Silliman CitySide Homes

We were referred to Jeff Schnellmann by another local builder, Carmen Dominguez, after we purchased a condominium in Winter Park in the summer of 2025 which was in need of a “gut renovation.” After our first meeting with Jeff that summer, we were convinced that we would not regret signing a contract with him. And we did not. He completed the renovation in March of 2026, several weeks earlier than the anticipated dated of completion that he provided in August of 2025. The total charge for renovation was just under what we had agreed upon at the outset. Equally, if not more important, was our experience working with Jeff. We met with him frequently at the outset of the renovation to approve the designs and to select the flooring, tiles, counter tops, appliances, plumbing fixtures, cabinets, closets and electrical fixtures that would be delivered and installed by the array of companies and professionals that he had worked with over the years and clearly knew very well. Each of these in one way or another, made it clear to us that they enjoyed working with Jeff. In addition, Jeff was experienced in the permitting required in Winter Park for all aspects of the renovation and remained ahead of them throughout the project. Above all, his cheerful equanimity, patience, attention to detail, good judgment and ready availability made what we anticipated to be a tedious and anxiety provoking ordeal actually a joy.

I worked with Jeff on a custom home project in Winter Park. I was hired by my good friends to do the full interior design. It's truly a custom home that came with trying new and difficult things and Jeff truly rolled with it all. He brought expertise and guidance as well. It was also one of the fastest projects I've worked on. Grateful to be apart of such a project and would recommend Jeff for other builds.

If you're looking for a custom home builder, there's no better choice in Central Florida, including Orange County and its five surrounding counties, than Silliman Cityside Homes. Jeff Schnellmann, the owner of Silliman, is a true "gentleman builder," taking every measure to ensure you receive a flawless product. Should any concerns arise, Jeff addresses them personally, treating each one as if it were his own. He considers homeowners part of the building team, involving them in every detail of the construction process, from design to product selection. Jeff routinely visits job sites, thoroughly inspecting the work of his subcontractors at every stage and demanding nothing less than perfection. As an experienced commercial general contractor for over 50 years, my wife and I pride ourselves on our expertise in commercial construction. However, when it came to building our personal home, we needed a residential contractor we could trust completely—and Silliman Cityside was the clear choice. Previously known as Reiche Silliman, the company was led by Jeff’s mentors, Bill Silliman and Rob Reiche, who built my previous home. After working closely with them for many years, Jeff took over ownership, and I’ve known this team of builders for over 35 years. I wouldn’t choose anyone else to build my home. Calling Silliman Cityside a five-star builder doesn't do them justice—there simply aren’t enough stars to rate them as the best custom home builder in Central Florida. John and Kristen J.

My husband and I have a beautiful home near downtown Orlando thanks to Jeff Schnellman, Silliman CitySide Homes. Jeff is professional, very personable, and well organized. We appreciated how well he documented the details and kept us informed of any issues and progress. He made every effort to meet our wishes as we went through the home-building process – from coming up with the design through picking the finishes. What’s more, after we moved in, he was very responsive to any warranty issues. All in all, a great experience.

My husband and I relocated to the Winter Park area in 2019. Jeff at CitySide homes was referred to us by an interior designer who thought Jeff would be a good fit for us. She was right. We are so pleased with Jeff, his choice of subcontractors, and Doug, the onsite super, jack of all trades. The professionalism, work performed, knowledge, flexibility, attention to detail, communication between all parties is like no other. PS. i've been through several renovations in my past life. My husband and I believe we were truly blessed to have found Jeff and Doug. I have 100% confidence in their work and trust them explicitly with our new home. My husband and I would recommend Silliman CitySide homes to all. Renovation included, removal of back wall of home to accommodate insertion of 8 foot glass sliding doors, master bath gut, removal of old flooring with replacement tile throughout, fireplace transformation, HVAC rehaul, low voltage integration, plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, appliances....and the list goes on....

Jeff and his team truly built our dream home. The quality and attention to detail is unlike any builder we've seen in the area- and remarked by everyone who has been in the home. I never thought we'd find everything we wanted in a home without building it ourselves, but Silliman is one in a million- and saved us the headache of doing it ourselves. The post-purchase care of the home has been incredibly through and very responsive. Thank you Silliman!

From the moment we walked into this home we knew this would be our forever home. It was the exactly what we were looking for. The floor plan is great with two teenagers in the home. The quality of design and work by the builder definitely shows in this home. Working with both the builder and the developer once we went under contract was also A class service. They provided everything we needed to move in and were extremely helpful with any questions we had from beginning to end. We would highly recommended them to anyone who is looking to build or buy a home already built.

We love out home! We consider ourselves lucky with the level of service throughout the build and through the warranty process! The build is superb!

Great experience working with Jeff Schnellmann and his team. Jeff is very personable and professional. As work on the home progressed, the CitySide team kept us informed of progress and issues. Now that we are in the house, we greatly appreciate the commitment to quality. As Jeff told us early on, he only uses certain trades personnel that meet his work quality expectations. If they aren't available, the work waits until they are available. The end result has been a beautiful home with essentially no post-occupancy issues. I highly recommend CitySide.

Years of experience and consistency in building a quality home are attributes you get with Silliman CitySide Homes. At Aggressive Appliances, we believe the kitchen is the heart of the home...we are always proud to partner with Jeff Schnellman and his team in creating dream kitchens for Central Florida homeowners.

Great builder. Great home. Silliman CitySide is a pleasure to work with. We have been doing business with SIlliman for close to 10 years.

Excellent builder and exceptional homes! One of the best of Central Florida. You know you're getting quality and a true lifetime investment when you live in a Silliman CitySide Home.