Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Construction Corps holds the highest level of General Contractor license in both Florida and California. We’re also licensed in plumbing, electrical, and mold remediation, with every worker on-site properly insured and certified. We never use unlicensed or uninsured subcontractors, protecting you and your property from liability.

Absolutely. Our team is fully equipped for residential, commercial, and federal projects, from full home remodels and additions to restaurants, schools, and office renovations.

We proudly serve Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, including Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Belleair, Largo, and Tampa. We also operate licensed teams in California.

Design-build means one firm holds a single contract for both the design and the construction of your project. In the traditional model, you hire an architect, then an engineer, then bid the drawings to contractors, and when something on the drawings does not work in the field, you become the messenger between three companies. With design-build, the people drawing the plans and the people building them work under the same roof, so constructability problems get solved on paper instead of on your jobsite. At Construction Corps, our in-house design, drafting, engineering, and permitting team works alongside our field crews, which reduces change orders and keeps drawings, budget, and construction aligned from the first meeting.

Most general contractors hold one license and subcontract everything else, which means design questions, engineering revisions, and trade coordination all pass through outside companies with their own schedules and margins. Construction Corps holds a certified general contractor license (CGC1530192), operates as a registered engineering firm (FBPE39242), and holds certified electrical (EC13013956), plumbing (CFC1432954), mold remediation (MRSR5676), and mold assessor (MRSA5772) licenses. That structure lets us seal our own drawings, coordinate MEP design internally, and self-perform or directly supervise the trades that most often cause delays. Holding both the mold assessor and mold remediation licenses is notable because Florida law prohibits the same company from assessing and remediating the same project, so we can serve either role with full licensing behind it. For the homeowner, it means fewer handoffs, faster answers, and one company accountable for the whole project.

Under Florida Statute 489.1195, every licensed contracting business must have a qualifying agent, a licensed individual who is legally responsible for supervising the company’s work in that trade and its financial conduct. When you check a contractor on the DBPR license portal, you are really checking whether a real, accountable person stands behind the company name. Some companies “rent” a license from a qualifier who never visits their jobs, which is a red flag Florida regulators actively pursue. Construction Corps holds six Florida licenses, and each is backed by its own qualifying agent working inside the company: owner Matt Thompson qualifies the general contractor license, and our electrical and plumbing licenses are each qualified by licensed professionals on our team. That means every trade we are licensed in has a named, accountable license holder involved in the business, not a name borrowed from outside.

SDVOSB stands for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, a federal certification verified through the SBA that allows a company to compete for set-aside government contracts. Certification requires proof that a service-disabled veteran owns and controls the company, not just holds a title. Construction Corps holds active SDVOSB and VOSB certification, which reflects verified veteran ownership and opens federal, VA, and municipal contracting channels that most local general contractors cannot access. For private clients, the certification is also a trust signal: the same documentation discipline the federal government requires is applied to every residential and commercial project we run.

It depends on the type of work being performed. Projects involving structural changes, electrical, plumbing, or other regulated improvements typically require permits, while minor cosmetic updates may not. Construction Corps coordinates permitting and inspection requirements where applicable, working with local municipalities and private providers to support proper approvals and compliance.

Every city and county runs its own review queue: City of Clearwater, unincorporated Pinellas, City of St. Petersburg, Tampa, and unincorporated Hillsborough all have different reviewer workloads, resubmittal cycles, and seasonal backlogs. Most residential permits across Tampa Bay run 6 to 12 weeks, but the same drawing set can clear one jurisdiction in a month and sit in another for a full quarter. The single biggest driver of permit speed is submitting a complete, coordinated drawing set the first time, because every review comment cycle can add weeks. This is where an in-house design and permitting team earns its keep, and where a private provider under Florida Statute 553.791 can compress the timeline further regardless of jurisdiction.

You take on the risk legally and financially. Unpermitted work can lead to fines, stop-work orders from the building department, potentially having to redo the work, and denied insurance claims. It may also affect resale value. Construction Corps ensures every project that requires a permit is fully permitted and up to code so you’re protected from those risks.

Florida Statute 553.791 allows a licensed private provider to perform building plan review and inspections in place of the local building department, enforcing the exact same Florida Building Code to remain in complete legal compliance. On most projects this cuts 6 to 12 weeks out of the permit timeline, because private providers turn reviews around in days instead of the multi-week queues at busy jurisdictions. The provider charges a fee, typically $4,000 to $9,000 on a new build, which often pays for itself in reduced construction loan carrying costs. Construction Corps evaluates the private provider option on every project and walks you through the math for your specific jurisdiction and timeline.

For new construction and for substantial improvements, yes: the lowest floor must be elevated to or above the required flood elevation for your zone, and V zones (velocity zones) add pile or column foundation requirements and breakaway wall construction below the flood line. Existing homes can generally remain as they are until the work you do triggers the substantial improvement rules. Elevated coastal construction is a specialty of ours; these projects require surveys, geotechnical work, FEMA elevation certificates, and engineering coordination before a meaningful price can even be developed. The cost difference is significant, which is why site zone is one of the first questions we ask in any consultation.

Under FEMA’s substantial improvement rule, adopted into local floodplain ordinances, if the cost of improvements to a structure in a flood zone exceeds 50 percent of the building’s market value (the structure only, not the land), the entire building must be brought into compliance with current flood regulations, which usually means elevation. This is the rule that surprises coastal homeowners planning large remodels: a renovation budget that crosses the threshold can convert a remodel into a mandatory elevation project. Jurisdictions track improvement costs, and some look back across multiple permits over a period of years. We evaluate the 50 percent exposure early in design on every flood zone project so the rule never surprises a client mid-permit.

Impact fees on a new single-family home in unincorporated Pinellas commonly total $8,000 to $22,000, covering categories such as transportation, schools, parks, and emergency services, with the exact figure driven by home size and bedroom count. Water and sewer tap or connection fees are additional and depend on service distance and provider. These fees are set by ordinance, paid directly to the agencies, and passed through in our contracts with no markup. A new detached ADU carries lower impact fees than a full home, often in the $4,000 to $9,000 range, and we confirm exact figures with the jurisdiction during the design phase.

Construction Corps develops proposals based on planning, project requirements, and, where applicable, construction plans. This approach allows costs to be evaluated accurately before construction begins. Proposals are prepared to reflect realistic construction conditions rather than preliminary assumptions, helping reduce unexpected changes during the project and supporting informed decisions prior to execution.

Our projects are completed by our in-house field crews, trusted trade partners, or a combination of both depending on the needs of the project. Every professional involved is carefully vetted and meets strict standards for licensing, workers’ compensation, and liability coverage. Your dedicated project manager oversees the work through a combination of site visits and detailed daily logs with photos, ensuring consistent quality, accountability, and clear communication throughout your project.

You will receive consistent communication at every stage of your project. Your project manager provides weekly updates to review progress, answer questions, and outline next steps so you always know exactly where things stand. Throughout the process, you will also work with key members of our team, including your sales estimator, head of design for construction plans, permit technician during permitting, and our selections coordinator and production team during pre-construction and construction. This structured approach ensures you always have the right expert guiding you from start to finish.

Construction Corps coordinates permitting and inspections where required. Documentation is prepared and submitted, and inspections are scheduled at the appropriate stages of construction. This ensures work proceeds in accordance with local building requirements and remains aligned with approval and inspection processes.

Unforeseen conditions can arise during construction, particularly when working within existing structures. When they do, they are evaluated, communicated, and addressed with clear next steps. Adjustments are made based on the needs of the project and incorporated in a controlled manner to keep delays as limited as possible.

Quality is maintained through licensed oversight, structured project management, and consistent field supervision throughout construction. Work is performed by Construction Corps field personnel and vetted trade partners, with progress monitored through site visits and ongoing documentation so items can be reviewed and addressed as work progresses.

Construction Corps develops proposals based on planning and construction requirements so costs are clearly defined prior to construction. Allowances are established for specific categories, and our in-house selections coordinator provides options aligned with those amounts. If higher-priced materials or fixtures are selected, a change order is issued outlining the cost difference so decisions can be made with full clarity before proceeding. Allowances are defined by category and do not carry over, allowing selections to remain within budget parameters or be adjusted based on preference with a clear understanding of cost implications.

Changes may occur during construction when unforeseen conditions are discovered or when additional work or upgrades are requested. This can include items such as outdated or non-compliant electrical work, structural issues identified during demolition, or client-selected upgrades beyond initial allowances. When changes are required, they are documented and presented for review before additional work proceeds. This ensures all adjustments are clearly understood and approved prior to implementation. Construction Corps does not rely on frequent or unnecessary change orders. Adjustments are addressed as needed to maintain compliance, quality, and alignment with project requirements.

You meet with a Construction Sales Estimator or our Head of Design to walk through your project goals, your lot or existing structure, your timeline, and the anticipated permitting path. You leave with a realistic ballpark range for your project and a clear picture of the process ahead, at no cost and no obligation. If we are not aligned on scope or budget, we tell you that in the meeting rather than wasting your time. For clients who want a deeper in-person design working session, a paid consultation with our Head of Design is available for dedicated design guidance and early project strategy.

Yes, if you engage us for standalone design and drafting services. We produce permit-ready construction documents that any qualified licensed contractor can build from, and some clients hire us for plans only. Within a full design-build engagement, the design agreement is structured around Construction Corps building the project, and the specific ownership and use terms are spelled out in that agreement before you sign. Either way, the terms are in writing up front, which is not something every design firm or contractor offers.

An allowance is a defined dollar amount carried in your contract for a selection that has not been finalized yet, such as tile, plumbing fixtures, or appliances. If your selections come in at or under the allowance, your contract price holds; if you choose above it, a signed change order documents the difference before the material is ordered. Allowances are where lowball bids hide: a $2,000 tile allowance on a bathroom that realistically needs $7,000 makes a bid look cheaper than the project will ever be. Construction Corps sets allowances by category based on realistic Tampa Bay selection costs, and our in-house selections coordinator presents options aligned to each allowance so you can stay on budget or upgrade with full clarity on the cost difference.

Several layers work together. Florida’s Construction Lien Law, Chapter 713, ties payments to documented work through notices, payment applications, and lien releases; our contracts are built around those requirements, including conditional releases collected from subcontractors and suppliers as draws are paid. Payment schedules are tied to construction milestones, so money follows completed work rather than promises. You can also verify a contractor’s license status and complaint history through the Florida DBPR before signing anything. A contractor who resists milestone-based payments or will not provide lien releases is telling you something important.

A Notice of Commencement (NOC) is a document recorded with the county clerk before work begins that publicly identifies the property, the owner, and the contractor for a construction project. Under Florida Statute 713.13, it is required for most direct contracts above $5,000, and inspections generally cannot be scheduled until it is recorded and posted at the jobsite. The NOC starts the clock on Florida’s lien framework, which protects both the owner and the people supplying labor and materials. Construction Corps prepares and records the NOC as part of our standard permitting workflow, so it is one less thing on the homeowner’s plate.

A remodel changes or updates existing space, while an addition expands your home’s footprint. We handle both: from full home remodels and kitchen transformations to new living rooms, ADUs, and commercial expansions.

Construction Corps works to align new finishes with the existing home wherever possible. An in-house selections coordinator assists with material and finish choices to help achieve consistency with the surrounding space. Exact matches are not always guaranteed, but selections are made with consideration for the home’s existing aesthetic, construction constraints, and applicable building requirements.

Construction Corps focuses on remodeling and addition projects that involve structural changes, as well as updates to electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems, or integrated improvements to the home. Smaller cosmetic updates are typically incorporated as part of larger renovation projects rather than performed independently.

In many cases yes, but the answer is lot-specific and jurisdiction-specific. Whether a detached ADU is permitted depends on your zoning district, lot size, setbacks, maximum lot coverage, and the specific ADU ordinance of your city or the county. Some Tampa Bay jurisdictions have adopted ADU-friendly ordinances while others impose owner-occupancy, parking, or size restrictions, and the rules continue to evolve. Zoning verification is the first step of our ADU design process, done before any money is spent on drawings, because a beautiful ADU design on a lot that cannot host one helps no one.

An in-law suite is living space inside or attached to the main home, usually a bedroom, bathroom, and sitting area with a separate entrance, but without a full independent kitchen. An ADU is a complete, self-contained dwelling with its own kitchen, bathroom, and living space, whether attached, converted from a garage, or fully detached. The distinction matters legally: a full second dwelling unit triggers zoning rules, impact fees, and sometimes separate utility requirements that an in-law suite does not. It also matters financially, because a code-compliant ADU can be a legal rental unit while an in-law suite generally cannot.

Very carefully, and always starting with a structural evaluation of the existing foundation, walls, and load paths by an engineer. Most single-story Florida homes were designed to carry a roof, not a floor full of bedrooms, so second-story additions typically require foundation verification, wall reinforcement or new load-bearing elements, and a continuous load path engineered from the new roof down to the ground per the Florida Building Code. The project also involves a new stair location, expanded electrical service, and usually an HVAC redesign. It is the largest residential project type we build, typically running $325,000 to $725,000, and pricing is not meaningful until the structural evaluation is done.

Usually yes, with a permit, and the conversion typically runs $55,000 to $135,000 depending on scope. The work involves more than drywall: the garage slab usually sits lower than the house floor and was not insulated for living space, the exterior wall infill needs proper windows and structure, and the space needs a code-compliant HVAC solution rather than a hardware store mini split shortcut. Zoning is the gating question, because some jurisdictions require replacement off-street parking before approving a conversion. Unpermitted garage conversions are one of the most common code violations we encounter when evaluating homes for remodels, and they create real problems at resale and with insurance.

A bump-out is a small addition, usually under 200 square feet, that extends an existing room such as a kitchen, bathroom, or dining area rather than creating a new one. Because a well-designed bump-out can sometimes cantilever off the existing structure or use a minimal foundation extension, it avoids part of the cost of a full addition, typically running $45,000 to $95,000. It makes sense when the problem is one cramped room rather than a missing room: a kitchen that needs six more feet of counter run, or a bathroom that cannot fit a double vanity. When a household needs genuinely new space, a bedroom, an office, a suite, a full addition is the better investment.

A lanai is a covered, screened outdoor space; a Florida room (or sunroom) is that space enclosed with walls and windows; and conditioned living area is a further step that requires insulation, code-compliant impact-rated openings, and HVAC serving the space. Only the fully conditioned version counts as heated and cooled living area for appraisal and square footage purposes. The trap for homeowners is the existing slab: many older lanais sit on slabs that were never engineered for living space loads or properly tied into the home’s foundation, which we verify before design. A permitted lanai-to-living-space conversion typically runs $35,000 to $85,000 and is one of the most cost-efficient ways to add true square footage to a Tampa Bay home.