Should I Buy, Build, or Renovate in Sarasota County?

When you're thinking about a move or a major home upgrade, one of the biggest questions is where to start: should you build new, buy an existing home, or renovate the one you're in?

At Sennes Design Build, we've worked with countless Sarasota County homeowners in every stage of this decision, and we understand how important it is to weigh your options carefully. Sarasota is a uniquely beautiful place to live, with coastal charm, vibrant neighborhoods, and a competitive housing market. Your path forward should reflect your lifestyle, your financial goals, and the type of home you want to live in for years to come.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each option—building, buying, or renovating—and help you make the most informed decision for your situation.

Sarasota County: A Quick Overview

Before we dive into the specifics of each route, let’s set the scene.

Sarasota County is one of the most sought-after areas in Florida for both full-time residents and seasonal homeowners. With award-winning beaches like Siesta Key, a thriving arts and culture scene, top-rated schools, and no state income tax, it's easy to see why people are investing here.

However, like many desirable markets, Sarasota County has its challenges. Inventory is tight. Desirable properties sell quickly. And if you’re hoping to build, zoning, permitting, and available land can all play a role in your timeline and cost.

That’s why having the right plan and the right team is essential.

Option 1: Building a New Custom Home in Sarasota County

Building a new home is an exciting opportunity to design a space that’s completely tailored to your lifestyle. From floor plan to finishes, a custom home offers total control.

✅ Pros of Building:

• Personalization from the ground up
  When you build, every detail is your choice. You get to decide on the number of bedrooms, the layout of your kitchen, and the materials and finishes throughout your home.

• Modern efficiency and systems
  New homes are typically built with the latest codes, energy-efficient systems, and modern technology, which can result in long-term comfort and savings.

• Less maintenance and better warranties
  A new home means new materials, appliances, and systems that are less likely to need repairs and are typically covered by warranties.

• More location flexibility
  If you already own a lot or want to build in an up-and-coming area, new construction gives you options that aren't always available when buying.

❌ Cons of Building:

• Longer timelines
  Custom homes usually take 9 to 18 months to complete, depending on the size, complexity, site conditions, and local permitting process.

• Higher upfront cost and land acquisition
  Building can be cost-effective in the long run, but you need to factor in the cost of the land, site work, and construction loans.

• Permitting and zoning in Sarasota
  Coastal properties and certain neighborhoods may have building restrictions related to zoning or FEMA regulations.

💡 When is building the right choice?

Building a new home makes sense if:

• You want full creative control over the design and layout.

• You can’t find an existing home that meets your needs.

• You already own land or are open to purchasing a lot.

• You’re prepared to wait for the right result.

At Sennes Design Build, we specialize in custom home construction throughout Sarasota County. Our team will walk you through every step of the process, from design and planning to permits and final finishes, making sure your experience is smooth and stress-free.

Option 2: Buying an Existing Home in Sarasota County

Buying an existing home is the most familiar and traditional route. With a good realtor, a mortgage pre-approval, and a clear list of must-haves, you can begin your search right away.

✅ Pros of Buying:

• Faster process
  You can be moved into your new home within 30 to 60 days, depending on inspections and closing.

• Established neighborhoods
  Buying gives you access to mature communities, landscaped lots, and neighborhoods where new land is no longer available.

• Potential for negotiating
  Depending on the market, you might get better pricing, seller concessions, or included upgrades.

• Room to improve
  Buying doesn’t mean you have to settle. A well-located home with good bones can be improved through strategic renovations.

❌ Cons of Buying:

• Compromises may be required
  You might have to accept an outdated kitchen, a less-than-ideal layout, or finishes that don’t match your style.

• High competition
  Sarasota County’s real estate market remains competitive. Desirable listings may receive multiple offers or sell above asking price.

• Repair surprises
  Even after a thorough inspection, issues can arise. Older homes may come with hidden repair or maintenance costs.

💡 When is buying the right choice?

Buying makes sense if:

• You need to move quickly and prefer a shorter timeline.

• You’ve found a home in a neighborhood you love.

• You’re open to making improvements over time.

• You prefer the predictability of buying over building.

If you decide to buy, it's a smart idea to involve a renovation expert like Sennes Design Build from the start. We can help assess any home you're considering, so you understand the renovation scope and potential costs before making an offer.

Option 3: Renovating Your Current Home

Sometimes the smartest move is improving what you already have. Renovating your home lets you enhance the space you love without the stress of moving.

✅ Pros of Renovating:

• Stay in your favorite location
  If you're in a neighborhood you love or close to work, family, or schools, renovating lets you keep the benefits of your current address.

• Update and personalize your space
  Whether you're expanding your kitchen, creating a spa-like bathroom, or reworking your layout, you can create a home that better fits your lifestyle.

• Potentially lower cost
  Compared to building from scratch, remodeling can be more budget-friendly, especially when working within the existing structure.

• Equity gains
  The right renovation can boost your home’s value, especially in high-demand areas of Sarasota County.

❌ Cons of Renovating:

• Construction can be disruptive
  Depending on the scope of the work, you may need to live around construction or temporarily move out.

• Surprise issues
  Older homes sometimes reveal problems during demolition, such as electrical issues, mold, or structural concerns.

• Limits of the existing structure
  Not every home can accommodate major layout changes or additions, especially if there are zoning or design limitations.

💡 When is renovating the right choice?

Renovating is a great option if:

• You love your current location but need a better layout.

• You want to modernize without building new.

• You plan to stay long enough to enjoy the upgrades.

• You’ve built equity and want to reinvest in your property.

At Sennes Design Build, we take pride in our renovation work. From small updates to full home transformations, our design-build process makes it easy to improve your home without the stress and confusion that can come with traditional remodeling.

How to Choose the Right Option in Sarasota County

Still undecided? These four key considerations can help clarify which option is right for you.

1. Your Timeline

If you’re on a deadline, buying is typically the quickest option. If you have more flexibility, building or renovating may give you a better long-term outcome.

2. Your Budget

Renovating can often give you the best value per dollar spent. Building is the most expensive upfront but gives you the most control. Buying can vary based on market conditions and location.

3. Your Location Goals

If you love your street or neighborhood, renovating might be the easiest way to get what you want without moving. If you're hoping to change school zones, reduce your commute, or move closer to the water, building or buying may be necessary.

4. Your Long-Term Vision

If you're planning to stay in the area for many years, building or remodeling can help create your ideal home. If you're unsure about your future plans, buying a home that fits most of your needs may be a more flexible choice.

Work with Sarasota County’s Trusted Custom Builder and Remodeler

No matter where you are in your decision process, the team at Sennes Design Build is here to help. With decades of experience and deep roots in Sarasota County, we understand what it takes to deliver high-quality craftsmanship, excellent communication, and a finished product that feels like home.

We work with clients throughout the area on:

• Custom home builds

• Full home remodels

• Kitchen and bathroom renovations

• Additions and expansions

• Whole-home updates and energy-efficient upgrades

Our team handles everything from planning and permits to execution and finishing, all with a clear, fixed-price contract and a strong commitment to detail.

Let’s Talk About Your Next Move

We’d love to learn more about your goals and help you determine whether building, buying, or renovating is the right path forward for your Sarasota County home.

📞 Contact the team at Sennes Design Build today to schedule a consultation.

Let's start planning your dream home, your way.