Gainesville Home Remodeling & Custom Home Building

Florida roots, beyond the shoreline.

Southtide is by the tide, by the lake, and by the springs. Gainesville and the surrounding region are part of the Florida we love: old oaks, freshwater landscapes, and homes with a sense of place.

John’s family settled in North Central Florida in 1830, before Gainesville was established, and helped establish the community of Hague. The family still owns land there today. John later grew up in the family’s longtime Gainesville business, adding another chapter to that connection.

Today, John leads Southtide as its licensed contractor, overseeing construction and coordinating trusted trade partners. Kari supports the business behind the scenes through marketing, design input, and her Construction Management background from the University of Florida. As Southtide grows in the area, those roots continue to shape our approach.

Start with the home and the homesite.

An older home may need a better layout while keeping its original character. A wooded lot may call for careful planning around trees, access, utilities, and outdoor living. A lakefront property brings its own site conditions. We start by understanding what you love about the property and what needs to work better.

Explore our remodeling services and new home options, or share your Gainesville project with us. We’ll discuss scope, location, timing, and whether Southtide is the right fit.

Commercial build-outs and renovations

Southtide also offers commercial build-outs, tenant improvements, and renovations for local businesses. Led by Certified General Contractor John Rowell, we bring hands-on oversight and attention to finish details to shops, offices, coffee shops, and other commercial interiors.

Explore our commercial construction services or tell us about your space.

Bathrooms built for everyday comfort.

Better storage, a more comfortable shower, and a thoughtful layout can change how a bathroom feels and functions. For older homes, the conversation also includes the condition of plumbing, electrical systems, and the work behind the finishes.

We’ll help you think through the space as a whole. Explore bathroom remodeling.

Keep the character. Make room for the next chapter.

We love restoring mid-century modern homes and preserving the details that give a house its identity. If you love your Gainesville neighborhood or homesite, a renovation or addition may help the home meet your changing needs.

From a primary suite or home office to a more connected living area, the plan should consider the existing structure, the lot, and how the new space belongs with the old. Explore whole-home renovations or see Southtide’s project portfolio.

A new home, shaped by North Central Florida.

A Gainesville-area home can make the most of a wooded setting, lake views, shade, and outdoor gathering spaces. Custom and semi-custom planning starts with your homesite and the way you want to live.

Already own a lot? Explore building on your property. Still searching? Connect with Kari about finding a home or lot. Then tell us about your property and timing so we can discuss construction options as Southtide grows in the area.