Services · St. Augustine

First Homes in St. Augustine, FL

Guidance for first home buyers on how to build, including home buyer grants and understanding the options available to you.

First Homes in St. Augustine, FL by G.J. Gardner Homes St. Augustine

Building your first home is one of life's most exciting milestones, and the team at The Funway Company Inc. DBA G.J. Gardner Homes Saint Augustine is here to make it feel approachable rather than overwhelming. Owned and operated by Eric Fundora, our St. Augustine builders guide first-time buyers through every decision, from understanding your options to turning a plan into a place you'll love coming home to. If you're searching for First Homes St. Augustine, FL, you've found a partner who listens first and builds second.

Why choose The Funway Company Inc. DBA G.J. Gardner Homes Saint Augustine

  • Local expertise with a personal touch. Eric Fundora and the team know the neighborhoods of St. Augustine inside and out, so whether you're drawn to Palencia, St. Augustine Beach or World Golf Village, you'll have guidance rooted in real local knowledge.
  • Help navigating grants and programs. Buying your first home comes with questions about home buyer grants and financing paths. We help you understand what may be available and how it fits your budget, so there are no surprises down the road.
  • Designs that grow with you. From efficient starter layouts to roomier family homes, our customizable designs mean your first home can genuinely reflect how you live now and where you see yourself in a few years.
  • Quality you can count on. We use quality materials and work with skilled craftsmen, keeping you informed at every step so you always know what's happening with your build.

Our First Homes process

We've shaped a straightforward path for first-time buyers, because clarity builds confidence. Here's how we'll work together:

  1. Get-to-know-you consultation. We start by listening. Tell us about your lifestyle, your budget and the kind of home you picture, and we'll help you understand what's realistic and achievable.
  2. Explore financing and grants. We walk you through the options available to first home buyers, including home buyer grants, so you can make informed choices with a clear picture of costs.
  3. Choose a design or customize one. Browse our range of home designs and pick a starting point, then personalize the layout, finishes and features to suit you. A house and land package can also simplify the process by pairing a design with a block of land.
  4. Plan and prepare. We finalize your plans, confirm site details and set expectations for timelines, so everyone is aligned before construction begins.
  5. Build with confidence. Our team manages the construction process and keeps communication open, answering questions and updating you as your home takes shape.
  6. Welcome home. We complete a final walkthrough with you, make sure everything meets our standards and hand over the keys to your very first home.

Throughout each stage, Eric Fundora and the team stay accessible and responsive, because a first home should feel like a supported journey, not a gamble. We want you to feel informed and comfortable making decisions, never pressured.

Serving St. Augustine, FL and nearby

As a proud part of the St. Augustine community, we build throughout the region and bring genuine familiarity to every location we work in. If you're a first-time buyer considering Palencia, St. Augustine Beach, World Golf Village, Anastasia Island, Nocatee or historic downtown, we understand what makes each area distinct and how to build a home that fits both the setting and your plans. That local insight matters for first homes, where choosing the right neighborhood is just as important as choosing the right floor plan.

Our goal is simple: to help new homeowners across Northeast Florida step into the market with clarity and confidence. We take the time to explain the process, answer the questions you didn't know to ask and make sure you understand your options at every turn. Building your first home should be a milestone you look back on fondly, and we're committed to making the experience as rewarding as the result.

Whether you already own a lot or you're exploring a house and land package to keep things simple, we'll tailor our approach to your situation. First homes come with unique considerations, and we meet you where you are, offering expert advice without overcomplicating things. From the first conversation to the final walkthrough, you'll have a team that treats your home with the same care we'd give our own.

If you're ready to explore First Homes in St. Augustine, FL, we'd love to hear your ideas and show you how achievable your first home can be. Reach out to The Funway Company Inc. DBA G.J. Gardner Homes Saint Augustine at (904) 906-5136 to start the conversation. Local expertise with a personal touch is more than our tagline, it's how we'll help you build a home you're proud to call your first.

What Shapes the Cost of Your First Home

Every first home is priced differently, and understanding the factors involved helps you plan with a clear head. The design you choose sets the foundation, since a compact layout and a larger family plan ask for different amounts of material and labor. Your lot plays a role too: a level block is usually simpler to build on than one that slopes or needs extra site preparation, which is why a split-level approach can sometimes make better sense for an uneven parcel.

Finishes and features also move the figure. Flooring, cabinetry, fixtures and the small touches that make a home yours each carry their own cost, and we'll help you weigh where to invest and where to keep things simple. Rather than guess, the clearest way to learn what your first home might involve is to talk with us about your plans. Call (904) 906-5136, share your ideas and your lot details if you have them, and we'll put together a picture tailored to your situation.

Questions Worth Asking Before You Commit

Choosing who builds your first home is a big decision, so it helps to ask the right things before you sign anything. Ask any builder how they handle changes once construction is underway, how they'll keep you updated, and who your main point of contact will be throughout.

It's also fair to ask about licensing. Our work is carried out under DBPR License Number CRC 1329198, and we're happy to talk through what that means for your project. A builder who answers these questions openly is one who respects that this is your first home, not just another job on the calendar.

Settling In and Caring for Your New Home

The walkthrough isn't the end of the relationship, it's the start of life in a home that's genuinely yours. In the first weeks, take time to learn how your systems work, from heating and cooling to water and electrical shut-offs, so you feel confident if something ever needs attention. Keep the documentation we hand over in a safe place, since it's useful for future reference and for any maintenance down the line.

A new home benefits from simple, regular care. Checking seals, cleaning gutters, testing smoke detectors and keeping an eye on how the house settles all help it stay comfortable for years. As first-time owners, you don't need to know everything at once, and we're glad to point you toward sensible habits that protect your investment. If a question comes up after you've moved in, reach out and we'll help you sort it out.

FAQ

Questions, answered

Straight answers about G.J. Gardner Homes St. Augustine. Don't see yours? Give us a call.

Call (904) 906-5136
We're first-time buyers and feel a little lost. Where do we start?

Start with a simple conversation. Eric Fundora and our team walk first home buyers through the whole process, from understanding your budget to choosing a design that fits your life. We'll explain the options clearly so you feel confident about each decision before you make it. Give us a call at (904) 906-5136 and we'll point you in the right direction.

Are there any grants or assistance available for first home buyers?

There are programs designed to help people buying or building their first home, and we're happy to help you understand which ones you may qualify for. We'll talk through the options available to you so nothing gets overlooked. For guidance tailored to your situation, reach out to us at (904) 906-5136.

Can we really build a custom home as first-time buyers, or is that only for experienced owners?

You absolutely can. Many first home buyers choose to build, and we make it approachable by handling the complex parts and keeping you informed every step of the way. We'll match a design to your vision and lifestyle, whether you're building in Nocatee, World Golf Village or elsewhere around St. Augustine.

Do you offer options that make building a first home more affordable?

Yes. Our house and land packages combine a block of land with one of our home designs, which can simplify both the process and the cost for first-time buyers. We'll help you weigh the choices and find an approach that works for your budget and the location you want.

Which areas around St. Augustine can you help us build our first home in?

As a local builder, our team knows the neighborhoods well, from Palencia and St. Augustine Beach to Anastasia Island and World Golf Village. We'll help you find the right fit for your first home and explain what to expect in each area. Call (904) 906-5136 to talk through the possibilities.

What Our Customers Say

5.0 average from 7 reviews on Google

  • Alex Lopez
    ★★★★★

    Eric, the owner of G.J. Gardner Homes in St. Augustine, is a great guy to work with. Professional, honest, easy to communicate with, and truly cares about the quality of his work and his customers. It’s always a pleasure working with another business owner who takes pride in what he does. Highly recommend Eric and his team to anyone looking to build a home in the St. Augustine area!

  • Anna Belcer
    ★★★★★

    Eric and his team were able to get my door installed within a week’s notice and did an amazing job! Highly recommend his company! I felt confident allowing him to come while I wasn’t home and they did so amazing!! :) Pricing was reasonable and the best i had been told for the job that needed to be done as well!!

  • jonathan franklin
    ★★★★★

    I spent the day with Eric helping me through all the steps of what I needed to get done for our custom plans and he already saved me from making some expensive mistakes. You can really tell that he's knowledgeable in all things general contracting and he's really serious about building us a home that lasts. I would say you can't go wrong with him as your GC for your custom house.

  • ryan king
    ★★★★★

    Professional in every respect! Eric and his team are first class, delivering state of the art homes. Highly recommend to anyone looking to build their forever home!

  • Jena Dennis
    ★★★★★

    Excellent service from very caring owner and staff. We enjoy working with them, and referring our customers to them for custom builds.

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Need first homes? We're ready to help.

Free estimate, written quote, no obligation — and a straight answer about what your home in St. Augustine actually needs.

  • Fully Insured
  • DBPR License Number CRC 1329198
  • Serving Saint Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Palm Coast, Nocatee
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