About Diamond Construction Services

Diamond Construction Services is a custom home builder based out of Hernando County, Florida. They specialize in “green” construction as well as the use of ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) to create homes that are stronger, more wind-resistant, and much more energy efficient than homes built with regular concrete-block construction.

Diamond Construction Services is currently building one of the first Platinum Certified Green homes in all of Florida (there is only one other Platinum Certified Green Home in Florida and it sits up in the panhandle).

They also specialize in Craftsman style homes with all the moldings and detail work that go into that type of construction. Take a look at the Virtual Tour of their Ruby II Model and you’ll see some of the detail and work they put into their homes.

As with any small builder…the company is based on the owner. In this case, the owner is Brian Blankenship.

Brian was born in Dunedin, Florida and grew up in Pasco County. Brian played three years of Varsity Baseball and graduated from Ridgewood High School in New Port Richey. He continued his education at St. Leo University. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from St. Leo University in January 1996.

As a young adult, Brian worked hard for his father’s family owned and operated plumbing, heating and air conditioning company for nearly 15 years. This is where Brian learned the importance of providing clients with a quality product and then standing behind your workmanship.

Brian and his wife of ten years, Brandi, and their two children enjoy the outdoors as much as possible. They love boating, fishing, diving, camping and music festivals. Brian is an avid musician. He plays the guitar, mandolin and fiddle. Brian shares his love of bluegrass music with his daughter, Breana, who also plays the fiddle. Brian hopes his new son, Bryce, will someday play the banjo!

Brian takes pride in providing homeowners with outstanding customer service and seeks to exceed the expectations of each family he has the pleasure of doing business with. Brian personally oversees each home he builds. Quality, Class and Excellence are of utmost importance of every home endorsed by Brian Blankenship.

Available Floor Plans

Base Pricing for Floorplans is as follows:
Ruby II: $229,900
Ruby II with 4 Bedrooms & 3 Bathrooms: $248,400
Pool as Seen at Ruby II Model: $39,900
Ruby I: $219,900
Amethyst: $179,000
Emerald: $169,000
Saphyre: $159,000
Opal: $129,000
Topaz: $109,000

Standard Features List

Homesite

• Standard Septic System (Raised System is Extra)
• Lot Preparation and Clearing Allowance – $2,000.00
• Up to 5,000 Square Feet of Bahia Sod
• $1,000 Survey Allowance
• Construction Permits, Impact, and Utility Connection Fees
• Water and Sewer Connections (up to 40 feet)
• Bora-Care® Termite Treatment On All Lumber
• Centralized Tube System Inside Walls for a Pest-Free Environment
• Concrete Driveway Up To 18′ X 45′
• Walkway from Driveway to Front Entry

Structural

• Visqueen Vapor-Barrier Under All Concrete Floors
• 3,000 PSI Concrete with Fiber Mesh in Slab
• Cement Block Exterior Walls Include Steel-Reinforced Columns and Truss Anchors Embedded in a Tie Beam and Fastened to Top Cord of Truss

Wood and Framing

• All Lumber In Contact with the Concrete Slab is Pressure-Treated to Resist Decay
• All Wood Framing is Set 16″ on Center for Straight and True Walls
• 2″ X 6″ Fascia and 4′ X 8′ Real Plywood Decking on Roof

Exterior Finishing

• Textured Finish Around Complete Exterior of Home (finishing details per plan)
• Lanai and Entry Ceilings Finished and P ainted Using only Exterior Grade Materials
• Exterior Painted Walls: 2 Coats
• Low-Maintenance Vented Aluminum Soffits
• Mildew Resistant Dimensional Shingle Roof with 30-Year Manufacturer’s Shingle Roof Warranty

Drywall / Trim

• 1″ X 6″ Drapery Nailers 16″ Past All Windows and Sliding Glass Doors Wherever Possible So Drapery Hardware Can be Securely Fastened to the Wall.
• Orange-Peel Drywall Finishes on Walls for a Truly Finished Look
• Spanish Lace Textured and Painted Finish on Ceilings
• 3-1/4″ Colonial Base Trim and 2-1/8″ Colonial Door Casing
• Cove Molding at Bi-Fold Doors

Interior Finishing

• Interior Painted Walls: 2 Coats
• Vanity Mirrors in All Baths

Doors

• Entry Door Allowance $300 Per Pre-Hung Door
• Six Panel or Classique Interior Doors
• Raised-Panel Sectional Steel Garage Door with Lifetime Manufacturer’s Warranty
• Kwkset® Door Locks, Levers, and Deadbolts on All Exterior Swinging Doors

Electrical

• Minimum 200 AMP Service with Circuit Breaker Panel
• Wrap-Around Flourescent Lights in Utility Room
• Switch Operated Lights by All Exterior Doors
• Ground Fault Ierrupt Circuits for Safety in Kitchens and Baths
• Arc Fault Protection in All Bedrooms
• Pre-Wiring for Four Ceiling Fan Outlets
• Pre-Wiring for Overhead Garage Door Opener
• Pre-Wiring for Four RG6 “Home Run” Cable Outlets
• Pre-Wiring for Four Category 5 “Home Run” Telephone Outlets
• Two Exterior 120-Volt Weatherproof GFI Outlets
• Outlets and Silent Toggle Switches Per Plan
• Interconnected Smoke Detectors
• Pre-Wire for Alarm System
• One Centrally Located Door Chime
• Copper Wiring Throughout
• $600.00 Fixture Allowance

Energy Efficience Features

• Horizontal Roof Venting System for Attic Ventilation
• High Quality Custom-Enginered 13-SEER Air Conditioning System with 5-Year Limited Compressor and 1-Year Parts Warranty from Manufacturer
• R-30 Insulation in Ceilings Walls
• Hi R Insulation Board on Living Area Exterior Masonry Walls
• Custom Designed Sealed Duct System
• 40-Gallon Quick Recovery Electric Water Heater with 6-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
• Exhaust Fans in All Bathrooms

Floor Coverings

• High Quality Carpet with 7/16″ 6LB Pad
• Ceramic Tile on These Floors: Foyer, Kitchen, Nook, Laundry Room, and Bathrooms

Kitchen

• Merillat® Pemberton II Oak Base and Uper Cabinets in Cider, Frost, or Medium (or equivalent)
• Beveled Edge Laminate Counter Tops
• Dayton® Stainless Steel or Enameled Steel Kitchen Sink
• Moen® 7430 Faucet with Spray – Includes Lifetime Manufacturer’s Warranty
• ater Line for Refrigerator Icemaker with Individual Shut-Off Valve
• Insinkerator® Badger V 1/2-Horsepower High Capacity Food Waste Disposal
• Range Hood with Exhauset System

Appliances

• Free Standing Electric Range ($650.00 Allowance)
• Automatic Dishwash ($300.00 Allowance)

Baths

• Merillat® Pemberton II Oak Base and Upper Cabinets in Cider, Frost, or Medium (or equivalent)
• Beveled Edge Laminate Counter Tops in Baths
• Ceramic Tile Shower and Tub Area in All Baths
• Luxurious Garden Tub in Master Bath
• American Standard® Non-Skid Steel Tub in Standard Colors in Other Baths
• American Standard® Oval Lavatories in Standard Colors in Master Bath
• American Standard® Round Lavatories in Standard Colors in Other Baths
• Moen® Chateau Faucets in All Baths
• All Baths Include Medicine Cabinets

Windows

• White Finished Aluminum Frames on All Windows
• Gray Marble Window Sills

Additional Features

• Diamond Construction Services Obatins Builder’s Risk, Worker’s Compensation, and Public Liability Insurance During the Construction Period
• Washer and Dryer Hookups. Dryer Vented to Outside
• Fiberglass Laundry Tub in Utility Room
• Flowguard Gold CPVC Water Distribution System
• Two Outside Hose Bibs
• Diamond Construction Services Pays All Utility Bills for Electricity and Water Used During Construction

About Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)

ICFs are hollow, light-weight “stay in place” forms made of two Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) panels which are connected by polypropylene webs.

During construction, the forms are stacked to the desired height then filled with concrete making stable, durable and sustainable walls.

They offer a “5 in 1″ solution that provides structure, insulation, vapor barrier, sound barrier and attachments for drywall and exterior siding in one easy step.

ICF structures require 30-50% less energy to heat and cool when used in conjunction with other energy saving products.

They are also wind, fire and insect and rodent resistant as well.

Diamond Construction Services has been specializing in using ICF Construction Methods for over 5 years.

About Craftsman Style Homes

The Craftsman style architecture that you see in the Ruby II model was popularized in the early 1900’s by architect and furniture designer Gustav Stickley in his magazine, “The Craftsman”. The Craftsman style bungalow reflected, said Stickley, “a house reduced to its simplest form… its low broad proportions and absolute lack of ornamentation gives it a character so natural and unaffected that it seems to… blend with any landscape”.

Today the Craftsman style architecture is making a comeback and you can certainly see why once you view the Ruby II and experience its feel of quality, character and class.

Take a moment to view the special features this Craftsman Style home
has to offer:

• A variety of materials are used on the exterior to bring in multiple textures. The Ruby II has a combination of smooth stucco, masonry siding, stone, wood, shingles, and metal.
• Eave brackets, tapered columns, and a low pitch tin roof are all very common to the Craftsman Style.
• Simple materials such as 1” x 4” and 1” x 6” lumber make up the casings around each window and door. Tall base with a base cap is used just as was in the early 1900’s.
• Box beam ceiling in family room with a very simple crown molding.
• Notice everything is squared, gone are the round top windows, round columns and arches.

Ruby II Model Home

About Dream Custom Homes

Welcome to the World of Dream Custom Homes

There are few things in life that are as exciting as building your own home. The images and colors dance in your mind, until you can faintly see the outlines of a dream…your dream home! The only problem is transforming those dreams into a reality.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could sit down with a builder who would listen exclusively to your ideas and dreams, shape them, and create a masterpiece that would exceed your wildest expectations?

We, at Dream Custom Homes, Dream Custom Homes of Citrus, and Dream Custom Homes of Marion can!

We offer ourselves as conduits to your dream, by creating a world where you have access to an award winning builder. Access that fosters a relationship in which those dreams will become a reality.

You will work side by side with Barry Burich, who holds a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering, Matt Burich, who holds a Bachelors Degree in the Arts, and Mark “Rusty” McDermott, who was awarded “Builder of the Year”.

Collectively, we will mold your dreams into a work of art that will truly “Withstand the Test of Time”.

So why don’t you take a journey with us; for together we can truly build your Dream Custom Home!

Available Floor Plans

Standard Features List

Kitchen and Bath Features

• Wood Cabinets Throughout
• Ceramic Tiled Tub and Showeres
• Deluxe Oval Tub
• 2 Sinks in Master
• Appliance Allowance
• Shower Enclosure
• Full Length Vanity Mirrors
• Moen Faucets
• Master Bath Exhaust Fan
• Mica Countertops
• Garbage Disposal
• Ice-Maker Line

Interior Features

• 10′ Ceilings in Main Living Area
• Ceramic Tile Foyer
• Upgraded Carpet
• Raised Panel Colonist Doors
• Designer Lever Door Handles
• Easy Care No-Wax Vinyl Floors
• Double Door Entry
• Colonial Trim
• 2 Coats Latex Paint
• Lighting Allowance
• Rounded Corner Bead

Energy Saving Features

• High Efficiency Heat Pump
• R-30 Ceiling Insulation
• 50 Gallon Water Heater
• Steel Insulated Front Doors
• 12″ Vented Aluminum Soffit
• Poly Seal on All Openings
• Steel Insulated Laundry Door
• Roof Vent

Construction Features

• 16″ On Center Studs
• 40′ X 16′ Driveway
• Monolithic Slab with Steel
• Concrete Exterior Walls Per Plan
• Pre-Engineered Roof Trusses
• Termite Pre-Treat
• 2 Loads Debris Removal
• 2 Loads of Fill
• County Impact Fee
• Recessed Master Bath Shower
• Decora Light Switches

Exterior Features

• 30 Year Dimensional Shingle
• 5,000 Sq. Ft. Bahia Sod
• Hurricane Garage Door
• Deadbolts on Exterior Doors
• 2 Coats Latex Paint
• 2 Hose Bibs
• 2 Weather Proof Outlets
• Cementuous “Stucco” Finish
• Moisture Resistant Ceilings
• Walkway to Front Door
• 4 Coach Light / Pre-Wires

Misc. Features

• A/C in Walk-In Closets / Laundry
• Ventilated Shelving
• 3 Pre-Wire Ceiling Fans
• 2 TV Jacks and 2 Phone Jacks
• Front Door Chime
• Pre-Wire Garage Door Opener
• Decorative Bands
• Laundry Tub

Don Mercado Model Home

Don Calais Model Home