If you’re planning a move to Palm Beach County—first of all, welcome. Whether you’re drawn by the sunshine, the lifestyle, or the incredible schools and booming economy, you’re not alone. This area is growing fast, and the housing market reflects it. But before you start picking out pool tiles or falling in love with that Mediterranean-style driveway, you’ve got one major decision to make:
Do you want to build your own custom home—or buy a spec home that’s move-in ready?
At Stuart & Shelby, we’ve spent decades building both, right here in Palm Beach County. And the truth is, there’s no wrong answer. But depending on your timeline, personality, and priorities, one may be a better fit for your next chapter in paradise.
Custom Homes: Built Around You
Designing and building a custom home gives you a chance to create your dream space from scratch—whether that’s a modern coastal home near Delray Beach or a transitional-style estate in Boca Raton. This approach puts you in the driver’s seat.
Why It Works in Palm Beach County:
- You can build on the exact lot you want—close to top schools, walkable downtowns, or waterfront views.
- You can integrate hurricane-ready materials, energy-efficient systems, and indoor-outdoor living features that make the most of our South Florida lifestyle.
- You can design around you—your family, your furniture, even your golf cart.
Consider the Trade-Offs:
- It takes time—anywhere from 9 months to over a year, depending on permitting and complexity.
- There are a lot of decisions. Great if you love design, stressful if you don’t.
- The budget can shift if you don’t have a well-managed process or experienced builder.
Spec Homes: Smart, Stylish, and Ready When You Are
Spec homes—short for “speculative”—are brand-new homes built by developers based on what most buyers in Palm Beach County are looking for: open floorplans, impact glass, sleek kitchens, and spa-like bathrooms. At Stuart & Shelby, we build specs with intention—pairing solid construction with thoughtful design.
Why It Works in Palm Beach County:
- You can move in quickly, often within 30 to 60 days.
- You avoid the permitting wait time (which can vary greatly depending on the municipality).
- You get a high-quality, professionally designed home with none of the construction hassle.
Consider the Trade-Offs:
- You’re limited to the lots and layouts available.
- You may need to compromise on a finish or feature (though many specs still include premium touches).
- It’s not “custom,” but it’s far from cookie-cutter—especially when you buy from a boutique builder who cares about design.
So…Which Is Right for You?
If you’re relocating here and want to settle in fast, a spec home can be a perfect solution. You’ll get modern design, reliable construction, and a smooth closing process. But if you’re putting down long-term roots and want something uniquely tailored to your lifestyle, building a custom home might be worth the extra time and effort.
Either way, having a builder you trust makes all the difference. At Stuart & Shelby, we pride ourselves on being transparent, communicative, and community-focused. We’ve been building homes in this area for over two decades—and we’re just as passionate about helping newcomers find their footing as we are about quality construction.
Moving to paradise should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Whether you go custom or spec, make sure your home works for you—and reflects the life you came here to live.
Chuck Halberg is Founder & President of Stuart & Shelby Home Builders, which provides custom construction services for residential clients throughout Palm Beach and Martin Counties.