Raising the Bar: How This Cali Model Redefines What a “Spec Home” Can Be

Tanya Rivera
Aug 18
4 min read

6848 Fresh Meadows Ln Laurel Hill, FL 32567

When most people think of a Cali Model, they imagine a popular 4-bedroom, 2-bath floor plan — practical, versatile, and often delivered as a spec home (built to builder standards with minimal customization). But every once in a while, a property comes along that completely resets expectations.

This home does exactly that. Through thoughtful upgrades and custom touches, the sellers have transformed a familiar floor plan into something that feels more like a custom-built dream home than a standard new build. Here’s how they did it — and why these improvements set a new benchmark for what a Cali Model can be.

Curb Appeal That Sets the Tone and Raises the Bar

Most spec homes are delivered with the basics: sod, a few shrubs, and maybe a small tree. Here, the exterior tells a different story.

Landscape stone borders, lush garden beds, and upgraded landscaping bring a finished, high-end look to the front elevation.
A full privacy fence with dual gates (including a 10’ double gate) adds both functionality style and raises the bar.
Exterior motion lighting, custom shutters, and a raised garden box make the outdoor space feel polished and move-in ready.

💡 Why it matters: Curb appeal creates instant emotional connection. Buyers see not just a house, but a home that feels cared for and elevated above the rest of the neighborhood.

Interior Upgrades That Feel Custom

Where many spec homes feel like blank canvases, this Cali Model feels curated. Every room has thoughtful upgrades that make it stand out.

Lighting upgrades throughout add warmth and personality — from chandeliers in the living room and primary suite, to custom fixtures in the bathrooms and dining room.
A sliding barn door in the front room creates a custom, designer touch you’d expect in a fully bespoke home.
The guest bathroom shines with a framed mirror, upgraded lighting, a swiveling towel holder, and even a toilet paper holder designed to fit wipes — a small detail with a big impact on comfort and convenience.

💡 Why it matters: These upgrades replace “builder-basic” finishes with pieces that reflect intentional design, making the home feel one-of-a-kind.

Function Meets Style in Utility Spaces

Too often, spec homes overlook the practical spaces like the laundry or office. Not here.

The laundry room includes custom shelving, a butcher block counter, upgraded lighting, and wallpaper that makes it feel like an extension of the home’s style, not just a utility closet.
The office features upgraded LVP flooring and blinds, transforming it into a true work-from-home haven.

💡 Why it matters: Spaces that are usually functional-only now feel intentional and enjoyable, enhancing daily life.

Upgraded Kitchen from Basic to Extraordinary

The Kitchen as a Centerpiece

Spec homes often come with plain cabinetry and standard lighting. This kitchen? Completely reimagined.

Custom double pantry doors, beadboard trim with ledges and pegs, and glass double-door hutch add visual interest and charm.
Pull-out drawers, upgraded cabinet hardware, and island lighting make the space both more functional and beautiful.

💡 Why it matters: Kitchens sell homes. By investing here, the sellers have turned a standard builder kitchen into a statement-making centerpiece.

A Primary Suite That Feels Like a Retreat

The primary bedroom and bath have been elevated far beyond spec finishes:

Custom woodwork, LVP flooring, extra can lights, and a chandelier create a boutique-hotel vibe.
In the bath, French country mirrors, upgraded vanity lighting, a resurfaced shower floor, and custom towel holders add timeless elegance.

💡 Why it matters: Buyers today expect their bedroom and bath to feel like sanctuaries — and this home delivers.

Smart + Secure Features That Add Value

This Cali Model also comes equipped with:

Deako Smart Lighting package
Smart touchpad entry & garage app access
Wired for ADT/Safe Haven security
Rinnai tankless water heater & irrigation system

💡 Why it matters: Beyond aesthetics, these features provide efficiency, safety, and peace of mind — upgrades that many spec homes leave for buyers to add later.

Location, Lot, and Lifestyle

Finally, this home’s lot and neighborhood complete the package:

A quiet loop location with a retention pond in front and trees in the back creates privacy and charm.
The HOA offers a pool and community mailboxes, while the larger lot with a flat driveway sets this property apart from its neighbors.

💡 Why it matters: When buyers compare homes, small details like lot placement and community amenities make a huge difference in perceived value.

Why This Home Sets the Standard

While the Cali Model is a popular and practical floor plan, this home proves it can be so much more than a spec home. With over $15,000 in thoughtful upgrades, the sellers have created a property that feels both custom and move-in ready — eliminating the need for buyers to spend months (and thousands of dollars) on post-closing improvements.

For buyers, this means a home that is better than new: a property with all the benefits of new construction, plus the personality, warmth, and functionality of a custom build.

If you’re shopping for a home on the Emerald Coast and want something beyond the standard spec home, this Cali Model sets the benchmark. It’s proof that thoughtful upgrades — both big and small — can completely redefine how a home feels, functions, and ultimately, lives.