At Rheace Contracting, we bring firefighter-owned integrity and second-generation craftsmanship to Palm City, one of Martin County’s most sought-after residential areas. Known for its St. Lucie Riverfront estates, golf course communities, and large-acreage properties, Palm City is ideal for families and individuals seeking both luxury and privacy.
Building or renovating in Palm City requires expertise in coastal engineering, flood management, and multi-structure planning. We specialize in ICF custom homes, high-end renovations, and bespoke additions that deliver storm-ready strength, energy efficiency, and timeless design — creating homes built to last for generations.
Harbour Ridge offers luxury residences paired with private marina access and golf amenities. We design and build ICF homes here that integrate dockside living, elevated foundations, and seamless indoor-outdoor spaces, tailored for riverfront lifestyles.
Communities like Piper’s Landing and Martin Downs are known for expansive golf course estates. We specialize in both new builds and large-scale renovations that transform existing homes into modern luxury retreats, complete with gourmet kitchens, spa-inspired baths, and energy-efficient systems.
In Four Rivers and other riverfront enclaves, properties demand careful planning for flood mitigation, dockage, and storm readiness. Our homes combine ICF strength with architectural elegance, ensuring both safety and sophistication.
Palm City is also home to large-acreage lots where families build private estates. We design and construct multi-structure compounds that may include main residences, guest houses, barns, and detached garages — all engineered for resilience and functionality.
Palm City’s coastal exposure requires compliance with Florida’s HVHZ standards. We exceed these with ICF walls engineered for 250 mph winds, reinforced roof systems, and impact glass that ensures superior hurricane resilience.
Waterfront homes along the St. Lucie River are often located within flood zones. We engineer elevated stem wall foundations, drainage systems, and waterproofing solutions to protect against storm surge and rising water levels.
Riverfront properties are exposed to salt-laden air that accelerates deterioration. We use marine-grade materials, stainless fasteners, and coastal-rated roofing and window systems to extend durability.
Large tracts of land require thoughtful integration of utilities, driveways, and drainage across the property. We coordinate entire estate layouts to ensure functionality without compromising luxury design.
Through our five-step Rheace Approach, we simplify complex builds into a seamless client experience. We begin with a private consultation to capture your lifestyle needs, then collaborate with elite architects and designers to create tailored plans. Our team manages permitting, HOA and ARB approvals, and site-specific engineering for riverfront or acreage properties. During construction, our superintendent oversees every detail with precision, and at completion, we deliver your home with a white-glove walkthrough, warranty service, and long-term support.
Rheace Contracting is the trusted builder for Palm City homeowners who want luxury residences that balance family living with coastal resilience. As a firefighter-owned, second-generation firm, we lead with integrity and transparency. Our expertise in ICF construction ensures homes that exceed code, reduce energy costs, and provide unmatched durability. From golf estates in Piper’s Landing to riverfront homes in Four Rivers, we deliver projects marked by craftsmanship, white-glove service, and timeless design.
Custom home construction in Palm City typically ranges from $150-280 per square foot, with total projects averaging $350,000-$700,000+ depending on size, finishes, and location. This master-planned community in Martin County offers diverse building opportunities from inland neighborhoods to St. Lucie River waterfront properties.
ICF construction adds approximately 3-5% to project costs but delivers superior hurricane resistance and energy performance. Waterfront properties along the St. Lucie River require elevated foundations and marine-grade materials, increasing construction costs.
Factors affecting pricing include lot size and preparation, flood zone designations, proximity to utilities, and whether properties include dock or seawall work. We provide comprehensive estimates after site assessment and architectural planning.
Palm City building permits are processed through Martin County Building Department via the Accela Citizen Access (ACA) online portal. The permitting process requires complete architectural plans, engineering calculations, and energy compliance documentation.
Standard permits include building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits based on project scope. Waterfront properties require additional approvals: environmental permits for work near the St. Lucie River, dock permits through Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and potential seawall permits.
Processing times average 8-16 weeks for standard residential projects and 12-20 weeks for waterfront properties with environmental considerations. Martin County conducts thorough plan reviews and requires inspections at each construction phase. We handle all permit applications and agency coordination.
Palm City adheres to Martin County zoning regulations and the Florida Building Code. Key requirements include hurricane wind load standards, flood elevation compliance for designated FEMA zones, proper stormwater management, and energy efficiency standards.
Residential zoning varies by neighborhood, with different setback requirements, height restrictions, and lot coverage limits. Many Palm City neighborhoods have HOA architectural guidelines beyond county requirements. Waterfront properties face additional regulations including wetland buffers and riverfront setbacks.
Martin County Building Department reviews plans for code compliance before issuing permits. Construction requires multiple inspections including foundation, framing, mechanical, and final inspections. Properties built post-2002 must meet enhanced wind resistance standards. We ensure designs meet all applicable codes and neighborhood requirements.
Yes, we provide comprehensive renovation services for Palm City homes. Popular projects include kitchen and bathroom remodels, room additions, hurricane protection upgrades, and outdoor living space additions.
Renovations require Martin County building permits. For homes in flood zones, substantial improvement rules apply when renovation costs exceed 50% of the structure's pre-improvement value, potentially requiring elevation of the entire house to current flood standards.
Common upgrades include installing impact-rated windows and doors, updating HVAC systems, structural modifications for open floor plans, and adding or improving outdoor spaces. For occupied homes, we coordinate work to minimize disruption to daily life.
Renovation timelines vary by scope: kitchen/bath updates take 3-5 months, room additions require 4-6 months, and full-home renovations span 8-14 months including permitting and construction.
New home construction in Palm City typically requires 16-22 months from initial design through completion. The timeline includes architectural design and engineering (3-4 months), Martin County permitting (2-4 months standard, 3-5 months waterfront), and construction (12-16 months).
Waterfront properties along the St. Lucie River require longer permitting due to environmental agency coordination. Custom homes with complex designs or extensive site work may extend timelines.
Weather delays during hurricane season (June-November) can affect schedules. Martin County requires inspections at multiple construction milestones, and work cannot proceed until inspections pass. Builder experience with Martin County processes significantly impacts timeline efficiency.
HOA architectural review in certain Palm City neighborhoods adds 4-8 weeks before county permitting begins.
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