MANOR
T H E G U I D E T O C E N T R A L F L O R I D A’ S L U X U R Y B U I L D E R S A N D C O M M U N I T I E S
Silliman CitySide Homes won Best Custom Home in the $1 million to $1.25 million category in 2017. The annual event is sponsored by the Greater Orlando Builders Association.
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CUSTOM BUILDER PROFILE
A HASSLE-FREE
ROUTE TO LUXURY Jeff Schnellmann’s Silliman CitySide Homes makes a typically complex process simple, carrying on the legacy of an industry icon while constantly innovating. By Michael Candel aria
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eff Schnellmann isn’t bashful about Simple and straightforward. It’s pretty much letting people know that his luxury been Schnellmann’s way for his more than 40 homebuilding company is “not for evyears in homebuilding, including nearly three erybody.” decades as either a company owner or executive. Schnellmann, owner of Silliman CitySide In 2012, Schnellmann joined founder SilliHomes, certainly has the experience and the man, whose company was then called Silliability to build a start-to-finish, one-of-a-kind man Homes, as chief operating officer. A few custom home. But his company also offers a years later, with Silliman preparing to retire, more standardized approach that yields homes Schnellmann took over the operation, which every bit as luxurious as most original custom by that time had changed its name to Silliman creations — but which require far less hassle CitySide Homes. (and usually lower cost) for buyers. Schnellmann, who took ownership in 2015, It’s a formula that the company’s founder, kept the name for obvious brand-recognition Jeff Schnellmann, owner of legendary Orlando builder and industry Silliman CitySide Homes. reasons. “Silliman” had become synonymous leader Bill Silliman, made successful when he with high-end design, superb craftsmanship started the company more than 30 years ago. and innovation. And the company had won a Consequently, the company has survived and thrived regardplethora of industry awards. less of the roller coaster economy. For Schnellmann, it’s been a smart move — largely because “The idea here is to make the process simpler for our buysimple and straightforward haven’t been synonymous with ers,” says Schnellmann, who builds up to four homes annually. unimaginative. He says: “Every once in a while, somebody will “Our structured approach allows them to get what they want ask me, ‘Well, what style house do you build?’ And the answer at a fair price — and they know what that price is going to be as to that is: ‘We don’t have a style. The style we build is the style they’re going forward.” our clients want.’” FA L L 2 0 2 0
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In 2019, Silliman CitySide Homes won another of its multiple Parade of Homes awards with this Gotha estate, which took first place as Best Custom Home in the $1 million to $1.3 million category. Shown is the master bath (above) with large-format tile, the expansive pool and cabana (facing page, top) and the lavish island kitchen (facing page, bottom) with gourmet appliances.
Examples: During a typical preliminary client meeting, the Silliman CitySide Homes design display page might contain 20 or more different home elevations. But in September, work began on a demolition/rebuild in rural Oviedo of a distinctive U-shaped house wrapped around a swimming pool. “We’re going to do it the way the client wants it, and we’re going to do it in a simple structured approach — so that they know their cost and the timeframe, assuming they’re decisive,” Schnellmann notes. Notably, such thinking can be traced to Bill Silliman. In 2014, Silliman launched “Silliman Dream Planner,” described in a press release at the time as “a user-friendly technology designed specifically for our new home-building venture, Silliman CitySide.” Silliman was believed to be the first builder in the country to incorporate the technology, which allowed a prospective buyer to select a home plan and a specific neighborhood location, then calculate the monthly payment based on a specific down payment. Yet, Schnellmann also has brought his own ideas to the table — knowledge gleaned from decades of work in the field as well as through extensive involvement in such organizations as the
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Greater Orlando Builders Association and the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA). “This largely means I do a lot of work,” Schnellmann says. “However, it’s rewarding. Mostly, it’s giving back to the industry that has provided my livelihood for over 40 years. And when you’re involved, you know things before the rest of the building public knows.” Also, Schnellmann’s work with FHBA has led to his serving as an owner’s representative for Ability Housing, a nonprofit company based in Jacksonville that provides affordable and homeless transitional housing. Schnellmann is the company’s “eyes and ears on the ground.” For sure, Schnellmann stays busy — which doesn’t leave much time for his favorite hobby. “I would rather snow ski than eat,” he says, pointing out his western New York roots. At a deceptively youthful 68, he’s also a workout warrior, lifting weights and swimming when possible at the YMCA and biking for seemingly endless miles. “Young at heart, old at body,” he jokes. Above all, though, Schnellmann likes simple and straightforward. That means work. His assessment: “To say I’m a workaholic would not be wrong, or it would be close.” ■
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A REFLECTION OF
YOU
A true custom home is a major investment. That’s why experts say picking the right builder is key.
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true custom home reflects the individual tastes, needs and dreams of the homeowner. Building it is one of the largest investments you’ll make during your lifetime — so the highest quality craftsmanship and the most attentive service possible are mandatory. Yet many people spend more time researching and investigating the purchase of a new car than the building of a custom home. These days, people in every profession are pressed for time. So, how can you ensure that you’ll get your money’s worth from a custom builder — both during and following completion of your project? The Master Custom Builder Council (MCBC), based in Winter Park but with members throughout Central Florida, can help you find the right custom-home builder. MCBC is a highly selective consortium of competitors who actually root for one another. “MCBC builders have ideas that they don’t share with others,” says Pamela Davis, the group’s executive director. “However, they recognize that if their competitors are successful and profitable, it might be easier for them to be successful and profitable as well. One member isn’t the least bit threatened when another member is doing well.” All 26 MCBC members have undergone a detailed vetting process before membership is offered. In addition to checking on MCBC membership, though, there are other steps a buyer
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HERE’S WHAT’S HOT IN CUSTOM BUILDING
should take before signing a contract: • Speak to at least five former clients. These references can provide invaluable information, and a builder should readily offer their names when he or she makes an initial presentation. • Verify licensing. Is the builder a state-registered or statecertified contractor? All MCBC builders have a contractor’s license from the State of Florida and own their companies. Visit myfloridalicense.com, call 850-487-1395 or download the free Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) mobile app to check for yourself. • Evaluate track records. How long has the builder been in business? To become an MCBC member, a builder must be a permanent resident of Central Florida and must have been in the business of building custom homes for at least the preceding three years. • Scrutinize business practices. Ask the builder for at least five credit references and contact the vendors to find out how the builder meets his or her financial commitments. MCBC members have their credit monitored monthly. If everything checks out, you should then consider what style home you’d like. Look for a builder who has experience working in your chosen architectural genre and can make valuable suggestions on designs, material and finishes. “Many of our members have niches,” says Davis. “A niche isn’t just a specific location. It can also be a style or design of a home, a marketing technique, a price range or a customer profile.” Also, consider personal rapport. All the ingredients of a good relationship — including trust, communication and compatibility — must be present. After all, the builder you select will be a constant presence in your life for at least eight months. MCBC members believe you can’t cut corners on integrity, craftsmanship or personal service. That’s why they follow a strong Code of Ethics set forth by the organization. Finally, a builder who is truly astute about buyer relations will continue to offer service after your home has been completed and you’ve moved in. And remember: MCBC membership is an honor reserved for builders whose reputations have been established and sustained over time. Only MCBC builders’ homes carry the MCBC Seal; The Seal of Homebuilding Excellence. Contact the MCBC at 407-875-2121 or visit custombuilt.com for more information. ■
Master Custom Builder Council (MCBC) members keep up with what’s going on in the industry. The group visits innovative homes across the U.S. and hosts speakers who discuss what’s new and what’s coming. Knowledge — along with craftsmanship, creativity, stability and service — is their competitive edge. So, when we wanted to find out what’s hot in customhome building, we naturally asked MCBC members first. Here’s what they pinpointed as the latest trends: Although custom homes are usually larger, today’s homeowners are placing less emphasis on square footage and more on the quality of materials. Also topping the wish list are more elaborate outdoor dining spaces with courtyards and fireplaces. First-floor guest suites are popular these days, while secondary bedrooms now often have private bathrooms. Taller vanities, fireplaces and fountains adorn lavish master bathrooms, as well as his-and-her vanity areas with stone flooring and lots of mosaic tiles. Black accents are being used along with polished nickel and brushed chrome fixtures. As for kitchens, cooktop hoods are getting special attention. Hoods, of course, are essential for proper ventilation. But today they’ve become akin to signature pieces of art, handcrafted from copper, glazed tile, stainless steel and various stones. It’s common now to see more contemporary kitchens equipped with large commercial stainless-steel appliances. Colored concrete countertops are now being used for outdoor summer kitchens. There are also notable trends in flooring. Lower-pile carpets with woven patterns and textures, and even high-end commercial carpets, are being used in new custom homes. More exotic woods, such as bamboo, are becoming more popular. Entry doors are much larger, with wrought ironwork, glass etchings and detailed panels. Interior doors are also taller and wider, with glass and wood inlays and unique detailing. Exteriors include more architecturally correct details and deeper colors. Large, intricately detailed fixtures that complement the home’s architecture are being used extensively. Oversized chandeliers, for example, are popular in dining rooms. Large patios that offer a resort-style vibe with comfortable furnishings and fireplaces are important — particularly to homeowners who enjoy entertaining.
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