Meet the Southtide Construction Team
With over 25 years of combined experience, Southtide Construction is built on a legacy of craftsmanship, creativity, and commitment to quality.
Led by a family of seasoned professionals— John Rowell, Kari Rowell, and our trusted trade partners—our team brings together unmatched expertise in residential construction, marketing, design, and custom carpentry.
From home renovations to luxury new builds, we create homes that are thoughtfully designed, expertly built, and inspired by coastal Florida living.
Florida Owned. Family Grown.
Florida isn’t just where we build—it’s where we’ve all built our lives. From the beaches to the backroads, it’s home for our family and the inspiration behind every home we create.
Unmatched Experience in Residential Construction
John Rowell, founder of Southtide Construction, is a seasoned Sarasota home builder with a passion for hands-on craftsmanship and client satisfaction. A Florida native with deep roots in the state, John has completed more than 300 homes with top builders like Pulte and Taylor Morrison. His experience with Lee Wetherington Homes deepened his expertise in high-end custom construction, where attention to detail is key. John is especially known for his talent in custom carpentry and historic renovations, restoring Old Florida charm while meeting modern needs. As the licensed contractor and project lead, John ensures each build is executed with precision, care, and a personal touch.
A Creative Vision for Design & Client Experience
Kari Rowell, co-owner of Southtide Construction, brings a lifetime of construction experience and a passion for design to the business. Growing up on job sites with a builder father and designer mother, Kari’s love for transforming spaces was sparked at a young age. After earning a degree in Construction Management with a Marketing minor from the University of Florida, she worked for over a decade in sales and marketing for custom and production homebuilders. Her background in design centers and award-winning marketing gives her a unique ability to bring a client’s vision to life. Today, Kari leads the creative side of Southtide, helping craft homes that balance functionality, beauty, and personal style.
Craftsmanship & Custom Carpentry at the Core
John Rowell, founder and Certified General Contractor, leads Southtide’s residential and commercial construction work. His background in custom homes, renovations, and detailed carpentry guides his hands-on approach to project planning, trade coordination, and the finishing details.
A Family Legacy Rooted in Florida Living
Kari and John Rowell share deep Florida roots. Kari is an eighth-generation Floridian, and John’s family settled in North Central Florida in 1830. Their connection to the Gulf Coast and Gainesville shapes Southtide’s work and its care for the homes, businesses, and communities it serves.
Proudly Serving Our Gulf Coast Communities in Florida
From coastal neighborhoods to inland retreats, Southtide Construction proudly serves some of the most beautiful and fast-growing areas in Southwest Florida. With deep local roots and a love for this region, our team is dedicated to building and renovating homes that reflect the charm, lifestyle, and architecture of each unique community we serve.
Our Florida Service Areas Include:
Whether you’re dreaming of a coastal custom home, updating a historic gem, or building from the ground up, we’re here to bring your vision to life—right here in the place we all call home.
Sarasota, FL
.png)
Gainesville, FL
Lakewood Ranch, FL
North Port, FL
Port Charlotte, FL
Bradenton, FL
Anna Maria, FL
Siesta Key, FL
Venice, FL
Longboat Key, FL
Custom Builds, Remodels and Master Carpentry Services
At Southtide Construction, we specialize in transforming homes and creating custom builds that reflect the unique lifestyles of our clients. Whether you’re remodeling a single room or building a new home from the ground up, our team delivers expert craftsmanship, creative design, and personalized service every step of the way. From historic renovations to luxury new homes, we bring your vision to life with precision and passion.
Remodeling Services
We breathe new life into existing homes with thoughtful remodeling solutions that improve function, beauty, and long-term value.
- Bathroom Remodeling
Create a spa-like retreat or modern update with custom vanities, tile work, and storage solutions tailored to your needs. - Kitchen Remodeling
From gourmet kitchens to open-concept layouts, we design and build spaces that become the heart of your home. - Whole-Home Renovations
Whether restoring a historic property or modernizing a dated layout, we provide full-home transformations with expert planning and execution. - Outdoor Living Spaces
Enhance your lifestyle with outdoor kitchens, lanais, pergolas, and entertainment areas built for Florida living. - Storm Damage Restoration
We’re here when you need us most—providing fast, reliable repairs and renovations to restore your home after hurricanes or severe weather.
New Home Construction
We offer both thoughtful custom home design and custom design-build options to suit your lifestyle, budget, and land. Each home is built with quality materials, energy-efficient systems, and timeless architectural details.
- Design-Build Custom Homes
Work with our in-house team to create a one-of-a-kind home from concept to completion, personalized to your taste and vision. - Custom Home Building
Choose from a curated collection of efficient, stylish plans that maximize space and comfort while streamlining the build process. - Build On Your Lot
Already have the perfect homesite? We build on private lots throughout Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties, helping you bring your dream home to life—wherever that may be.
.avif)
.png)
Kitchen Remodeling
.avif)
Bathroom Remodeling
.avif)
Custom Trim Carpentry
.avif)
Whole Home Renovations
.avif)
Custom Kids Play Rooms
.avif)
Structural Home Additions
.avif)
Custom Built-Ins
Custom Ceiling Designs
Custom Fireplace Walls
Custom Accent Walls
.avif)
Custom Wetbar
.avif)
Custom Drop Zones
.png)
Home Remodeling
Aging-in-Place & Universal Design Remodeling
Commercial Build-Outs & Renovations
Featured Project Testimonials
John is meticulous in his craftsmanship and we truly felt catered to with his efforts to educate us along the way. He guided us through the whole project with calm and ease. Not to mention our custom living room wall now looks beautiful.”
The Southtide ✦TIDE Process
Four clear phases guide every Southtide project, whether it's a custom home, a whole-home renovation, or a commercial build-out. Each phase includes practical planning, collaboration, and honest conversations about scope, timing, and investment.
.svg){kind=icon}
Talk
We start by listening. Tell us about your property or space, what is and isn't working, your priorities, desired timeline, and investment range. We discuss the scope, review available information, and identify the first questions to answer before moving forward.
.svg){kind=icon}
Imagine
Next, we explore what is possible. We consider the site or existing conditions, how you want to use the space, and the opportunities and constraints that could shape the project. Together, we establish a direction that fits your goals and makes sense for your budget.
Design
We coordinate with the appropriate architects, designers, engineers, and trade partners to develop the plans and details. Materials, selections, scope, pricing, and permitting requirements come into focus so you can make informed decisions before construction begins.
.svg){kind=icon}
Execute
With the scope and approvals in place, we schedule and manage construction, coordinate trades, and keep you informed as the work takes shape. We address details along the way, complete final checks, and walk through the finished space together.
Contact Us
Planning a residential or commercial project in Sarasota or Gainesville? Share your location and ideas, and let’s talk about the next step.
Address
Southtide Construction
8544 Whispering Street
Sarasota, FL 34240Phone
(352) 538-3932
.svg)
Hours
Mon – Fri: 8am – 6pm
Your submission has been received.