Building in the Hamptons

You’ve finally decided: this is the year you’re going to build your own home in the Hamptons. But how do you get started? Do you choose an architect or a builder first? What about location: where’s a smart place to build? Is the budget you have in mind realistic? And how will the larger Hamptons real estate market affect all your decisions? To find out more, we sat down with some notable East End homebuilders.

Michael Davis, of the eponymous firm, says stop worrying about who to approach first. “We apply the master builder approach to our projects, which means engaging an architect, designer and builder at the same time. Design and construction are integrated early, ensuring information flows seamlessly between architect, builder, and craftsmen during all phases of the project from beginning right through to landscaping. Essentially we are a one stop boutique builder offering superior design and quality for an unbeatable value. The process is not only more expeditious but cost effective.” And speaking of cost, Michael provides clients a conservative control estimate, which enables them to control costs by selecting options or eliminating certain things altogether.

Regarding location, Michael says it depends on budget, of course. “I would of course advise them that location is of prime importance. If the budget allows, waterfront is priceless because there is only a finite number of waterfront properties. Property abutting an agricultural reserve provides views without any of the risks attendant to waterfront. Lastly, proximity to villages has a lot of upside for convenience and public transportation.”

What about the market in general? Michael says, “The demand for new quality construction is always good. There is an old saying: ‘Quality always sells!’ And having constructed over 75 homes plus numerous renovations and additions, our team experience counts for a lot.”

If you’re thinking your new home should be modern in style, Plum Builders’ Mary Giaquinto agrees with you. She says, “We have long promoted modern architecture on the East End. It is more appreciated now than it has been in the past. Our trademarked The Modern Barn® differentiates us from our competition.”

As for your budget, Mary suggests you brace yourself in advance for the Hamptons market! “Today’s clients are typically stunned by construction costs for all that they want in their new home,” she comments. But, she adds, “Good clients take sensible advice from their design and build teams—and we only have good clients!”

Mary suggests you look off the beaten path for a site. She says, “Places like Noyac and North Sea which are close to the water, close to shopping and offer an alternative to Route 27 have developed fans over the past few years; they’re smart places to build.”

The market right now, Mary says, is in transition. “Buyers don’t know how to evaluate the costs of the properties currently for sale on the market, so they’re not buying. When the market stalls, it comes back with a different buyer and a different product so builders have to be constantly learning.”
Nunzio Zappola, at N. Zappola Associates, says that what differentiates his firm is hands-on experience. Both him and his partner Nick Zappola ran successful subcontracting companies, affording invaluable experience with every aspect of construction. Therefore, he says, bring it on! Your individual project won’t faze him. Nunzio says, “We welcome challenging designs and projects: from ultra-custom homes, windmills, major renovations, indoor sport courts—you name it. We’re continuously on the cutting edge of new trends.”

He says his clients tend to be sophisticated. “Cost is always the main conversation in the beginning. We detail all expenses, so truly there is no dispute later; our honesty and open accounting allows for full transparency. Our clients are given options so they can decide if they would like to spend more or less, here or there.

Our clients usually do listen and respect our opinion. We lay out potential difficulties and clearly explain mechanicals with options. This is one of the values we deliver to our clients: our many years of experience allows us to visualize problems or challenges before they occur. And then we come up with solutions and present those clearly so decisions can be made and projects keep moving. You tell me how much is that worth. This is one reason why our clients are not in the least bit concerned when they recommend us to friends or family.”

Nunzio is enthusiastic about Sag Harbor. “This village area has a thriving downtown that continues to draw people from all around the world. This market is hot and showing no signs of slowing. If your interest is long term, I would add Quogue as a place to consider. Many long time Hamptonites are tiring of the seasonal traffic and the shortened commute to this quaint community will continue to draw increasing interest.”

Farrell Building Company is, of course, the largest builder in the Hamptons. They’re most well-known for spec homes, but they do a lot of custom work as well. And even each of their spec homes is different. Kristen Farrell, Design Director at Farrell Buildings says that each Farrell home is “unique and beautiful, with no two kitchens, or houses, or bathrooms alike.”

However, from a design perspective, Kristen says that practicality is most important, and function and good flow are what sets Farrell apart. However, Farrell is noted for certain design elements with “Farrell finishes”; for example, each Farrell kitchen is custom made, but often tends to feature a white high gloss finish with metal accents.

While Farrell builds from Westhampton to Montauk, their focus is in Bridgehampton. When looking for a building site, she says Farrell focuses on what the market needs in price and value and land. Of course, there’s more value north of the highway. As for your budget, Kristen says that Farrell projects north of the highway tend to run between $3.2 million and $9 million; south of the highway you’re looking at $5.5 million up to $18.5 million.

Whatever your budget, though, Kristen says that attention to detail and a perfected living environment set Farrell homes apart.