Home Construction
 

I notice that Designer Homes and Courtyard Villas are both available with either wood frame construction or concrete block. The concrete block models are more expensive.

I would expect that the block homes are stronger in hurricanes and tornadoes than the frame homes, if reinforced with steel bars. Does anyone know any details of their construction? Is the inside drywall furred out from the block or is there a separate stud wall on the inside?

I would also expect the block homes to be more energy efficient. Does anyone have any figures to back that up?

All Concrete homes are now being built in addition to the usual concrete block constructed homes. It would seem that this new construction would be even more rugged than the block construction. Out of curiosity recently went to an open house with this new type of construction and it seemed very sturdy and the cost was in line with the block constructed homes.

Thanks for the info mmc, just curious how did you determine the sturdinous of all concrete and what was the cost differencial of all concrete compared to block.......GN

concrete block vs poured concrete vs frame/vinyl
 

We bought a frame/vinyl CYV just because of the cost. At the time (2006) the price differential was about 10-12,000. That's a lot of gas bills. However, I must say that the next Feb. was the tornado, probably (hopefully) a once in a lifetime event. It missed our villa by about 3 blocks. No damage at all to our villa. I did have a gas co. energy audit a couple of years ago - (SECO). Don't know if they still do that free of charge or not. The auditor found a couple of things, mostly duct tape and sealing around the furnace, but not much. The gas bills are quite reasonable.

The auditor did say that the CBS (before they were doing poured concrete) were slightly more energy efficient. I believe all the new construction concrete ones are poured concrete (don't take my word on this).

I also like the looks of the stucco finish better but hear different things about the maintenance of it. We have our vinyl cleaned (pressure washed) twice a year, less than $100 for both.

Not all, but some of the Villas are called Form Wall homes. Instead of using block, a frame is put around the home after the slab is poured. it is then pumped solid with concrete containing steel. Thus creating a solid wall home. it is more cost effective than a regular block home. They have some designer homes that are Form Wall also. For the money, it is the way to go.
As far as being in a Tornado and thinking block home will save you, I wish I had photos of a friends home in Oklahoma after the tornado he went thru. beautiful Home done in Red Brick and block and the whole deal. After the storm, even the basement was sucked out of the ground. So you never know what will happen

Poured Concrete
 

That's interesting that they have gone to a poured concrete wall system. It must have less labor cost than the block. It should also be stronger still.

Does anyone know if the concrete wall is just furred out to accept the drywall or is there a separate stud wall built? Are the walls insulated?

I have a another question. I know that all TV homes are basically a concrete slab on grade. Is carpet or tile placed directly on the concrete or is a raised wood floor constructed on top?

Thanks all for the information.

Block & Poured concrete
 

My House is block, and it is furred with 3/4 thick strips - sheet rock attached to the furring,
Mine was built in Dec 2007 - I bought in Jan 08
cheers,
Linwood

Me & the wife are also looking at concrete CYV also. The main reason is energy efficient, sound-proofing, and hurricane cost. It is definitely cheaper insurance wise.

As far as tornados. We presently live in tornado ally in East Central Alabama, having two tornado seasons a year, spring & fall. During each we can have days were we have 3+ a day and over 100+ per year. Matter of fact tomorrow we are suppose to have some. That being said, NOTHING is tornado proof, let me repeat that NOTHING. Tornados are the most destructive weather I have ever witnessed. I would take a hurricane anyday. I have witnessed entire sections of cities and homes gone, I don't mean rumble standing etc, just gone. Doesn't matter WHAT or HOW they were made, just bare ground left.
All you can do is brace with your maybe 10-15 minute warning time and hope the tornado drill you practiced is enough.

Army Guy

I have noticed the block walls are furred out so I assume the poured concrete will be the same.

Tile and carpet are laid on the slab. As far as I know there are no raised wood floors. Laminate is also used as an after market flooring as well as engineered wood.

I need an explanation. What does "furred out" mean? (I think I know, but I want to be sure.) Thanks!

Furred out means that the drywall is supported on small 1x2 furring strips attached directly to the concrete or masonry wall. The alternate would have a regular 2x4 stud wall just inside the masonry or concrete. This allows room for insulation as well.

Are the furred walls not insulated at all?

hip roof
 

I called Allstate the other day and they said the insurance on a home with a "Hip Roof" would be less than on different type of roof. So what is a hip roof?

:click:
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/...66553/hip-roof

That is right, if you have a Gable Roof is out to sustain more wind damage than a hop roof. Go to the link from the other post and check it