Aurora Builders believes every custom home should be as unique as the individual family occupying it
Recognized as one of the premier builders in Northeast Florida, Aurora Builders has built a solid reputation for quality craftsmanship and overall customer satisfaction in Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, and the surrounding beach communities. “I’m very proud to say that Aurora is now 27 years old,” exclaims Michael Lenahen, president and owner. “We began back in 1997 as Aurora Custom Homes, building exclusively luxury custom homes. However, knowing that the market could change at any time, I felt the need to diversify. So, in 2001, I opened a second company, Aurora Custom Remodeling, and we functioned well for many years as two entities under one roof. Eventually, in 2017, we merged the two to become Aurora Builders.
“We provide two distinct services,” says Michael. “The first is the construction of luxury custom homes for those who own property and wish to create a dream home for their family. The second offering is residential remodeling, where we focus on larger, structural modifications to homes. Unlike the plethora of Kitchen & Bath remodelers, Aurora Builders focuses solely on room additions, adding a second story to a one-story home, or the complete renovation of the interior or exterior of the home.”
Michael’s entry into the construction industry did not follow the typical storyline. Unlike those who grew up in the building business as framers or tradesmen, he focused more on educating himself into the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of construction. Michael earned two degrees in architecture on his way to understanding the principles of design, flow, and function. He employs this unique knowledge to assist his clients during the plan and design stage for both new home construction and modifications to existing homes.
After spending nearly 20 years working for small, medium, and large home building companies, Michael knew it was time to branch off and start his own luxury custom home company. However, before embarking on this new chapter of his life, Michael sought the advice of other small custom home builders he knew in his area.
According to Michael: “Someone suggested I find a good attorney to develop contract documents, while another advised me to have a good accountant to establish the payment and receiving processes. A third contractor emphasized the importance of developing a consistent marketing campaign. But it was the fourth builder who was hesitant to share any constructive information with someone he saw as a formidable competitor.”
Unknowingly, it was this contractor who shared a bit of advice that now defines Aurora Builders. He elaborates: “Before embarking on your own business journey, it is critical that you identify three ways which differentiate your business from your competition.” Michael took this suggestion to heart and thereby created Aurora’s unique identity.
Committed to a low volume approach
“We typically build two to three luxury custom homes each year, ranging in size from 5000-to-12,000 square feet, and costing between $2-milion-to-$5-million to build. This focus on limited volume affords us more quality time devoted to each of our valued clients, as well as more time spent on-site managing the work of our skilled craftsmen.” Michael continues. “Our goal is to deliver a truly custom-building experience to each one of our clients.” 
While most people initially seek the services of an architect to design their home, before interviewing builders to solicit bids, Aurora believes in a different approach. As Michael explains: “We suggest an owner choose their builder first, and then have the builder select a qualified design professional. In this way, the owner benefits from the combined talents of both the architect and the contractor throughout the plan design phase. The contractor provides key information regarding material choices and labor costs, while the architect focuses on the creative interpretation of the owner’s wants and needs. The result is a home designed around the lifestyle and budget of the family.”
Dedicated to building high performance homes
Energy efficiency is the cornerstone of any high-performance home, and Aurora incorporates the latest devices and installations to deliver maximum efficiency at a reduced level of energy consumption. As Certified Green Professionals (CGP), Aurora employs the latest advances in building science technology and sustainable practices.
Michael describes green building as the conscious effort to protect the environment and the health of the occupants when constructing a home. “We consciously select materials and establish techniques that will make a home not only more energy efficient but also environmentally cleaner, in terms of air quality and water conservation. The use of sustainable and low maintenance products helps reduce waste by conserving energy and lowering maintenance and replacement costs.”
Having recently being named as Builder of the Year by the Northeast Florida Builders Association, the future looks bright for Aurora Builders. The company will continue its research into advanced building science and the best practices for protecting a home against the elements of weather.
Another area of focus will be home automation and home technology. Michael concludes: “In the years to come, homes will have technology hubs and hand-held devices to control every convenience an owner could desire, and Aurora’s goal is to be recognized as a leader in this sector of the industry.”