How New Construction Works in Citrus Springs

Thinking about building a home in Citrus Springs but not sure where to start? You are not alone. New construction can offer modern layouts, energy-minded features, and fewer surprise repairs, yet the process has many moving parts. In this guide, you will see how new construction works specifically in Citrus Springs, what to check before you choose a lot or builder, how permits and inspections unfold, and the steps to protect your investment. Let’s dive in.

Why build new in Citrus Springs

Citrus Springs is an unincorporated community in Citrus County. You will find everything from production neighborhoods with spec homes to semi-custom or custom builds on larger lots. That mix gives you choices on price, timeline, and level of personalization.

Local site conditions drive much of your cost and schedule. Utility access, soil and drainage, flood zones, and any recorded covenants can change your plan. A little homework up front saves time and budget later.

Start with smart lot due diligence

Before you sign a contract, confirm what you can and cannot build on a specific parcel. In Citrus Springs, these checks help you avoid costly surprises.

What to check before you pick a lot

• Utility availability: Verify if the lot has central water and sewer or will need a well and septic. Understand tap fees, connection timing, or the need for percolation testing.
• Flood risk: Determine the flood zone and base flood elevation. Ask what elevation, flood vents, or flood insurance may be required.
• Soils and drainage: Look for wetlands, conservation areas, or soil conditions that could add to site prep costs.
• Access and improvements: Clarify road access, stormwater requirements, and whether curbs or sidewalks are on you or the developer.
• Setbacks and coverage: Confirm setbacks, lot coverage limits, and any tree rules in county code or community CCRs.
• Records and restrictions: Review recorded plats, easements, CC&Rs, and any HOA architectural review rules.

Local sources to consult

• Citrus County Building Division for permit requirements, inspection scheduling, and typical plan review timelines.
• Citrus County Utilities for water and sewer availability, fees, and connection timing.
• Citrus County Property Appraiser and Clerk of Court for plats, easements, CCRs, and parcel history.
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center or the local floodplain administrator for flood zone determinations.
• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for contractor licensing and disciplinary history.
• Any local HOA or developer for assessments and architectural guidelines.

Choose your builder and build path

Your builder type shapes cost, timeline, and how much you can customize.

Builder types you will encounter

• Production builders: Model-driven floor plans, standardized options, and usually faster build times with fixed price lists.
• Semi-custom builders: More flexibility to modify plans and select finishes, with longer timelines and separate pricing for plans and lots.
• Custom builders: Full design flexibility. You typically purchase the lot and negotiate a construction contract. Timeline and price vary most here.

Spec home vs. lot-to-build

• Spec or inventory homes: Already started or nearly complete. Good for quicker move-ins, often within 3 to 6 months depending on scope.
• Lot-and-plan builds: Choose a lot and a plan, then wait through permitting and construction. Production builds commonly run 4 to 9 months from permit to Certificate of Occupancy. Semi-custom and custom can be 6 to 12 months or longer.

How pricing and contracts work

• Contract type: You may see a fixed-price builder purchase agreement or, for custom builds, a construction contract. Understand which you are signing.
• Lot premiums: Corner, cul-de-sac, and view lots often carry extra cost. Confirm this in writing.
• Allowances and upgrades: Ask how allowances are calculated and how overages work. Some structural options or design packages become nonrefundable after set milestones.
• Change orders: Clarify the approval process, pricing, and schedule impact for any changes after signing.
• Deposits and refunds: Review earnest money terms and what happens if the builder fails to deliver.
• Financing: Compare builder-preferred lender incentives with independent lenders. Look beyond credits to the total cost of your loan.

Timeline, permits, and inspections in Citrus Springs

Build timelines vary with design complexity, site conditions, and the county’s workload. Plan for flexibility.

Typical timeframes

• Spec homes: Often 3 to 6 months to finish, depending on materials and labor availability.
• Production lot-to-build: Commonly 4 to 9 months from permit to CO for a standard single-family home.
• Semi-custom and custom: Often 6 to 12 months or more, especially for complex plans.

County permitting and key milestones

• Permit application and plan review: Submit site plan, engineered plans as needed, utility approvals, and any drainage or environmental documents.
• Sitework and erosion control: Silt fencing, grading, and any tree removal permits may be required.
• Footing and foundation inspection: After forms are set, before pouring concrete.
• Framing inspection: After structural framing and sheathing are in place.
• Rough-in inspections: Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC while walls are open.
• Insulation inspection: Check R-values and installation per Florida Building Code.
• Final inspections and Certificate of Occupancy: Required for legal occupancy after punch-list items are resolved.
• Specialty inspections: Septic permits and final approvals if on septic, well construction and testing, and HUD or VA inspections when applicable.

Common local delay triggers

• Utility hookups: Waiting on water and sewer connections or main extensions.
• Septic approvals: Percolation issues or permitting delays on lots without sewer.
• Floodplain needs: Extra engineering, elevation, or mitigation for certain flood zones.
• Plan review backlogs: Re-submittals for incomplete plans add time.
• Supply chain and labor: Windows, appliances, or finish trades can lag.
• Weather: Heavy rain slows sitework and inspections.

Who schedules and pays for inspections

County inspectors handle code inspections. Builders typically schedule these. Your contract should state who pays the permit and utility fees. Many buyers also hire independent inspectors at key stages for added assurance. Coordinate access in your contract.

Protect yourself with warranties and representation

New construction comes with unique protections. Know what you have and where you may need added support.

What builder warranties usually cover

Many builders follow a common structure: one year for workmanship and materials, two years for major systems like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, and ten years for structural defects affecting load-bearing elements. Review the warranty’s scope, claim process, exclusions, and whether it transfers if you sell.

Florida buyers should also check the builder’s license and disciplinary history with the DBPR. Licensed-contractor claims may be eligible for the state’s Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund. For legal questions on defect procedures, speak with a Florida real estate attorney.

Why your own agent matters in new builds

Builder sales agents represent the builder’s interests. Your own buyer’s agent advocates for you, helps review contracts, and keeps an eye on allowances, upgrades, and change orders. Your agent can also push for clear contingencies on financing, appraisal, and independent inspections, and for defined completion deadlines and remedies for delays.

Independent inspections and punch lists

Schedule independent inspections at key points: foundation, rough-in, pre-drywall if available, and final. At your final walkthrough, create a detailed punch list and set expectations for completion. Keep dated photos and written records of requests, approvals, and any change orders.

Taxes, insurance, and financing basics

Property taxes are assessed after improvements are complete, so your initial assessed value may not match the contract price. Review local millage rates and consider filing for Florida’s homestead exemption if the home will be your primary residence.

Get a homeowners insurance quote early. If your property falls in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area, flood insurance will be required. Your insurer may request an elevation certificate or specific mitigation features.

For financing, spec and production homes often use standard mortgages. Lot-and-build scenarios may call for a construction loan or a construction-to-permanent loan. Confirm draw schedules, inspections, and documentation required by your lender.

Step-by-step checklist for Citrus Springs buyers

Pre-contract and research

• Get mortgage pre-approval and compare builder lender incentives to independent options.
• Verify utilities, flood zone, easements, and CCRs for the exact lot.
• Check DBPR licensing and the builder’s recent projects and references.
• Compare floor plans, standard features, and upgrade price lists across builders.

Contract and selections

• Have your buyer’s agent review the builder’s agreement.
• Confirm completion dates, warranty terms, allowances, lot premiums, and change-order rules.
• Get itemized pricing in writing and caps on allowances.
• Lock in independent inspection rights and site access at each build phase.

Construction and pre-closing

• Set a communication schedule for milestone updates with the builder and your agent.
• Order independent inspections at foundation, rough-in, pre-drywall if possible, and final.
• Attend the final walkthrough and document a clear punch list with timelines.

Closing and post-closing

• Confirm utility hookups and the Certificate of Occupancy.
• Collect warranty documents, homeowner manuals, and as-built surveys or plot plans if provided.
• File for homestead exemption if the home is your primary residence.
• Keep a maintenance log and submit warranty items within required timelines.

Move with a local partner

Building in Citrus Springs is achievable when you follow a clear plan and verify the details that matter most. Our team pairs deep Citrus County roots with a systems-driven approach so you get straightforward guidance, local insight on lots and utilities, and steady advocacy from contract to close. With RealTrends-verified production, in-house media, and a team model built for responsiveness, we make your new-build journey smoother.

Ready to explore lots, compare builders, or review a contract? Connect with Katie Spires. Let’s make your move together.

FAQs

How is new construction different in Citrus Springs?

• Citrus Springs has a mix of production neighborhoods and larger-lot semi-custom or custom options, with utilities and site conditions varying by parcel, which affects cost and timeline.

How long does a new build usually take here?

• Spec homes often finish in 3 to 6 months, production lot builds run about 4 to 9 months from permit to CO, and semi-custom or custom can take 6 to 12 months or more.

What should I verify about utilities before I buy a lot?

• Confirm whether the lot connects to central water and sewer or requires a well and septic, and get clarity on hook-up fees, timing, and any needed percolation tests.

Do I need flood insurance for a new home in Citrus Springs?

• If your lot is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, lenders will require flood insurance, and elevation or mitigation features may be needed.

Can I use my own inspector on a new construction home?

• Yes, many buyers hire independent inspectors at foundation, rough-in, pre-drywall if possible, and final, but you should secure build-phase access in your contract.

What does a typical builder warranty cover?

• Many builders use a 1-year workmanship and materials warranty, 2-year major systems coverage, and a 10-year structural warranty, but you should review exact terms.

Should I use the builder’s preferred lender?

• Preferred lenders may offer incentives, but you should compare rates, fees, and timelines with independent lenders and discuss options with your agent.