Construction By Tom Smith
In past articles, I’ve written about what new homes offer today with the increased Florida and Federal Building codes. As an industry in Florida, we are constructing homes that meet or exceed the 150mph wind speeds, to insure the best amount of safety and security for new homes. Some homes can be retrofitted to add some of these features, yet other homes remain susceptible to high tides and severe water damage. What can be done today for the homes along our beautiful coastal island communities?
Everyone is now aware that hurricane resistant windows and doors should be a “must” for any home. Those are the areas that will be first to fail when the high wind and water comes our way. Also, although pilings cannot be installed in existing homes with any practicality, they are very helpful in keeping the stability of the home sound, especially along the beaches. Then as I have mentioned in the past, the most important item for homes is that they are raised above FEMA standards, to keep the flood waters from destroying the home and ruining furnishings. Sorry, but as I see homes playing FEMA’s 50% Rule game, I can’t help but wonder why families are investing hundreds of thousands of dollars to re-build a home on grade.
Not a good investment or decision!
Many of our home customers today are inquiring about whole house generators for their new homes. Linda and I are installing a generator in our new home, as it makes sense to protect against power failure, especially if you live in beach communities where power is the most likely to fail during a storm. A natural or propane gas system that fuels the generator can actually have enough power for the entire home, including air conditioning. I’m told by the gas company, that they do not turn off the gas after a storm, as it is necessary for hospitals and other first responder needs. Sure, a gas generator can be temporarily used from your garage for the refrigerator and a few lights, but having the entire home uninterrupted after a storm is a major plus.
As I write these thoughts on building a strong home, it’s funny, but I remember one of the favorite books that my mother read to me was the “3 Little Pigs.” I don’t know why this is in my memory 67 years later, but I guess it rang a bell in terms of building a home substantial enough to keep that “Big Bad Wolf” from destroying a home.
Our wolf is the potential Florida hurricane.
We all know it’s coming, but we can’t predict what year we will experience it. I just returned from a trip to the British Virgin Islands a few weeks ago, and in addition to the devastating pictures that I saw on TV, there are still many signs of the devastation caused by the strength of the wind and water there from Irma and Maria. Very eye-opening. These storms are massive and life changing!
If you are thinking about remodeling or building a new home, maybe some of the items listed above might give you cause to reflect on what items you want to consider.
GHD Construction Services, Inc. has constructed 6,500 homes since 1971, and now announces now our “Madeira Beach Walk” townhomes. For information about these most competitively priced townhomes, come visit our “Key West” Home at 239 144th Ave. N, Madeira Beach.
If you have any questions pertaining to new home construction, feel free to come by the GHD model, call at (727) 954-8345, or email to: tweisser@ghdcsi.com.
Meanwhile, look us up on our web site at GHDCoastalHomes.com.