In a recent episode from the Bartos Group‘s Really Mary series, Mary Bartos sat down with Jason Bailey of FCI Homes to tour a fresh new construction project on Marco Island. This article captures the conversation, the construction milestones, and practical advice for buyers considering new construction in Southwest Florida. Readers will learn what to expect from foundation work through slab prep, why choosing an experienced builder matters, and how to follow a new construction project from ground-breaking to move-in day.

Meet the Builder: FCI Homes on Marco Island

FCI Homes has been a local homebuilder on Marco Island since the early 1990s. As Jason explains during the visit, the company has completed nearly 450 homes in the area and has long been known for producing homes that fit the island lifestyle. Traditionally FCI focused on single-story homes in the 1,700 to 2,400 square-foot range, but in recent years the company has expanded into larger, two-story projects to meet growing demand.

“FCI Homes has been building here on Marco since the early 90s. We’ve built almost 450 homes here.”

This level of local experience is a key factor when choosing a builder for new construction. Buyers looking at new construction often prioritize a track record of completed homes, familiarity with local permitting and climate-related building practices, and references from past customers.

Project Snapshot: The Saturn Street Home

The home toured in the episode is a two-story, 3,200 square-foot residence with a three-car garage, four bedrooms, and four bathrooms. This larger footprint illustrates the kind of newer inventory now being added to Marco Island’s housing stock.

• Type: Two-story single-family home
• Size: 3,200 sq ft under air
• Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 4 beds / 4 baths
• Garage: Three-car garage
• Outdoor: Pool deck and lanai planned at the rear

Mary and Jason use the garage area as a reference point to explain the internal layout. Behind the garage, the plan contains a large family room with stairs and a front entry, while the master suite is located on the far end with views and access to a planned pool deck and lanai.

Understanding the Early Stages: Pilings, Stem Walls, and Slab Prep

One of the most valuable parts of the conversation is the walkthrough of early structural work. Jason walks viewers through what has already been completed and what will happen next—vital information for anyone tracking new construction milestones.

Key stages discussed:

1. Pilings and footers: The project began with foundational pilings and footers to secure the structure within the island’s soil conditions.
2. Stem wall block installation: The team set concrete block stem walls on top of the footers. Rebar reinforcement is placed at corners and every four feet on center to strengthen the walls.
3. Concrete filling: The next step is to have the concrete crew fill all block cells with concrete to create a solid, reinforced foundation.
4. Backfilling: After cells are filled, backfill with engineered fill dirt will occur to prepare the site for plumbing and slab preparation.
5. Plumbing and slab prep: Once backfill is completed, plumbers will install lines and slab prep will begin prior to pouring the concrete slab.

Jason’s clear explanation helps demystify what can otherwise seem like a confusing phase for buyers. Knowing the sequence—pilings, stem walls, filled cells, backfill, plumbing, slab—gives buyers realistic expectations about timelines and the need for inspections at each stage.

Why Local Experience Matters for New Construction

Building on an island environment like Marco Island requires knowledge of local codes, flood considerations, and appropriate foundation systems. Jason emphasizes that the company’s decades of work on Marco Island make a real difference in anticipating site-specific challenges.

Buyers considering new construction should evaluate builders based on:

• Local track record and number of completed homes
• Experience with coastal foundations and pilings
• Customer references and portfolio of similar projects
• Transparency of construction schedule and milestones
• Willingness to walk buyers through early-stage construction items

Mary’s real estate expertise complements the builder’s practical knowledge—together the conversation provides a roadmap for buyers who want to be actively involved during a new construction project.

What Buyers Should Expect When Following a New Construction Project

Following a home from breaking ground to finishing touches can be one of the most rewarding parts of buying a new construction home. The episode shows that with clear communication and a predictable sequence of work, the process becomes manageable.

Buyers should expect to:

• Attend or review inspections at major milestones (foundation, slab, framing, drywall, final)
• Make finish selections in a timely fashion to avoid delays
• Receive regular updates from the builder or agent about scheduling and inspections
• Budget for change orders and understand how selections affect overall cost

Mary highlights the value of documenting progress and returning to the site at key moments. FCI Homes’ openness to letting potential buyers see these stages helps create trust and sets expectations for the final delivery.

Practical Timeline Expectations

While timelines vary by project size, lot prep, and permitting, the episode helps set a practical expectation for this type of new construction on Marco Island. After site work and foundation steps, slab prep and framing typically occur within the next few weeks to months—weather permitting. For a 3,200 sq ft two-story home, buyers can reasonably expect a multi-month timeline from foundation to move-in.

Key timeline influencers include:

• Weather and hurricane season impacts
• Availability of skilled trades (plumbers, electricians, concrete crews)
• Permitting timelines and inspections
• Buyer decision turnaround on interior and exterior finishes

Working With Realtors on New Construction

The Bartos Group’s approach to new construction is to provide buyers with expertise at every stage of the process. Agents who regularly work with builders can add tremendous value by coordinating communication, verifying inspection completion, and ensuring contract steps are followed.

Questions a knowledgeable real estate team will help answer:

• What warranties does the builder provide for structural and mechanical systems?
• Which inspections are performed by third parties versus the builder?
• How are change orders handled and priced?
• How will closing timelines align with construction completion?

Conclusion: Confidence in Choosing New Construction

The Saturn Street project demonstrates the benefits of choosing a local, experienced builder for new construction. From pilings to slab prep, the transparent construction sequence, combined with an involved real estate team, helps buyers understand what’s happening at each stage and why. For those considering a new construction home on Marco Island, partnering with seasoned professionals—both builder and realtor—can make the difference between stress and a smooth, rewarding building experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does new construction typically take on Marco Island?

Timelines vary, but a larger two-story home (around 3,000+ sq ft) often requires several months from foundation to completion. Early stages—pilings, stem walls, slab—can take weeks, while framing, finishes, and inspections extend the timeline further. Weather and permitting are major factors.

Why are pilings and stem walls used in island new construction?

Pilings provide deep foundation support where soils are less stable and help meet flood and wind load requirements. Stem walls combine with reinforced concrete to create a robust perimeter and floor support that is common in coastal new construction.

What should buyers watch for during the foundation phase?

Buyers should verify that rebar is installed per plans, concrete block cells are filled as scheduled, and that there are documented inspections for pilings and footers. Clear communication from the builder and access to inspection reports are important.

Can buyers change finishes during construction?

Yes, but changes may result in change orders and added cost. It’s best to make key selections early and understand how late changes will affect budget and schedule.

How does working with an agent benefit buyers of new construction?

An experienced agent coordinates between buyer and builder, tracks milestones, reviews contract details, and ensures the buyer’s interests are protected throughout the process.

For those interested in following the Saturn Street project or learning more about new construction on Marco Island, local teams like the Bartos Group and builders like FCI Homes often welcome site visits at appropriate stages—giving buyers both a view of progress and the confidence to plan their move.