Horizon Homes of Tampa, lnc. was founded in 1985 when Phil Duffey, a lifelong Tampa resident, decided it was time to go forward with his own building and contracting business. After being employed in the homebuilding business for nearly ten years, the process of incorporating his own company was done with the anticipation of making a difference in the individual “one-on-one” custom homebuilding market. lnitially starting out in the more traditional model home/spec building market until becoming established, his focus soon became solely based on individual, one-of-a-kind custom home construction.

Although the model home “spec type” construction allowed for freedom to be creative to do what he personally would want in a home, (garnering his company local and state Homebuilding Design Awards), the challenge of providing for each customer, the exact home that they desired, proved to be the most rewarding endeavor. With a background in residential design (past President of the Florida Residential Designers Association), prior to becoming licensed as a State Building Contractor, Phil has meshed the design and construction process into one. Whether it is helping a customer who may have only a vague idea of what they want, or someone who has very specific input early on in the process, he is able to simplify the design process with his knowledge and expertise in the business. Once the preliminary design of the residence has been completed, he works directly with his available architect for the full completion of the house package. Suggestions of design, whether cost-related, or in regards to aesthetics, are always offered, as are professional interior design services if desired by the customer. Likewise, clients have the flexibility of choice when it comes to using their own preferred home interior designer, pool contractor, or even specific trades.

The Construction Process

Realizing that the homebuilding experience for most clients can seem very daunting at first, after a few meetings to discuss their lifestyle, preferences and all the possibilities available, the path to creating the “dream home” that they envision for themselves and their family, becomes much more direct and manageable. lt is a fluid process that changes seemingly all the time, but the focus is maintained on the customer’s ultimate goal – that of enjoying for years to come, the comfort, amenities and most importantly, the way of life they have worked to achieve. Attention to even the smallest detail is always considered when working with the client.

Repeat Customers

We take a personal interest in each client, and Phil becomes the sole point of contact throughout the design, construction and move-in period. With an array of longtime, qualified sub-contractors and suppliers, the Owner is assured of a finely crafted residence of which Builder and Owner will be proud. The fact that he has built a second home for some of his previous clients, indicates the degree of satisfaction they have with Horizon Homes of Tampa. Currently he is working on two (2) repeat customers, and the challenge to create and deliver something totally different from the first home is very rewarding. Repeat clientele in the Design/Homebuilding business is rather rare, but Phil has done this and establishes a friendship with each Owner that continues after the job is complete.

Remodeling

With the remodeling of existing homes, whether it is a house he originally built, or that of another design, Phil takes pride in giving the Owner the look of a residence that perfectly blends to the look of the original structure. The matching of details, proportions, colors, etc. are all incorporated to make this happen. Remodeling, by it’s very nature, can be messy and inconvenient for the Homeowner. Therefore, more attention must be paid to the job, in that the Owner is usually occupying the residence as the work proceeds. Accommodating their lifestyle throughout the process is extremely important and care is taken to ensure the least amount of disruption.

Unique Service

Phil and his wife Karen, an accomplished equestrienne, have been horse owners for thirty-plus years, and as such the that aspect of their lives together has evolved into design and construction of custom horse barns for their clients. This includes two horse barns of their own and several within the equestrian community within which they live. Whether being built as part of the tandem of house/barn construction, or stand alone, the ability to know what it takes to accommodate the specific needs of the horse owner is a definite asset.

Longevity

It goes without saying that longevity in one area of business (particularly the homebuilding business) shows that integrity, honesty and willingness to work with the Homeowner are truly the path to success. Thirty-two years in business, essentially on a referral-based foundation, has led Horizon Homes of Tampa, lnc. to the stand out in the field of custom homebuilding and individual “builder-to-homeowner” relationships. Likewise, clients have the flexibility of choice when it comes to using their own architect, interior designer, pool contractor, or even specific trades.