CLAY TODAY – Two local builders have partnered to bring more than 20 years of experience and reputation to the Clay County construction scene.

With the boom in growth throughout the county, construction opportunities and new businesses are growing as well. With all of this change, having a reputable builder is a great way to ease the stress of a new homeowner or business.

Bill Garrison and Roger Higginbotham have been mainstays in the community for years, having first worked together back in 2002 under Higginbotham’s father, Sid. The new partnership sees two longstanding builders in the high-end luxury niche, bringing their combined strengths together to create works of art – not just houses. According to Garrison, the sky is the limit, with their signature custom houses. Luxury waterfront is a particular specialty of theirs, highlighting the beautiful lakes and rivers in the county.

“We have to have a budget and a general plan first; it helps us develop what we’re going to do. Beyond that, we work directly with the homeowner and their specifications,” Garrison said.

They can build full houses from the ground up, or specific renovations. The pair have done luxury add-ons, as well as just renovations to kitchens and other rooms, and clients’ requests take priority.

Their partnerships with other specialty businesses allow them to bring in materials such as custom woodwork and masonry, as well as specific contractors and building planners they’ve been working with for years to create quality results.

Their deep involvement with the process helps Garrison and Higginbotham provide the level of care and attention to detail that gave them their reputation. However, that’s not the only feature they bring to the process. The pair keeps things local in Clay County, with nearly all of their vendors being Clay-based and family-owned.

“I think we have one or two partnerships with companies that are in Jacksonville. But most, if not all, are in Clay and we’ve been working with some for three generations. At least 40 years.”

Keeping their business in the county has provided an interesting perspective on local growth and the impact it’s had on the community.

“There’s been a lot of expansion lately with the interstate going up. People have been coming to Clay County for years, but this is literally changing the surrounding community.” With the influx of Jacksonville residents into Orange Park and subsequently Middleburg, Fleming Island and Oakleaf, neighborhoods are experiencing a strain. New, ready-built houses and neighborhoods are consistently in development, but there’s still a request for custom work and high-end houses.

For those looking to add a little luxury to their lives, Garrison and Higginbotham are open to projects. For more information, contact Higginbotham Custom Homes, email them at hchjax@gmail.com or call (904) 651-8774.