John F. Crawford Homes

10/14/2026

Black windows look amazing. But do you know what they cost compared to white?

Here's the rough math on a typical house:
⚪⚪ White/white vinyl: about $10,000
⚫⚪ Black outside/white inside vinyl: about $15,000 (roughly 50% more)
⚫⚫ Black/black composite or fiberglass: about $20,000 (roughly double)

Why the jump? Black exterior vinyl takes a special coating or cap so it doesn't warp or fade in the Florida sun. Go black inside and out and you're usually moving to composite or fiberglass, which costs more to begin with.

Exact prices depend on your window count, sizes and brand, but that's the ballpark. Decide on window color early so it's in your budget, not a surprise.

Wondering what your window package would run? Comment "WINDOWS" or send me a message and I'll give you a ballpark for your plan.

John F. Crawford Homes
📞 352-776-7188
📧 [email protected]
Proudly building across Alachua, Marion, Columbia, Bradford, Union & Gilchrist Counties

10/13/2026

That big oak on your lot might be protected by law. Cut it without a permit and you could be paying for it for years.

In Alachua County:
🌳 Native trees over 20" in diameter are "heritage trees" (30" for laurel and water oaks)
🌳 Any tree 8" or bigger needs a permit to remove
🌳 Cut one without a permit and you can be fined AND required to replace it at up to DOUBLE the normal rate

The permit is only $90. Skipping it can cost thousands.

I see people clear their lot themselves to "save money" before we ever meet, and end up with a bill bigger than the clearing would have cost.

Before you or anyone touches a tree on your property, comment "TREES" or message me. I'll tell you what needs a permit and how to clear your lot the right way before you make an expensive mistake.

John F. Crawford Homes
📞 352-776-7188
📧 [email protected]
Proudly building across Alachua, Marion, Columbia, Bradford, Union & Gilchrist Counties

10/09/2026

I've sat across the table from too many families who just found out the land they bought can't be built on. Don't be next.

It happens more than you'd think. People buy land, come to our first meeting excited to build, and we have to tell them it's flood zone or wetlands. They've invested in real estate that's unusable.

You can check this yourself in 5 minutes, for free, BEFORE you buy:
1. Pull up your water management district's flood map online or FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
2. Type in the parcel number or address.
3. Generate the report and look at the flood zone.

What it means:
✅ Zone X: Best case. High and dry. Build like normal.
⚠️ Zone A or AE: Buildable, but it'll cost you more. Expect requirements like a stem wall foundation, with your finished floor elevation (FFE) and HVAC raised 36" above the surrounding grade. Exact rules vary by county.
❌ Wetlands: In Florida, this is nearly impossible to build on. If the lot is mostly wetlands, walk away.

No seller or listing is going to point this out for you. Check it yourself.

Already own land or have your eye on a lot? Comment "MAP" or send me your report and I'll tell you what it means for your build, no charge.

John F. Crawford Homes
📞 352-776-7188
📧 [email protected]
Proudly building across Alachua, Marion, Columbia, Bradford, Union & Gilchrist Counties

10/07/2026

10/07/2026

Most foundation problems don't start with the concrete. They start with the dirt.

Before we pour anything, we clear, grade, and compact the site so water drains away and the ground won't settle under your home. In North Central Florida, with our sandy soil, clay pockets, and heavy summer rain, this step matters even more. It's the part nobody sees, and the part that costs you the most if it's done wrong.

Thinking about building in Marion or Alachua County? Comment "LAND," call, or email me and I'll walk your lot for free and tell you exactly what it needs.

John F. Crawford Homes
📞 352-776-7188
📧 [email protected]
Proudly building across Alachua, Marion, Columbia, Bradford, Union & Gilchrist Counties

10/05/2026

10/01/2026

We’re delighted to share our latest article in Gainesville City Lifestyle. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share our perspective on thoughtful design and homebuilding with our community 🏡

Custom Design, Home Builders, Home, Design

09/01/2026

Congratulations to the winner of our Luxury Home Gift Basket 🧺 🏡 We had 55 total entries!

To those who opted-in to receive occasional custom-home inspiration and company updates by email, you will begin receiving those in October. If you would like to be added to that list, comment with your email address below.

Congratulations again to our winner!

08/31/2026

https://www.wcjb.com/video/2026/08/30/local-vendors-residents-connect-our-town-home-garden-show-returns-alachua-county/

The Alachua County Sports and Event Center was transformed into a bustling marketplace of home inspiration this weekend as the 2026 Our Town Home and Garden Show returned for another successful year.

08/06/2026

As we wrap up an incredible Back-to-School Bash, we simply want to say THANK YOU.

To every sponsor who believed in this event, invested in our community, and helped make it possible—thank you for your generosity and support. Because of you, hundreds of local students headed into the new school year with backpacks, school supplies, smiles, and the encouragement that comes from knowing their community cares.

This event was a true example of what can happen when businesses, organizations, and neighbors come together with one shared goal: supporting our kids.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping us make a lasting impact on so many families. We couldn't have done it without you, and we're so grateful to have such an amazing community standing behind us.

Until next year... 💙📚🎒