Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Custom Coastal Home Builders in Florida
Whitehead Construction has been a family-owned and operated business in Manatee and Sarasota Counties since 1864, with 80 years of dedicated construction expertise. Our team combines advanced engineering education, decades of coastal construction experience, and a commitment to ethical business practices to deliver superior custom homes. We specialize in design/build projects, collaborating with pre-qualified architects and leveraging in-house engineering to streamline processes while maintaining debt-free operations. Our 26-year average team tenure ensures deep industry knowledge and efficient project management, with a focus on cost-effective solutions and personalized client communication.We empower homeowners through transparent cost updates and hands-on guidance, minimizing surprises while maximizing value. Our coastal construction expertise addresses unique environmental challenges, ensuring durable, high-quality results. With over 600 homes built, we prioritize customer satisfaction through meticulous attention to detail and a streamlined permitting process. Our reputation is built on trust, with testimonials from prominent industry leaders and long-term clients. We integrate faith-driven values into our work, reflecting integrity and service excellence in every project.
Services
Custom Home Building
Architectural Design
DEP Consulting
Coastal Construction
Renovation Services
Details
- Year established: 1943
Highlights and features
- 80+ years of family-led coastal construction expertise
- In-house engineering reduces design time and costs
- Debt-free operations ensure client-focused priorities
- 26-year average team experience ensures project mastery
- Proven coastal construction methods withstand environmental challenges
What people say
Exceeded our expectations
Professional and eager to please
Beautiful home
On time and on budget
High-quality result
Services
Custom Home Building
We specialize in creating bespoke coastal residences tailored to client specifications. Our process integrates architectural design, engineering, and construction expertise to deliver high-quality homes in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. With 80 years of experience, we ensure each project meets structural demands while maintaining aesthetic appeal and budget constraints.
Architectural Design
Collaborative design solutions with pre-qualified architects and in-house experts. We streamline the design phase through engineering integration, reducing time and costs while maintaining coastal architectural integrity. Our partnerships ensure historical accuracy and modern functionality in Florida, Caribbean, and Hawaiian styles.
DEP Consulting
Specialized consulting for Department of Environmental Protection compliance and permitting. With a 100% success rate in permit acquisition, we guide clients through regulatory requirements, property assessments, and application processes to ensure project approvals without delays.
Coastal Construction
Expertise in constructing durable coastal structures that withstand environmental challenges. Our methods incorporate advanced engineering and material selection to address saltwater exposure, wind loads, and erosion control while maintaining aesthetic coastal design principles.
Renovation Services
Comprehensive renovation solutions for existing coastal properties. We modernize structures while preserving historical elements, improving functionality, and enhancing value through strategic upgrades that align with coastal living requirements and client lifestyles.
People
Brent Whitehead
President
Third-generation leader with structural engineering expertise. Oversees operations since 1980, combining family tradition with modern construction methods. Holds degrees in design engineering and architectural building construction.
Allison Kaffka
Architect
Fourth-generation Manatee County architect specializing in coastal styles. Educated at Rhode Island School of Design and Savannah College of Art & Design. Blends historical Florida architecture with Caribbean and Hawaiian elements in three-dimensional designs.
Larry
Project Manager
Experienced construction professional with decades of coastal project management. Known for exceptional client communication and overseeing complex builds from concept to completion while maintaining budget and schedule integrity.
Neil
Team Lead
Long-tenured construction expert with specialized coastal building knowledge. Coordinates subcontractors and ensures quality control standards across all projects while providing technical guidance to clients.
George Betz
Procurement Specialist
Key team member managing supplier relationships and material acquisition. Streamlines procurement processes to reduce costs while maintaining quality standards, ensuring timely project execution and client satisfaction.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We specialize in Manatee and Sarasota Counties, including barrier islands like Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island.
How long does a typical project take?
Most custom homes complete in 11-14 months, with timelines optimized through our integrated design/build process.
Can you work with my preferred architect?
Yes, we collaborate with client-chosen architects or provide access to our pre-qualified network for seamless design integration.
Do you handle permitting processes?
Our DEP Consulting division manages environmental permits and regulatory compliance with a 100% success rate in approvals.
What construction methods do you use?
We employ advanced coastal engineering techniques, including elevated foundations and corrosion-resistant materials for durability.
How are project costs managed?
We provide continuous cost updates during design phases and maintain transparent budget tracking throughout construction.
