At Rheace Contracting, we bring firefighter-owned integrity and second-generation craftsmanship to Wellington, the winter equestrian capital of the world. From Grand Prix equestrian estates and polo compounds to luxury residences in gated golf communities, Wellington represents a blend of sporting tradition, rural acreage, and refined living.
Building in Wellington requires expertise beyond standard residential construction. Properties often include multi-structure layouts — barns, stables, guest houses, and covered arenas — in addition to main residences. Soil stabilization, flood control, and hurricane resilience are critical considerations. We specialize in ICF custom homes, estate-scale renovations, and bespoke additions that meet the demands of equestrian living while delivering timeless luxury and long-term performance.
In Wellington’s Equestrian Preserve, estates often span multiple acres and include horse facilities alongside luxury residences. We design and build compounds with hurricane-ready ICF homes, state-of-the-art barns, and outdoor arenas, ensuring both residents and horses are protected and comfortable year-round.
The Palm Beach Polo & Golf Club blends equestrian heritage with golf community sophistication. Here, we specialize in modernizing existing homes with luxury renovations, additions, and energy-efficient upgrades, delivering timeless style that aligns with the club’s prestige.
In the Wellington Aero Club, private hangars are integrated into estate properties. We build and renovate luxury residences that combine modern architecture with aviation functionality, while still prioritizing hurricane resilience and efficiency.
Wellington’s gated neighborhoods, from Olympia to Versailles, offer upscale family living. We specialize in transforming homes through high-end renovations and additions, creating gourmet kitchens, expanded owner’s suites, and whole-home upgrades tailored to modern lifestyles.
Though inland, Wellington falls under Palm Beach County’s strict HVHZ requirements. We exceed these codes with ICF walls engineered for 250 mph winds, reinforced roofing systems, and impact glass, ensuring homes and barns alike are storm-ready.
Wellington’s low-lying land and equestrian properties require careful water management. We engineer site grading, swales, and French drains to protect both residences and equestrian facilities from flooding, safeguarding the health of the property and its animals.
Building in Wellington often involves compound layouts with multiple structures. We design and coordinate entire estates — including barns, arenas, guest houses, and detached garages — ensuring every structure functions as part of a cohesive property.
In golf and gated communities such as Palm Beach Polo, HOA and ARB approvals are mandatory. We manage this process with precision, delivering homes that comply with community standards while reflecting each client’s unique vision.
Through our five-step Rheace Approach, we simplify the building process in Wellington’s complex environment. We begin by aligning your vision with tailored architectural designs, then coordinate with top architects, equestrian planners, and engineers. Our team manages permitting, HOA, and ARB submissions, as well as site-specific challenges like flood control and utility integration. During construction, our superintendent oversees each phase with precision. At completion, we provide a white-glove walkthrough, warranty service, and long-term support — a process designed for the demands of Wellington’s prestigious clientele.
Rheace Contracting is uniquely positioned to serve Wellington homeowners seeking luxury combined with equestrian functionality. As a firefighter-owned, second-generation firm, we operate with integrity and trust at the forefront. Our expertise in ICF construction ensures residences and barns that outperform code, reduce energy costs, and stand strong through hurricanes. With transparent communication, fixed pricing options, and partnerships with the region’s best architects and trades, we deliver projects that meet the high standards of Wellington’s equestrian and luxury communities.
Custom home construction in Wellington typically ranges from $150-280 per square foot, with projects averaging $350,000-$800,000+ depending on size and finishes. This premier equestrian community in western Palm Beach County offers diverse building opportunities from standard residential to expansive estate properties with horse facilities.
ICF construction adds approximately 3-5% to total costs while providing enhanced energy efficiency and hurricane resistance. Properties with equestrian facilities—barns, arenas, paddocks—require additional investment beyond standard home construction.
Wellington's various neighborhoods have different requirements affecting costs, from standard residential lots to multi-acre estates. Factors include lot size and preparation, community HOA requirements, and distance from utilities. Acreage properties may need well and septic systems. Equestrian facilities require specialized engineering and additional permits. We provide detailed estimates after site analysis and design consultation.
Wellington has its own Building Department that processes permits for the municipality. The village maintains specific building codes and zoning regulations separate from Palm Beach County.
Required permits include building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and specialized permits for pools, fences, and equestrian facilities. Many Wellington neighborhoods have HOA architectural review boards requiring approval before village permitting begins.
Standard residential permits typically take 8-16 weeks for approval. Properties with equestrian facilities or complex custom features may require 12-20 weeks due to additional engineering and review requirements.
Wellington conducts thorough plan reviews ensuring compliance with Florida Building Code and local requirements. Multiple inspections are required throughout construction at foundation, framing, mechanical, and final stages. Equestrian facilities need separate permits and inspections for barns, arenas, and other structures. We manage all permit applications and coordinate with village departments and HOAs.
Yes, Wellington is renowned as a premier equestrian community with specific provisions for horse properties. Many neighborhoods are zoned for equestrian use, allowing barns, riding arenas, paddocks, and related facilities.
Building equestrian facilities requires specialized permits beyond standard residential construction. Barn construction must meet agricultural building codes with proper ventilation, electrical systems, and fire safety. Riding arenas need engineering for proper footing, drainage, and cover structures if enclosed.
Zoning determines allowed structures, setback requirements, and number of horses permitted. Some neighborhoods have mandatory equestrian facilities, while others prohibit them. Equestrian properties require additional site considerations including manure management, water supply for horses, and trailer access.
While we focus on residential construction, we can coordinate with specialized equestrian contractors for properties requiring horse facilities. Our expertise covers the residential home construction while working alongside equestrian specialists to deliver complete estate properties meeting Wellington's unique community standards.Retry
Most Wellington neighborhoods have active HOAs with architectural review boards requiring approval before village building permits. HOA requirements vary significantly by community but typically address architectural style, exterior materials and colors, landscaping standards, fence types and heights, and in equestrian communities, barn and facility aesthetics.
HOA architectural review typically takes 4-8 weeks before village permitting begins. Some communities require multiple review stages for preliminary and final plans. Non-compliance can result in construction delays or required modifications.
We research specific HOA requirements early in the design process, ensuring plans meet community standards before submission. Our experience with Wellington's diverse HOAs streamlines approvals and prevents costly redesigns.
Beyond aesthetics, HOAs often regulate construction timing, contractor parking, and site cleanliness during building. We coordinate with HOAs throughout construction maintaining positive community relations.
Custom homes in Wellington require 16-24 months from initial design through completion. Timeline includes architectural design (3-4 months), HOA and village permitting (3-5 months combined), and construction (12-16 months).
Properties with equestrian facilities require longer timelines due to additional permitting for barns, arenas, and agricultural structures. Large estate properties with extensive landscaping and outbuildings trend toward the longer end.
HOA architectural review adds 4-8 weeks before village permitting begins. Complex custom homes or properties requiring engineering for site conditions need additional design time.
Weather impacts schedules, particularly during Florida's summer rainy season. Wellington Building Department requires inspections at multiple construction milestones.
Renovation timelines depend on scope: kitchen/bath updates take 3-5 months, room additions require 5-7 months, comprehensive renovations need 8-14 months. Adding or updating equestrian facilities typically requires 4-8 months depending on complexity.