Uncategorized
Remodeling Your Home in The Florida Keys
REMODELING YOUR HOME IN THE FLORIDA KEYS
Gulf Southern Construction Company are based in Key West and are the first choice for discerning local homeowners looking to remodel their property. With their azure waters, swaying palms, and vibrant culture, the Florida Keys, represent a slice of paradise coveted by many. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, this archipelago of islands offers a lifestyle that blends relaxation with adventure. As homeowners seek to enhance their slice of this tropical haven, remodeling projects in the Florida Keys have become increasingly popular.
Remodeling a home in the Florida Keys isn’t just about updating aesthetics; it’s about creating spaces that harmonize with the unique environment, withstand the elements, and reflect the laid-back lifestyle of the islands. From Key Largo to Key West, each island offers its own charm and challenges when it comes to home renovation.
One of the hallmarks of remodeling homes in the Florida Keys is embracing the island aesthetic. Homeowners often seek to incorporate elements of tropical design, such as open floor plans, natural materials like bamboo and teak, and vibrant colors inspired by the surrounding landscape.
Large windows and sliding glass doors are popular features, allowing residents to enjoy panoramic views of the ocean or lush vegetation. Many remodeling projects focus on creating seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living spaces, with expansive decks, patios, and outdoor kitchens perfect for alfresco dining and entertaining.
Living in a coastal environment means being mindful of sustainability and resilience. With the threat of rising sea levels and increasingly powerful storms, homeowners in the Florida Keys are turning to eco-friendly building practices and resilient materials.
From solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems to impact-resistant windows and hurricane-proof construction techniques, sustainability and resilience are top priorities for remodeling projects in the Keys. Many homeowners also opt for native landscaping that requires minimal water and maintenance, further reducing their environmental footprint.
The climate of the Florida Keys is characterized by warm temperatures, high humidity, and the occasional threat of hurricanes. Remodeling projects often focus on enhancing ventilation and airflow to keep homes cool and comfortable year-round.
Architectural features like high ceilings, louvered windows, and shaded outdoor spaces help mitigate the heat while allowing for natural ventilation. Additionally, incorporating energy-efficient appliances and HVAC systems can help reduce utility costs and lessen the environmental impact of home renovations.
While modernization is inevitable, many homeowners in the Florida Keys are passionate about preserving the island’s unique heritage and architecture. From conch cottages with their quaint charm to historic homes with rich stories to tell, preserving the architectural character of the Keys is a priority for many remodeling projects.
Restoring historic homes requires careful attention to detail and a commitment to preserving the integrity of the original design. Many homeowners work closely with preservationists and local authorities to ensure that their renovations adhere to historical guidelines while still meeting their modern needs.
Remodeling homes in the Florida Keys is a blend of art, science, and respect for the environment. It’s about creating spaces that not only reflect the beauty and charm of the islands but also stand the test of time and the elements.
Whether it’s embracing the island aesthetic, prioritizing sustainability and resilience, adapting to the climate, or preserving the island’s rich heritage, remodeling projects in the Florida Keys require careful planning, creativity, and a deep appreciation for this unique corner of the world.
As homeowners continue to invest in enhancing their piece of paradise, the spirit of the Florida Keys remains vibrant, resilient, and eternally captivating.
So, if you’re considering remodeling your property in the Florida Keys, make Gulf Southern your first port of call.
Local Guide – Key West & the Florida Keys
LOCAL GUIDE
Key West & the Florida Keys
For those looking to build their dream home and settle in Key West or indeed any of the Florida Keys, then let us introduce you to your new home. And remember, if you decide that this is the life for you, then call us on (305) 916-1645 to begin your journey to tropical paradise.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Key West is probably best known as the haunt of the legendary writer Ernest Hemingway. You can visit the house were ‘Papa’ penned some of his most famous works. The Hemingway House and its incorporated museum is open to the public 365 days a year from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Located in Old Town is Sloppy Joe’s, the landmark wateringhole that included Ernest Hemingway and many other famous authors of the day among its patrons. It is host to the Hemingway Look-alike contest, a curiously entertaining event held every July.
Nearby is the Dry Tortugas National Park, home to the historic Fort Jefferson National Monument, a vast 19th century military fortress, as well as pristine coral reefs that make it a haven for divers and snorkelers alike.
The Florida Keys are full of surprises, and one of the most unusual can be found in Key Largo. For a modest fee, you can take an actual cruise on The African Queen, the old steamboat immortalized in the 1951 movie of the same name, starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn.
Another popular draw for tourists is the Southernmost Point, that claims to represent the most southerly tip of the contiguous USA. A monument there in the form of a concrete buoy marks the spot.
Obviously the other main attraction of Key West is its wealth of tropical beaches, miles of pure white sand dotted with shady bowers of palms. Some of the best examples are Smathers Beach and Higgs Beach.
NIGHT LIFE
From Hemingway’s legendary Sloppy Joe’s Bar through to the Smokin’ Tuna Saloon, Key West offers a colorful range of places to drink the night away. It also provides a wide array of excellent restaurants, such as Fisherman’s Cafe and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Cafe. Live music is to be found in most establishments.
CLIMATE
Key West enjoys a tropical savanna climate, similar to the Caribbean islands. The Caribbean tradewinds and sea breezes keep the usual summertime highs to a pleasant level, with the thermometer rarely reaching beyond 90°F. Like most tropical climates, Key West has a wet and dry season. The dry season spans from November through to April, while May through to October is the wet season. During the wet season some rain falls on most days, though these intense showers quickly give way to glorious sunshine. Indeed, the temperate climate is such that according to the National Weather Service, the Florida Keys are one of the few places within the contiguous United States to have never recorded a frost or freeze.
SAILING PARADISE
TROPICAL BEACHES
SOUTHERNMOST POINT
HEMINGWAY HOUSE
Architectural Digest
Quality Is Key
Gulf Southern Construction Company brings commercial and residential design visions to fruition
Amidst ocean breezes, waving fronds, and characteristic Conch architecture, David Steinmeyer, president and partner of Gulf Southern Construction Company (GSCC), can be found leading a team as warm and welcoming as the Florida sun. With expertise ranging from planning and development to complete construction, GSCC’s craftspeople emphasize excellence from the moment ground is broken.
“We can do almost anything in-house,” says Steinmeyer. “If we don’t like the way a wall looks, I’ll have my own finishers come in and reskim it. If the trim isn’t working, we change it ourselves.”
Three recent projects — including Habana Cabana and Margaritaville Beach House resorts as well as residential project Key Haven Estates—display a beautiful balance of tropical artistry and careful funcionality, especially important in a region with rising tides and a higher salinity level than even Miami. This attentiveness extends to client relationships, ensuring no miscommunication happens down the line.
“GSCC is where integrity and performance meet,” says Charlie Crawford, partner at GSCC. Retired from the Navy and former regional president of LVI, he spent six years as lead superintendent of the Pentagon renovation after 9/11 and brings over 40 years of experience in the construction industry.
“Charlie exceeds the standards of excellence in construction,” notes Steinmeyer.
After transporting his organization from Louisiana to Key West in 2017, Steinmeyer embraced the intimate island atmosphere.
For one local, 77-year-old Alelia Butler, whose house burned down, GSCC worked alongside the fire department and other community members to rebuild her home from the ground up. The finishing touch? A Christmas tree placed in her living room, just in time for the holidays.
“I’ll never forget the look on her face when she was handed the keys,” he says. “Witnessing people’s pride when they see our creation is a great feeling.”
1. A home in Key Haven Estates boasts a contemporary design with touches of classic Key West architecture. 2. Another residence includes two front porches for afternoons taking in the warm South Florida climate. 3. In the lobby of the Margaritaville Beach House, exposed trusses reveal superior craftsmanship and enhance the refined beach bungalow aesthetic. 4. GSCC’s work on Havana Cabana melds Cuban influences with Floridian vegetation and features KeyWest’s largest pool. 5. A nighttime view of this residence showcases the pool’s built-in lighting system and the home’s symmetrical architecture.