Historic home restoration in Coral Gables.
Renovated living room, Coral Gables
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Ballagas Construction restores and renovates historic homes in Coral Gables, including 1920s Mediterranean Revival residences, as a Florida State Certified General Contractor (CGC1530999). We plan around Historic Preservation Board and Board of Architects review, protect original fabric where it matters, and bring structure, roofing, windows and systems up to current code.
Building in Coral Gables.
Coral Gables has one of the largest inventories of locally designated historic properties in Florida, much of it from the City's 1920s founding era. Work on a designated property or within a historic district generally requires a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Board in addition to Board of Architects review. Typical conditions in older Gables homes include original barrel-tile roofs, coral rock and stucco walls, wood framing affected by termites or moisture, older electrical and plumbing, and windows that do not meet current impact standards. We identify these on the first walk-through and carry clear allowances for what cannot be confirmed until walls are opened.
What we build in Coral Gables.
- Whole-house restoration of historic and pre-war homes
- Sympathetic additions that meet Historic Preservation guidelines
- Barrel-tile roof replacement and structural repairs
- Impact window and door replacement compatible with original character
- Electrical, plumbing and HVAC modernization
- Kitchens, baths and primary suites within historic homes
Our five-step process.
Plan Review
Architectural, structural, civil, MEP, specifications, missing details and field constraints.
Scope Definition
Line-item scopes, inclusions, exclusions, allowances, alternates and owner decisions.
Budget & VE
Subcontractor pricing, quantity checks, constructability input and value engineering where useful.
Schedule Strategy
Permitting and design review, procurement, inspections, sequencing, long-lead items and site logistics.
Field Execution
Mobilization through turnover, with weekly updates (photos, schedule notes, decisions needed) and written, priced change orders approved before work proceeds.
No casual field promises. No vague extras. The change is described, priced, reviewed, approved, and then executed.
Recent work.
Historic Coral Gables home: addition and full restoration. Kaēlo Residence, a new two-story home in Miami Shores, is in the glazing installation and interior finishes stage; Casa Arborēa, our own new-home project in Miami Shores, is in pre-construction and expected to break ground in early 2027; and we completed an oceanfront residence renovation at Continuum South Tower in Miami Beach. Ballagas Construction stepped in after a previous contractor to complete a primary-suite addition in Miami.
What clients say on Google.
“What set Ballagas Construction apart was the unwavering integrity, ownership, and professionalism they brought to every phase of the process.”Luis C., Google review
“Ernesto was a pleasure to work with mainly because in Miami it’s hard to find a GC who will put quality of work over their own ego.”Diandrah L., bedroom and bath addition, Google review
Frequently asked questions
Who restores historic homes in Coral Gables?
Look for a Florida State Certified General Contractor with experience navigating the Historic Preservation Board and Board of Architects. Ballagas Construction (CGC1530999) restores and renovates historic Coral Gables homes and plans those reviews into the schedule.
Do I need a Certificate of Appropriateness to renovate my historic Coral Gables home?
If the property is locally designated or inside a historic district, exterior changes, additions and demolition generally require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Board. Confirm with the City's Historic Preservation office before you design.
Can I add on to a historic house in Coral Gables?
Often yes, if the addition is compatible in scale, materials and placement. Early review with the City and your architect is the best way to know what will be approved.
Can I install impact windows on a historic home?
Usually, with window profiles and materials that respect the original design. Historic review will specify what is acceptable for your home.
What surprises come up in old Coral Gables homes?
Common findings are termite or moisture damage in framing, aging roofs, outdated wiring and plumbing, and coral rock or stucco repairs. We carry allowances for these and document every change in writing before work proceeds.
Are there tax incentives for restoring a historic home?
Some designated properties may qualify for local ad valorem tax exemptions for qualifying restoration work. Ask the City's Historic Preservation office and your tax advisor; we can provide cost documentation.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Ballagas Construction LLC holds Florida license CGC1530999 and is licensed and insured.
Tell us about your project.
Send drawings, a survey or a few photos. We reply within 12 hours.
Ballagas Construction LLC
Miami, FL 33131
(786) 909-1601
contact@ballagasconstruction.com
Florida State Certified General Contractor CGC1530999
Licensed & Insured