Block, Poured or Stick homes

[Will.S]

Will be new to Florida so when shopping for our first home in The Villages next spring, I have questions. What is the general AND preferred construction of homes in The Villages. I would think that poured and block would be the better options for strength & insulation...

Yes, these are things that keep me up at night ... :024:
Thanks for your inputs, Will

[Keefelane66]

Think about the fable of the Three Little Pigs”

[mrf0151]

Block is stronger construction for sure. With block you lose a very small amount of square footage of the home. With block you need to keep an eye on the surface for cracks as they can let water in. If you have cracks you need to fill ASAP and paint over.
With the Vinyl, it needs an annual washing due to collection of mold/mildew. Vinyl over time can fade some and have blotchy areas.
Probably some pros and cons I am missing with both but this is a start.

[Dusty_Star]

Will be new to Florida so when shopping for our first home in The Villages next spring, I have questions. What is the general AND preferred construction of homes in The Villages. I would think that poured and block would be the better options for strength & insulation...

Yes, these are things that keep me up at night ... :024:
Thanks for your inputs, Will

I personally think: block is sturdier, quieter, cooler in the summer & warmer in the winter, less prone to termites, less prone to wood rot, possibly less prone to mold & mildew, less likely to burn completely down. So, safer, quieter, less expensive to heat & cool, healthier. Block has many wooden elements, so not exempted from all problems associated with wooden structures.

[BrianL99]

I would think that poured and block would be the better options for strength & insulation...

Yes, these are things that keep me up at night ... :024:
Thanks for your inputs, Will

The opposite. Wood is better for insulation and the structural strength is the same as block.

There are pluses and minuses to both kinds of construction. Google is your friend.

[dadspet]

The opposite. Wood is better for insulation and the structural strength is the same as block.

There are pluses and minuses to both kinds of construction. Google is your friend.

If you were here when the tornado hit the villages and destroyed around 2,000 homes it became very obvious the difference between stick built and concrete block. Believe me concrete block stood up a lot better.

[Will.S]

Thank you for all the replies...

[Will.S]

I have more confirmation on which way I should go. Thanks.

[BigDawgInLakeDenham]

I wouldn't think that the block proponents are living in precast solid concrete with rebar reinforcement. I've laid enough block in my day to know that every mortar joint is a potential crack, leak, weakness. I've seen low speed cars on a parking lot bust holes in block. In TV Block is now a luxury item for those willing to build their dream home of a bigger size, but I find it hard to say it's necessary because a pre-built home isn't good enough. It's only necessary if you think you can't make it through without that bigger room you need to warehouse your junk until you die.

My precast home is plenty big for retired people and I call it a vault because all winter the temp inside ranged from 68 to 70 with no heating or AC. That said....stick built is not an option unless that's your only option.

[Bilyclub]

I wouldn't think that the block proponents are living in precast solid concrete with rebar reinforcement. I've laid enough block in my day to know that every mortar joint is a potential crack, leak, weakness. I've seen low speed cars on a parking lot bust holes in block. In TV Block is now a luxury item for those willing to build their dream home of a bigger size, but I find it hard to say it's necessary because a pre-built home isn't good enough. It's only necessary if you think you can't make it through without that bigger room you need to warehouse your junk until you die.

My precast home is plenty big for retired people and I call it a vault because all winter the temp inside ranged from 68 to 70 with no heating or AC. That said....stick built is not an option unless that's your only option.


Precast wasn't an option in TV until a couple of years ago.

[BrianL99]

If you were here when the tornado hit the villages and destroyed around 2,000 homes it became very obvious the difference between stick built and concrete block. Believe me concrete block stood up a lot better.

The construction standards are the same.

If it was obvious that block homes withstood winds better than stick built, it's an anomaly or perhaps the homes weren't built to standards? I don't know when the hurricane was, but Florida's building standards for withstanding hurricanes, has been around for a long time.

[BigDawgInLakeDenham]

Precast wasn't an option in TV until a couple of years ago.

True but I said the block proponents are making out like you ain't got nothin less you got block.....kinda like their golf courses and electric golf carts. I'm offering valid points and NOT only what I want to be right to make me look superior.

[Randall55]

Will be new to Florida so when shopping for our first home in The Villages next spring, I have questions. What is the general AND preferred construction of homes in The Villages. I would think that poured and block would be the better options for strength & insulation...

Yes, these are things that keep me up at night ... :024:
Thanks for your inputs, WillThere is a saying in construction "if the roof goes, so goes the house." When a hurricane or tornado destroys your roof, the home is now open to the elements. If large amounts of rain persist throughout the storm, the home will have water damage even if the walls are still standing. Windows and doors are also weak points of a home. If blown out, the home could also experience water damage. This is the main reason insurance companies charge higher rates for homes with older roofs and insist on replacement at 15 years. This is also the reason a homeowner receives a discount if their windows and doors are hurricane proof. Construction of the walls have little to do with the equation. A concrete block wall may still be standing at the end of the storm, but it will experience severe damage.

[BigDawgInLakeDenham]

There is a saying in construction "if the roof goes, so goes the house." When a hurricane or tornado destroys your roof, the home is now open to the elements. If large amounts of rain persist throughout the storm, the home will have water damage even if the walls are still standing. Windows and doors are also weak points of a home. If blown out, the home could also experience water damage. This is the main reason insurance companies charge higher rates for homes with older roofs and insist on replacement at 15 years. This is also the reason a homeowner receives a discount if their windows and doors are hurricane proof. Construction of the walls have little to do with the equation. A concrete block wall may still be standing at the end of the storm, but it will experience severe damage.

So your saying we're all screwed and just don't move to Florida....problem solved by the insurance agent. Or are you saying don't move here because I need my Tee Time? The guy seems to want to be part of TV but you offer doom and gloom? Why?

[Randall55]

So your saying we're all screwed and just don't move to Florida....problem solved by the insurance agent. Or are you saying don't move here because I need my Tee Time? The guy seems to want to be part of TV but you offer doom and gloom? Why?I an a contractor. I'm saying, the story of the three little pigs does not hold true in real life. If a major tornado or hurricane comes through, it will cause major damage to ALL STRUCTURES, large or small. I would hate to see anyone trying to ride out a storm because they believe the "Big Bad Wolf" cannot do any harm to their concrete structure. We are adults, put down you fantasy books and live in reality.

[kkingston57]

Will be new to Florida so when shopping for our first home in The Villages next spring, I have questions. What is the general AND preferred construction of homes in The Villages. I would think that poured and block would be the better options for strength & insulation...

Yes, these are things that keep me up at night ... :024:
Thanks for your inputs, Will

1. Poured
2. Block
3. Frame

Poured, block less probability for termites, paint lasts longer and, more wind resistant. Also look for a hip roof as you will get a lower insurance premium

[kkingston57]

The construction standards are the same.

If it was obvious that block homes withstood winds better than stick built, it's an anomaly or perhaps the homes weren't built to standards? I don't know when the hurricane was, but Florida's building standards for withstanding hurricanes, has been around for a long time.

Can not find ant new stick built/frame homes on the coast(hurricane prone) areas. #1 reason for this fact is hurricanes

[MrChip72]

I think it might barely make my top 5 on choosing one house over another. More important is location, price, home layout, and noise but I would consider location and price to be 90% of the factors in making a decision on a new build.

[BigDawgInLakeDenham]

I an a contractor. I'm saying, the story of the three little pigs does not hold true in real life. If a major tornado or hurricane comes through, it will cause major damage to ALL STRUCTURES, large or small. I would hate to see anyone trying to ride out a storm because they believe the "Big Bad Wolf" cannot do any harm to their concrete structure. We are adults, put down you fantasy books and live in reality.

Oh... you're saying you are a contractor that can't build a structure that could meet any accepted codes or standards that are set for hurricane sustainability and dont see how anyone could, so you have no faith in any structure built in TV and are fearful that the weather will harm anyone chosing to buy a house in TV, but choose to live like a pig in one? Most adults moving to Florida are aware of the weather. They are also aware of the risks to life from where they are moving from. Your big bad wolf ain't that big or bad in the real world of possibilities

[Randall55]

Oh... you're saying you are a contractor that can't build a structure that could meet any accepted codes or standards that are set for hurricane sustainability and dont see how anyone could, so you have no faith in any structure built in TV and are fearful that the weather will harm anyone chosing to buy a house in TV, but choose to live like a pig in one? Most adults moving to Florida are aware of the weather. They are also aware of the risks to life from where they are moving from. Your big bad wolf ain't that big or bad in the real world of possibilitiesYou are putting words into my mouth. All I'm saying is :

1.The most vulnerable part of a home or building is the roof.

2. Windows and doors are also vulnerable.

If you are searching for a home with natural disaster damage in mind, pay attention to these areas. The walls will fail if the roof is lost. Major damage can occur if windows and doors are blown out. WALLS, either concrete or frame, can both be equally damaged.

I send this message because some believe they are safe in concrete homes or buildings when the opposite is true. I remember reading several people ran into a General Dollar store during a tornado. They believed they would be safe. The building crumbled and all of them died. How many attempted rescues have you seen of people trapped in schools, hospitals, and the like? If one person understands what I am saying, I may have saved that life.

For those who still believe in the story of the three pigs, please let me know when you find the goose that lays golden eggs. Now that, I would be interested in!

If I sound extreme, I do so with reason. NO ONE is safe when a major tornado or hurricane strikes. Mother Nature is a fierce opponent who frequently has her way. Keep your guard up and have an educated emergency evacuation plan.

The OP question is which is better precast, concrete, or frame? My answer is NONE. If a major storm hits, each is equally prone to fail. Instead, listen to the posters who are advising to prioritize location, price, layout, age of roof, insurance rates, flood zones, and required maintenance. Perhaps look into hurricane proof windows and doors - especially, garage and sliding glass doors. Stay away from homes with huge trees that can easily be toppled? If a major storm hits, not much more ANY can do to avoid damage.

As a side note: please do not believe natural disasters never occur in or near the Villages. In October, a tornado struck in Ocala. There have been more in surrounding areas. In 2007, the second largest tornado in Florida history struck the Villages. When a tornado warning is given, take it seriously. No need to panic. Simply keep your guard up and have an educated plan.

[msilagy]

For curb appeal - Block stucco is a clear winner!

[Will.S]

"winter the temp inside ranged from 68 to 70 with no heating or AC"
THAT sounds great to me...

I wouldn't think that the block proponents are living in precast solid concrete with rebar reinforcement. I've laid enough block in my day to know that every mortar joint is a potential crack, leak, weakness. I've seen low speed cars on a parking lot bust holes in block. In TV Block is now a luxury item for those willing to build their dream home of a bigger size, but I find it hard to say it's necessary because a pre-built home isn't good enough. It's only necessary if you think you can't make it through without that bigger room you need to warehouse your junk until you die.

My precast home is plenty big for retired people and I call it a vault because all winter the temp inside ranged from 68 to 70 with no heating or AC. That said....stick built is not an option unless that's your only option.

[margaretmattson]

"winter the temp inside ranged from 68 to 70 with no heating or AC"
THAT sounds great to me...As others have stated, Stick built homes are thoroughly wrapped with insulation before the siding is is placed. They are more energy efficient than concrete.None of this matters much. Hot or cold air enters or escapes through windows and doors. The HVAC cost difference will be slight no matter which type of construction you select.

[Wayne Mudge]

Will be new to Florida so when shopping for our first home in The Villages next spring, I have questions. What is the general AND preferred construction of homes in The Villages. I would think that poured and block would be the better options for strength & insulation...

Yes, these are things that keep me up at night ... :024:
Thanks for your inputs, WillKeep this fact in mind TERMITES are a huge problem here.

[Desiderata]

So you’re saying we're all screwed and just don't move to Florida....problem solved by the insurance agent. Or are you saying don't move here because I need my Tee Time? The guy seems to want to be part of TV but you offer doom and gloom? Why?
Interesting that you interpreted his comment as gloom and doom. He made a valid and informative point that I had not previously considered.

[margaretmattson]

Keep this fact in mind TERMITES are a huge problem here.And all roofs are made of wood. Your point is?

[Normal]

Block 1
Poured 2
Stick 3

Block is the clear winner. If you have a hip roof even better. Block has an advantage over poured because it has air pockets within the blocks themselves. Better insulation and it is slightly more soundproof. I like precast, but I have seen progressive collapse issues. We don’t live in an earthquake zone, but it would be the last type I would care to be in if one hit. I prefer the continuity check offered by block construction.

[huge-pigeons]

I’d take precast or block over stick built any day of the week. Precast would have the best insulating qualities whereas stick built would be the least efficient. As for looks, IMO, vinyl looks cheap, like a mobile home.
If TV would allow you to use hardi plank siding, or stucco/scratch coat on a stick built home, and if they used 2x6 construction with closed cell insulation, then I would consider a stick built home here. I’ve never understood why TV builds vinyl homes and disperses them amongst the block built homes. Vinyl tends to be the smaller homes, smaller garages.

[MandoMan]

Will be new to Florida so when shopping for our first home in The Villages next spring, I have questions. What is the general AND preferred construction of homes in The Villages. I would think that poured and block would be the better options for strength & insulation...

Yes, these are things that keep me up at night ... :024:
Thanks for your inputs, Will

They are all good and will withstand a hurricane so long as the roof trusses are properly attached and the roof sheathing is properly nailed down and the shingles are properly attached. However, what is often being used now in new construction here is the Superior Wall System prefab concrete walls, erected in a couple hours with a crane. These are the best of all. They are made in factories from two inches of high strength concrete reinforced with fiber and 2x6 concrete studs reinforced with rebar, separated by an inch of styrofoam blue board. There are formed holes in the studs for running electrical wires, and the spaces between the studs are filled with 6” of fiberglass. This is much better insulation than you get in block or poured concrete, it uses much stronger concrete but much less of it, and it’s fast. The wall panels are erected on the sand or footing, then the concrete slab is poured. It keys in with the wall system, preventing wall uplift. The fiber reinforcement in the walls prevents cracking. Stucco applied to these walls is stronger than what is applied to steel lattice over studs, and if the stucco does crack, there is no way water will leak inside. If you have these walls, outside noises like a freeway stay outside.

So, that’s the ideal, found in houses built over the past couple years.
Custom Precast Concrete Foundations | Superior Walls (https://www.superiorwalls.com/)

[asianthree]

As others have stated, Stick built homes are thoroughly wrapped with insulation before the siding is is placed. They are more energy efficient than concrete.None of this matters much. Hot or cold air enters or escapes through windows and doors. The HVAC cost difference will be slight no matter which type of construction you select.

Not sure I agree about slight cost of hvac between stick and block. We had 3 house for one year in TV. No TECO only Seco. All set at same temp designer 3 years older.

PV 1185sf,
cottage 1575sf,
designer block 2039sf.

Average Monthly with no humans designer block was $46 to 52.23 less per month

[PoolBrews]

The opposite. Wood is better for insulation and the structural strength is the same as block.

There are pluses and minuses to both kinds of construction. Google is your friend.

Both comments are incorrect for poured walls. Poured concrete walls are structurally stronger by a significant amount, and have a higher R-Value. Also, quoted from a site that lists all of the advantages of poured walls "The thermal mass of the walls and the tight seals at joints enable concrete homes to excel at keeping conditioned air in and extreme temperatures out. Temperature control. The tight building envelope also means concrete houses have fewer hot and cold zones and less draftiness."

My first two homes I owned earlier in life were stick built. My 3rd and 4th were here in The Villages. The 3rd was block construction, and my current home has poured walls. The difference in my heating/AC bill and the quietness of the homes were significantly better than either stick home. The poured home is noticeably better than the block home.

During hurricane Irma we had just moved into our current home. Emergency channels advised us to sleep in a centrally located room. We couldn't even hear the hurricane come through at night - yet I got up in the middle of the night and our stop sign out front was sitting at a 30 degree angle from the ground and bouncing up and down in the wind. It was amazing.

[margaretmattson]

Not sure I agree about slight cost of hvac between stick and block. We had 3 house for one year in TV. No TECO only Seco. All set at same temp designer 3 years older.

PV 1185sf,
cottage 1575sf,
designer block 2039sf.

Average Monthly with no humans designer block was $46 to 52.23 less per monthGood to know! Ours was reverse. We owned a vinyl CYV then block with same square footage. The difference in HVAC was $6 a month. The lower was the vinyl sided. Perhaps, there are other factors that come into play? Amount of shade from trees? Amount of sunlight and when? North vrs West facing? East vrs South? Ceiling height? The color of the home?.... Who knows? Interesting!

Not sure if I like the idea of not being able to hear a hurricane in a precast home. Sometimes, a roaring sound may be your only warning that a tornado has formed. Or, the hurricane has strengthened.

[RICH1]

BLOCK Home , with a North or East Sunroom .... anything else , you will Regret it!

[MSGirl]

Will be new to Florida so when shopping for our first home in The Villages next spring, I have questions. What is the general AND preferred construction of homes in The Villages. I would think that poured and block would be the better options for strength & insulation...

Yes, these are things that keep me up at night ... :024:
Thanks for your inputs, Will
Poured concrete is the best! Totally solid! You can only find it in courtyard villas. Besides, stick, poured concrete and block, there is a relatively new product The Villages is using. In lieu of block, they use pre- poured modular concrete walls (in homes south of CR 44). Now, let that one keep you up at night😉

[Randall55]

After reading these posts, it is like I said. It doesn't matter what type of construction you choose. Each has their pros and cons.

[ldj1938]

The construction standards are the same.

If it was obvious that block homes withstood winds better than stick built, it's an anomaly or perhaps the homes weren't built to standards? I don't know when the hurricane was, but Florida's building standards for withstanding hurricanes, has been around for a long time.

We lived in South Florida in 2002 Hurricane Andrew. Wood frame homes GONE! Concrete slab remains. Most of the concrete block homes remained. In the most severe area every thing gone. Even the Miami weather station.

[Randall55]

We lived in South Florida in 2002 Hurricane Andrew. Wood frame homes GONE! Concrete slab remains. Most of the concrete block homes remained. In the most severe area every thing gone. Even the Miami weather station.This was BEFORE hurricane standards. The homes were old and were not built to a standard code. It is because of Hurricane Andrew that strict hurricane standards are now enforced in new home construction. Comparing apples to oranges in this scenario.

[tophcfa]

Will be new to Florida so when shopping for our first home in The Villages next spring, I have questions. What is the general AND preferred construction of homes in The Villages. I would think that poured and block would be the better options for strength & insulation...

Yes, these are things that keep me up at night ... :024:
Thanks for your inputs, Will

Any type that’s in the most desirable location and has a nice private back yard.

[Edgewater2]

Will be new to Florida so when shopping for our first home in The Villages next spring, I have questions. What is the general AND preferred construction of homes in The Villages. I would think that poured and block would be the better options for strength & insulation...

Yes, these are things that keep me up at night ... :024:
Thanks for your inputs, Will

We were hit with the 2007 tornado that went through here. Our roof was damaged, broken windows, and the patio screen was blown away. A portion of the cement wall surrounding our villa was blown away. We were told it weighed 2000 pounds. We were in a block villa. Many frame-built homes were flattened.

[BrianL99]

The opposite. Wood is better for insulation and the structural strength is the same as block.

There are pluses and minuses to both kinds of construction. Google is your friend.

Both comments are incorrect for poured walls.


I build buildings for a living, so I have a clue and it's not based on anecdotal information, from a couple of homes I lived in.

& if you'll note, "poured walls" weren't mentioned in my comments. That's a different construction technique than block.

At least from what I've seen or heard in TV, there have been and are, numerous different construction techniques used.

Wood Frame
CMU
Poured Concrete
Tilt-Up
Pre-Cast Concrete

All those techniques produce a different product, with differing advantages and disadvantages. None are inherently "better".

Here's a video of a commercial building I'm doing now. It utilizes CMU (Block) walls, Pre-Cast Concrete, Poured Concrete, steel & glass. Each of the techniques/materials offer different advantages/disadvantages, depending on needs, usage, strength, cost, aesthetic value and site conditions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73n8QWWNOFo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4laY8rSBoi0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRASHpXnJ6s

[Greatlawn]

Can not find ant new stick built/frame homes on the coast(hurricane prone) areas. #1 reason for this fact is hurricanes

Not only misleading but wrong. I owned a stick built home built in 2004 on a barrier island, not the “coast” which is a general location, could be 10 miles inland. Other than high rise condos most living space of homes on the island was stick built. The building code is designed for major hurricanes but the island is routinely evacuated for hurricanes because of storm surge. Houses are built on anchored concrete pillars 12 ft high. I believe that requirement is now 14 ft. Ground level walls are breakaway and the space is only used for parking.

[RRGuyNJ]

So your saying we're all screwed and just don't move to Florida....problem solved by the insurance agent. Or are you saying don't move here because I need my Tee Time? The guy seems to want to be part of TV but you offer doom and gloom? Why?

They aren't spreading doom & gloom, just the facts of what happens and how most major home failures occur. Also facts on how the insurance companies in FL are running the show.

[BrianL99]

Not only misleading but wrong. I owned a stick built home built in 2004 on a barrier island, not the “coast” which is a general location, could be 10 miles inland.
.

You're 100% right. I've built stick frame in velocity zones along the coast. The thinking that block/concrete/block is inherently "sturdier" than wood frame, in nonsense. But this is The Villages, everyone is an expert here, regardless of from whence they came.

[asianthree]

Good to know! Ours was reverse. We owned a vinyl CYV then block with same square footage. The difference in HVAC was $6 a month. The lower was the vinyl sided. Perhaps, there are other factors that come into play? Amount of shade from trees? Amount of sunlight and when? North vrs West facing? East vrs South? Ceiling height? The color of the home?.... Who knows? Interesting!

Not sure if I like the idea of not being able to hear a hurricane in a precast home. Sometimes, a roaring sound may be your only warning that a tornado has formed. Or, the hurricane has strengthened.

No trees. all homes facing within degrees of same north on compass read. 8 ceilings in PV, cottage & designer vault in living/kitchen.
All three home the same ugly beige. Most don’t keep stats on three homes monthly for a year.

[Normal]

You're 100% right. I've built stick frame in velocity zones along the coast. The thinking that block/concrete/block is inherently "sturdier" than wood frame, in nonsense. But this is The Villages, everyone is an expert here, regardless of from whence they came.

It certainly depends. If you were in an earthquake you certainly would want to be in a stick home. You certainly would not want to be in a tilt wall constructed house.

[jimjamuser]

So your saying we're all screwed and just don't move to Florida....problem solved by the insurance agent. Or are you saying don't move here because I need my Tee Time? The guy seems to want to be part of TV but you offer doom and gloom? Why?
I got the opposite impression. He seemed to know what he was speaking about. It made a lot of sense that if the roof goes, then there are the same amount of problems even if the walls are still there. It seems to me that Florida would be a great candidate for DOME houses. Since I am NOT an expert, there must be good reasons WHY Dome houses are not POPULAR here.

[ton80]

[QUOTE=MandoMan;2299963]They are all good and will withstand a hurricane so long as the roof trusses are properly attached and the roof sheathing is properly nailed down and the shingles are properly attached.


Hurricane Andrew happened in 1992. Many studies were done to find the causes of failure and how to eliminate those causes. The result was the major building code rewrite that issued in 2002. Mandoman's sentence is a good explanation of what the key consideration is.
So today, All construction methods have the same design criteria and are "equal" in principle.

Obviously 1992 houses were designed to a lower criteria with less effective structural integrity. Consequently any opening led to more damage and often to complete destruction. Anecdotally, block construction had some inherent advantages that reduced total destruction During Hurricane Andrew and 2007 Tornado.

The comments regarding high velocity zones and construction methods are interesting but are not pertinent to building in The Villages. High velocity zones are basically coastal areas subject to potential waves from large bodies of water such as the Gulf or Atlantic. Basically NO construction method can withstand the force of high velocity waves. As pointed out in #41 by Greatlawn, The building Code now requires buildings in high velocity zones to be built on anchored concrete pillars 14 ft high (above high tide?). Stick built is the normal building method for private residences.

[BrianL99]

It certainly depends. If you were in an earthquake you certainly would want to be in a stick home. You certainly would not want to be in a tilt wall constructed house.

In a significant earthquake, you don't want to be anywhere near it.

That said, I'd much rather be in a stick built home, than any other kind, if the event of an earthquake. When a precast wall falls on you, it smarts. Dry wall? No big deal.

[Bogie Shooter]

Good to know! Ours was reverse. We owned a vinyl CYV then block with same square footage. The difference in HVAC was $6 a month. The lower was the vinyl sided. Perhaps, there are other factors that come into play? Amount of shade from trees? Amount of sunlight and when? North vrs West facing? East vrs South? Ceiling height? The color of the home?.... Who knows? Interesting!

Not sure if I like the idea of not being able to hear a hurricane in a precast home. Sometimes, a roaring sound may be your only warning that a tornado has formed. Or, the hurricane has strengthened.

If you hear that roaring sound, too late…….sit tight.

[BrianL99]

I got the opposite impression. He seemed to know what he was speaking about. It made a lot of sense that if the roof goes, then there are the same amount of problems even if the walls are still there. It seems to me that Florida would be a great candidate for DOME houses. Since I am NOT an expert, there must be good reasons WHY Dome houses are not POPULAR here.

Domes have their own complications, not the least of which, is structural cost and it's a linear world. If you just bought a new 65" Flat Screen ... what would you do with it? Mounting in on a wall of a "dome house", would used up tons of space ... takes the fun out of a "flat screen".

[Justputt]

Will be new to Florida so when shopping for our first home in The Villages next spring, I have questions. What is the general AND preferred construction of homes in The Villages. I would think that poured and block would be the better options for strength & insulation...

Yes, these are things that keep me up at night ... :024:
Thanks for your inputs, Will

Depending on the model, you may not have an option. Our floorplan was PC only (block option was discontinued).

[Randall55]

We were hit with the 2007 tornado that went through here. Our roof was damaged, broken windows, and the patio screen was blown away. A portion of the cement wall surrounding our villa was blown away. We were told it weighed 2000 pounds. We were in a block villa. Many frame-built homes were flattened.The 2007 tornado spawned 2 smaller tornadoes. Homes struck by the large tornado saw the most damage. (Framed Homes) Those that were struck by the smaller tornados suffered minimal damage. Again, it is NOT the type of construction. It is the intensity and size of the storm along with the amount and duration of rainfall. Everyone seems to understand homes hit along the coast during a hurricane will suffer the most damage. Frame or concrete, large or small, ALL crumble. The hurricane loses intensity as it makes its way through Florida. Homes inland suffer minimal damage. The same is true of tornadoes. A large intensive storm leaves behind more damage than smaller storms. The type of construction has very little to do with that equation.

[Will.S]

Thinking about your response.. and with energy costs what they are, are the newer home attic's insulated sufficiently to retain cooling & stop the suns heat from heating the home ? We watch about every YouTube TV video we can find & someone mentioned the extra insulation in the garage to keep the garage cooler.. Just got me thinking if that practice is common to TV home construction. Is it a non issue or is that an upgrade people should do. Thanks. Will

I wouldn't think that the block proponents are living in precast solid concrete with rebar reinforcement. I've laid enough block in my day to know that every mortar joint is a potential crack, leak, weakness. I've seen low speed cars on a parking lot bust holes in block. In TV Block is now a luxury item for those willing to build their dream home of a bigger size, but I find it hard to say it's necessary because a pre-built home isn't good enough. It's only necessary if you think you can't make it through without that bigger room you need to warehouse your junk until you die.

My precast home is plenty big for retired people and I call it a vault because all winter the temp inside ranged from 68 to 70 with no heating or AC. That said....stick built is not an option unless that's your only option.

[Dusty_Star]

Thinking about your response.. and with energy costs what they are, are the newer home attic's insulated sufficiently to retain cooling & stop the suns heat from heating the home ? We watch about every YouTube TV video we can find & someone mentioned the extra insulation in the garage to keep the garage cooler.. Just got me thinking if that practice is common to TV home construction. Is it a non issue or is that an upgrade people should do. Thanks. Will

I think most of the houses, not just newer, are sufficiently insulated. The garage gets hot, even if it faces north, & lanais can get hot. Both can have mitigations added.

[Wayne Mudge]

The opposite. Wood is better for insulation and the structural strength is the same as block.

There are pluses and minuses to both kinds of construction. Google is your friend. That is not true, CBS construction is far superior. Look at the wind load calculations.

[eyc234]

I an a contractor. I'm saying, the story of the three little pigs does not hold true in real life. If a major tornado or hurricane comes through, it will cause major damage to ALL STRUCTURES, large or small. I would hate to see anyone trying to ride out a storm because they believe the "Big Bad Wolf" cannot do any harm to their concrete structure. We are adults, put down you fantasy books and live in reality.

:bowdown: Totally correct, lived in Texas for 30 years and when a tornado hit a wood home or a brick home the result was the same, bye-bye. Trailers were a different story.

[eyc234]

Domes have their own complications, not the least of which, is structural cost and it's a linear world. If you just bought a new 65" Flat Screen ... what would you do with it? Mounting in on a wall of a "dome house", would used up tons of space ... takes the fun out of a "flat screen".

So what you are saying is you cannot put up a flat surface in a dome home? Looked at them extensively and there are great homes that are domes and they have flat walls. Cost is higher up front but long term cost the dome wins. If you are going to an area with weather or fire issues it makes huge sense. Not so much in the interior of FL.

[BrianL99]

That is not true, CBS construction is far superior. Look at the wind load calculations.

Don't let the facts get in your way.


2024 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (IBC) | ICC DIGITAL CODES (https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IBC2024P1/new-design-for-the-2024-international-codes)

[Bill32]

The one with a hip style roof system will give you significant insurance savings over a gable one...

[Normal]

The one with a hip style roof system will give you significant insurance savings over a gable one...

Yes, homeowners is only about a thousand a year on our designer. Just paid the bill in fact.

[kca33]

From what I am being told today(2/26/24) - if you are building new, you don't have a choice on designer homes (without the 10' ceilings) - they are pre-cast. Premier homes are still block. I was told the reason for that is they don't have the forms yet for the 10 foot walls and they also don't have the trailers to transport them(those green trailers you see everywhere in the Eastport area). I plan on building a premier in Eastport and it looks like it will be block. I just wish the developers would allow you to forego the worthless made in China GE appliances. You can buy a brand new set of kitchen appliances at Best Buy for what they charge for an uplift to the Cafe line. At least offer some made in America appliances if you are going to force people to buy your offers. I'm sure they buy container loads of the appliances from China at pennies on the dollar compared to what they charge for them. My disclaimer - the above is only what I've been told when I inquired and does not necessarily mean it is fact. I'm merely repeating what I've been told by a realtor I am working with. The appliance info was passed on to me by a relative of mine who just completed the design process(2/23/24) on their new build so that is as factual as it comes. Now, open to all the "experts" to chime in.......

[Gatorfan1]

Will be new to Florida so when shopping for our first home in The Villages next spring, I have questions. What is the general AND preferred construction of homes in The Villages. I would think that poured and block would be the better options for strength & insulation...

Yes, these are things that keep me up at night ... :024:
Thanks for your inputs, Will

See above comment under title