Grounded Builds proves that relationship-driven custom construction results in the best outcomes
Built on the principles of stability, reliability, and a deep connection to its clients and communities, Grounded Builds is a renowned homebuilder across Florida’s Space Coast. Will Brunosson, Founder, discusses the role of relationships in the company’s approach to home building.
“When Grounded Builds was founded in 2022, we started out building spec homes and townhomes. The market shifted quickly, and as the cost of products and materials rose so much, it no longer made sense to continue that volume of spec work. Therefore, we transitioned into a residential construction company focused on custom homes and remodels. Although we have grown quickly, we have been as intentional as possible about maintaining a boutique feel rather than becoming a volume builder. All of our growth has come from referrals, relationships, and repeat clients,” he begins.
Reputation and relationships
For Grounded Builds, custom residential construction means managing the entire process from pre-construction all the way through to completion, covering high-end renovations and additions as well as complete custom new builds. The company tends to target more challenging and complex projects, offering clients a single point of contact to manage the entire build rather than leaving homeowners to coordinate multiple companies, designers, and architects independently. That integrated approach has become central to Grounded Builds’ stellar reputation on Florida’s Space Coast.
Relationships play a vital part in the company’s operations and continued success. The way the team manages those relationships with clients, designers, architects, subcontractors, and vendors alike sets it apart in a competitive market. “At any given moment, we prioritize those long-term relationships over partnering with whoever is giving us the best price or whatever is the latest and greatest. The people who have been with us the for a long time are always the priority, and that shapes what work we can realistically take on. If we want to bring on a new client, they have to be the right fit for us. We are extremely hands-on with our clients and our projects, and we focus on communicating clearly and explaining the process to customers to avoid the unneeded stress, wherever possible, that often comes with building a home. Every project has to feel unique and reflect our clients. We want it to be a Grounded Builds project, but we never want it to be a replica of something we have already built. Our focus is always on making sure the client can see the level of thought and detail we put into our work from the moment they walk in the door,” Will enlightens.
Project execution
Through that collaborative philosophy, Grounded Builds has created many impressive homes. A recent oceanfront project completed in partnership with design firm MelD Design is a strong example of what happens when the architecture, design, and construction teams work in lockstep. MelD was highly hands-on throughout, ensuring that any question or challenge that came up could be resolved quickly and collaboratively, even going back to the drawing board where needed without hesitation. “It was a fun project overall because the client wanted to push the boundaries and create something more custom. Every chance they got, they gave us the freedom to do what we would do if we were building our own home, and that goes a long way for us,” Will recalls. With the home sitting directly on the oceanfront, the design centered on maximizing the backdrop at every opportunity, with panoramic views across the entire second floor, an infinity pool, and extensive outdoor seating areas. The focus was on making it the most functional space possible. On top of that, Grounded Builds selected construction materials that could stand up to the local environment, which can be harsh between the intense heat, strong winds, and salt exposure. Such challenging projects are exactly the kind Grounded Builds wants more of.
Operational infrastructure
Another standout project was recently completed in Indialantic, where the company set out to create a spec townhome with the feel of a custom home. The result reflects a considered approach that sets it apart from a typical development project. “So many spec projects feel exactly like what they are when you walk into them. Hence, we asked ourselves what we would actually want to live in, not just what would sell most easily. We had the rare opportunity to construct a spec project in an extremely desirable part of town, right on the ocean, so we did not want to waste it. The focus was on maximizing the ocean views from the second and third floors and taking a completely low-maintenance approach throughout. We installed hardscaped outdoor areas with pavers, turf, and seating, and an exterior designed to be hosed down without worrying about components corroding in a salt-heavy environment. Inside, we kept the styling very timeless. Therefore, it is not the most decorative place in the world, but it is a space that is easy to move into and make your own,” Will describes.
Alongside the quality of its projects, Grounded Builds has invested in the operational infrastructure needed to support its growth without losing the personal touch that defines it. The company recently implemented JobTread, a construction management software that has already made a meaningful difference to how the team communicates and coordinates across projects. Previously, the company trialed several types of invoicing systems, but they all fell short in one area or another. Looking to find something that was completely integrated, Grounded Builds came across JobTread, which turned out to offer great functionalities and service. The software allows the team to communicate with clients, subcontractors, and vendors in one place, track selections, change orders, budgets, schedules, and documents. Additionally, it empowers the team to stay in the know and understand what is happening across multiple live projects simultaneously.
Clear and consistent
For instance, if a subcontractor is committed to one project for two weeks, Grounded Builds can check availability across other projects simply by looking at what is already in the system, without needing to make a phone call. Clients also get a clearer and more consistent view into their project, with daily reports available at any time. While it does not completely replace phone calls, it means that by the time a client picks up the phone, their question has often already been answered. The software makes things easier for everyone and allows the Grounded Builds team to stay organized while still keeping the process personal.
From the outset, Grounded Builds has set out to take on the most challenging residential projects on Florida’s Space Coast without ever losing sight of the relationships behind them. Three years on, that philosophy continues to shape the company’s growth, with referrals from satisfied clients providing a strong testament to the trust it has built along the way.
