offer?
We provide full-service custom home building, architectural design, DEP permitting assistance, engineering services, and on-site project management for coastal properties.
How does your DEP consulting work?
Our specialists handle all aspects of environmental permitting, from initial consultations to final approvals. We maintain a 100% success rate in obtaining required permits while maintaining project timelines.
What makes your coastal construction different?
Our 80+ years of local experience combined with specialized engineering expertise allows us to address unique coastal challenges. We integrate design and construction processes to ensure structural integrity and aesthetic quality.
How do you manage project timelines and budgets?
Through early engineering involvement, continuous cost tracking, and experienced on-site management. Our debt-free business model prioritizes client needs while maintaining strict quality control.
