Picture this: a warm Central Florida morning, where the sun spills across your lanai and the air hums with the promise of a perfect day. You’re sipping coffee, surrounded by a home that feels like you—built for outdoor living, crafted with care, and designed to last.
At Westmont, we’ve spent 30 years turning these moments into reality for families across Central Florida. Our founder, Jim, has poured his heart into building custom homes that combine functionality, luxury, and the region’s vibrant outdoor culture. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how we do it and share tips to help you start your home-building journey with us. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Central Florida’s Lifestyle
Central Florida isn’t just a place—it’s a lifestyle. The endless sunshine, swaying palms, and love for outdoor living shape how we spend our days. Whether hosting a poolside barbecue or unwinding on a patio under the stars, life here flows outside. However, Florida’s climate also demands homes that can handle heat, humidity, and the occasional storm while keeping energy bills in check.
With three decades of building experience in this region, we know what it takes to make a home thrive. At Westmont, we design spaces inviting the outdoors in, like breezy lanais or outdoor kitchens that make entertaining a joy. We also prioritize durable materials and energy-efficient systems to keep your home comfortable year-round.
Tip #1: Dream big about your outdoor spaces! Whether it’s a cozy fire pit or a sprawling pool deck, tell us how you want to live outside, and we’ll make it a cornerstone of your home’s design.
The Westmont Difference: Experience and Relationships
Building a custom home is a big deal, and we get that. It’s not just about bricks and mortar—it’s about trust, collaboration, and bringing your vision to life. For 30 years, Jim and the Westmont team have honed a process that’s smooth, transparent, and dare we say, even fun. What makes us different? It’s our experience and relationships with our clients and subcontractors.
Unlike many in the building industry, where high turnover is the norm, Jim has carefully chosen and kept the subcontractors he works with. He treats them respectfully, values their craft, and builds genuine partnerships. This isn’t just a feel-good story—it sets us apart. Because Jim’s subs know they’re valued, they bring their A-game to every project, time and time again. The result? Consistent quality, fewer delays, and a team as invested in your home as you are.
Take one of our past clients. They wanted a home with a wide-open living area that spilled onto a lanai for family gatherings. Jim sat down with them, listened to their ideas, and worked with our trusted subcontractors to make it happen. The outcome was a space that felt like it was made for their family—because it was.
Tip #2: When picking a builder, ask how they work with their subcontractors. A builder like Jim, with long-term, respectful relationships, can deliver a home that’s built with care and precision.
Designing Timeless Homes for Functionality and Luxury
Your home should work as hard as it looks good, and at Westmont, we’re all about striking that balance. We create spaces that fit your life—whether that’s a bustling family hub or a serene retreat—while adding luxurious touches that make every day feel special. Think custom cabinetry, sleek quartz countertops, or smart home systems that let you control lighting with a tap.
Central Florida’s unique needs shape our designs. We use oversized sliders to let in that glorious sunlight, and energy-efficient features like insulated walls or solar-ready setups to save on bills. These choices make your home timeless, gorgeous now, and practical for years to come.
One family we worked with wanted a kitchen that doubled as an entertaining hub, with easy access to their pool. We designed a layout with a massive island, seamless flow to the lanai, and energy-efficient appliances to keep things sustainable. They told us it’s now the heart of every party—and their everyday life.
Tip #3: Make a “must-have” list before you start. Jot down what matters most—maybe it’s a chef’s kitchen or a low-maintenance yard—and we’ll use it to shape a home that’s uniquely yours.
Bringing Outdoor Culture Indoors
In Central Florida, the line between indoors and outdoors is meant to blur. At Westmont, we design homes that make this magic happen. Imagine sliding glass doors that tuck away to connect your living room to a lanai, or a kitchen that opens to an outdoor bar for sunset cocktails. These aren’t just features—they’re how you’ll live.
We love getting creative with these spaces. An outdoor shower for post-pool rinses, a shaded lounge for lazy afternoons, or a fire pit for marshmallow roasts—whatever your vibe, we make it work. One client, wanted a patio where she could sip tea and tend her herb garden. We built a cozy nook with easy access to a potting bench, and it’s become her happy place.
Tip #4: Think about how you’ll use your outdoor spaces. Are you hosting big parties or craving quiet moments? Share your lifestyle with us, and we’ll design areas that feel like an extension of your home.
Tips for a Successful Custom Home Journey with Westmont
Building your dream home should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Here’s how to make your journey with Westmont smooth and rewarding:
- Tip #5: Come prepared with inspiration. Bring photos, sketches, or even a napkin doodle—anything that sparks your vision helps us get it right.
- Tip #6: Be upfront about your budget. We’ll work with you to prioritize what matters most, keeping surprises at bay.
- Tip #7: Lean on our expertise. Jim and the team will guide you through every choice, from flooring to fixtures, with clarity and care.
- Tip #8: Look ahead. Think about how your needs might evolve—maybe space for grandkids or accessibility features—and we’ll build a home that grows with you.
With Westmont, you’re not just a client—you’re a partner in creating something extraordinary.
We Want You to Know…
We’re more than builders—we’re dream-makers. For 30 years, Jim has led our team in crafting custom homes that capture Central Florida’s vibrant lifestyle, blending functionality, luxury, and outdoor living. Our secret sauce? Deep experience, a passion for relationships, and a commitment to treating everyone—clients and subcontractors alike—with respect. From your first sketch to the moment you step into your new home, we’re with you every step of the way.
Ready to build your forever home? Reach out to Westmont today. Visit our website or give us a call to start the conversation. We can’t wait to hear about your vision—what’s the one feature you’re dreaming of? Let’s make it happen and create a home as full of life as Central Florida itself.
