At Rheace Contracting, we bring firefighter-owned integrity and second-generation craftsmanship to Delray Beach, one of South Florida’s most desirable coastal towns. Known for its award-winning Atlantic Avenue downtown district, pristine beaches, and luxury waterfront communities, Delray offers a rare combination of vibrant city life and private coastal living.
Building or renovating here requires a unique balance — respecting the historic architecture of neighborhoods like Del-Ida Park and Seacrest while delivering modern hurricane resilience and efficiency for oceanfront and Intracoastal estates. We specialize in ICF custom homes, luxury renovations, and bespoke additions that protect, perform, and inspire, ensuring your Delray residence is as enduring as it is beautiful.
In Seagate and the oceanfront corridors, homeowners expect architectural masterpieces that balance elegance with protection against hurricane winds and salt-air corrosion. We design and build ICF estates with elevated foundations, impact-rated glass, and bespoke interiors that maximize views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Tropic Isle is prized for its deep-water canal homes with private docks. Our projects here focus on hurricane resilience and marine-grade finishes while integrating luxury features like smart dockside automation, outdoor kitchens, and resort-style pools.
In Del-Ida Park and Delray’s historic districts, homes often feature classic architecture with strict preservation oversight. We renovate and modernize these residences by preserving exteriors while upgrading interiors with luxury finishes, energy-efficient systems, and discreet hurricane protections.
Near Atlantic Avenue, demand is high for modern urban residences, condos, and lofts. We specialize in high-end renovations that transform these properties into luxury retreats while maintaining the vibrant character of Delray’s downtown lifestyle.
Delray falls within Florida’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zone. Our ICF homes exceed these requirements with walls rated for 250 mph winds, reinforced roof systems, and impact-resistant fenestration, ensuring maximum resilience.
Proximity to the Atlantic means salt-air deterioration is a constant risk. We combat this with marine-grade coatings, stainless fasteners, and corrosion-resistant window and roof systems designed for decades of durability.
Oceanfront and Intracoastal homes often fall within flood zones. We engineer elevated stem wall foundations, site drainage systems, and waterproofing measures to mitigate storm surge and heavy rainfall risks.
In historic neighborhoods, exterior changes are tightly regulated. We manage the approval process with the City of Delray Beach’s preservation boards, ensuring compliance while delivering interiors that meet modern luxury standards.
Through our five-step Rheace Approach, we deliver a transparent, concierge-level experience. We begin with a private consultation to understand your vision, then partner with top architects to shape designs tailored to Delray’s unique character. Our team manages permitting, preservation board approvals, and HOA submissions as needed. During construction, our superintendent and vetted subcontractors oversee every phase with precision. At completion, we provide a white-glove walkthrough, warranty service, and continued client care, ensuring your Delray home is built for both luxury and longevity.
Rheace Contracting is the trusted builder for Delray homeowners seeking coastal luxury paired with hurricane resilience. As a firefighter-owned, second-generation firm, integrity and craftsmanship guide every project. Our expertise in ICF construction ensures homes that exceed code, reduce energy costs, and provide long-term protection. With transparent communication, fixed pricing options, and partnerships with the region’s finest architects and trades, we deliver homes that reflect the sophistication and vibrancy of Delray Beach itself.
Custom home construction in Delray Beach typically ranges from $180-350+ per square foot, with projects averaging $400,000-$1,500,000+ depending on size, location, and finishes. Coastal properties and downtown areas command premium pricing.
ICF construction adds approximately 3-5% to project costs while providing superior hurricane protection crucial for this coastal location. Properties near the ocean require elevated foundations, impact-resistant building envelope systems, and corrosion-resistant materials, increasing construction expenses.
Delray Beach's diverse neighborhoods range from historic districts to modern beachside developments, each with unique requirements affecting costs. Lot size, site conditions, flood zone designation, and proximity to utilities all impact pricing. Waterfront properties require additional investment in seawalls, docks, and marine-grade materials. We provide comprehensive estimates after site evaluation and preliminary design.
Delray Beach has its own Building Division under Development Services that processes all permits through the eServices online portal. The system allows fully digital permit submission, plan review, fee payment, and inspection scheduling.
Required permits depend on project scope and typically include building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and roofing permits. Properties near the ocean require additional environmental permits. Some neighborhoods have HOA architectural review requirements before city permitting.
Standard residential permits take 8-16 weeks for approval, with complex or waterfront projects requiring 12-20 weeks. Express permits for AC changeouts, water heater replacements, and re-roofs are expedited and issued within three days.
The Building Division conducts comprehensive plan reviews ensuring compliance with Florida Building Code, coastal construction requirements, and local zoning. Multiple inspections occur throughout construction. We handle all permit submissions and coordinate with city reviewers throughout the process.
Delray Beach enforces stringent coastal construction standards beyond standard Florida Building Code. Properties within the Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) require Florida DEP permits in addition to city approvals.
Key requirements include enhanced wind load standards for High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), impact-resistant windows and doors meeting Miami-Dade protocols, elevated first floor construction based on FEMA flood zones plus local freeboard requirements, and sea turtle protection measures during nesting season (March 1 - October 31).
Beachfront properties must maintain vegetation buffers, implement approved stormwater systems, use corrosion-resistant materials, and obtain separate permits for seawalls or docks. Historic districts may have additional architectural review requirements.
Many neighborhoods maintain architectural guidelines beyond city requirements. We ensure designs meet all regulatory standards while maximizing your property's coastal living potential. Our experience with Delray Beach coastal construction streamlines the approval process.
Yes, we build and renovate throughout Delray Beach, including historic districts like Pineapple Grove and the Beach Property Owners Association area. Properties in historic districts require additional architectural review to preserve neighborhood character and comply with design guidelines.
New construction and substantial renovations must respect existing architectural styles, scale, and materials. Historic preservation review occurs before standard building permits are issued, adding 4-8 weeks to timelines but ensuring community character preservation.
Common projects include historically-sensitive additions, modernization maintaining period exteriors, hurricane protection upgrades with approved impact products, and adaptive reuse of older structures. Properties in flood zones must meet current elevation standards even in historic areas.
We work closely with the city's Historic Preservation Board and Building Division to navigate requirements efficiently. Our experience balancing modern building codes with historic preservation ensures successful project outcomes.
Custom homes in Delray Beach require 18-26 months from design through completion. Timeline includes architectural design (3-5 months), city permitting (2-5 months), and construction (14-18 months).
Coastal Construction Control Line properties require longer permitting (4-6 months) due to state DEP coordination. Historic district projects add 6-12 weeks for preservation board review before standard permitting begins.Complex custom homes with extensive features, smart home systems, pools, and landscaping trend toward longer timelines. Properties in HOA communities require architectural review adding 4-8 weeks.
Weather considerations during hurricane season (June-November) can affect exterior work. Sea turtle nesting season (March 1 - October 31) may restrict beachfront work timing.
Delray Beach Building Division conducts multiple inspections throughout construction. Working with experienced local builders familiar with city processes prevents delays. Renovation projects: updates take 3-6 months, major remodels require 8-16 months.
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