Remember when the wolf huffed and puffed at the little pigs houses? Irma and Maria were like wolves. They huffed and puffed. The houses built out of bricks and concrete are still standing.
The Florida construction industry builds a residential home structurally strong enough to sustain a 150 mph wind. Although wood structures meet the Florida requirements, imagine if a single family home were designed to commercial specifications, utilizing masonry construction materials including the exterior walls and floor system? What if your new home was constructed of such a superior structural system that it would
prevent the devastation seen on TV after Harvey and Irma? And be attractive, at a very competitive price!
Together with structural engineers and pre-cast masonry manufacturers, my
company, GHD Construction Services, Inc., has been working to design structurally
superior homes that can be built at competitive prices, without compromising the architectural beauty of the homes. We have developed a structural masonry system that far surpasses existing residential wood systems, yet adding very little extra cost to the home. The wood systems that industry uses today are engineered to be very strong structural systems, however, if and when the “Big One” hits Florida, wouldn’t you rather own the strongest home possible, at close to the same price? Not a bad idea.
If you have seen high-rise condo buildings being constructed, you have seen pre-cast concrete floor systems, together with concrete block exterior walls, concrete reinforced with steel. These are the buildings that you see still standing after a major hurricane
devastates an area. While these surpass building codes today for single-family
residential construction, some customers might be more than willing to pay a few
dollars more when considering an expansive waterfront home. Since you would be
investing in hurricane rated doors, windows, and sliding glass doors anyway, increasing
the structural component should definitely be evaluated.
Anyone considering building within a few years might find significant savings from
acting now, rather than waiting. Aside from the normal inflationary factors that raise home prices every year, this year could be extra inflationary due to Harvey, Irma and Maria. Supply & demand will certainly increase the cost of plywood, sheetrock,
windows, doors, etc. due to the rebuilding of Houston, some areas of Florida, and the Caribbean islands. If you are really considering a new Florida home, maybe you should visit the builder of your choice now and make the commitment.
For additional information, come by the new 2018 “Key West” model home. GHD
Construction Services has the only furnished model along the beach communities for
families to see what quality and structural systems are offered by GHD today. GHD was voted “”Builder of the Year” in both Pinellas & Pasco Counties. We promise no high
pressure, our team is on site just to showcase our home and discuss any construction items that you have. You might even get some great interior decorating ideas!
GHD Construction Services, Inc. has constructed 6,000 homes since 1971, and has the new 2018 “Key West” home at 239 144th Ave. N, Madeira Beach, open 12:00 to 5:00 daily, or by appointment. If you have any questions pertaining to new home
construction, feel free to email GHD at tweisser@ghdcsi.com or request a meeting at our new model.
Article by Tom Smith