Frame v. Block home construction?
 

Currently live in a block constructed home, built 2018, with stucco surface. I'm considering a frame constructed , per the TV advertisement, home in Citrus Grove. The frame house has siding. I didn't know the developer still made frame homes.

Being from the north, I've heard & believe that block construction is better than frame for withstanding hurricanes. Your opinions? Thanks!

Block is better, but there is really nothing wrong with buying a frame house. In my opinion, the main drawbacks for a frame house are the appearance and the possibility that the vinyl siding can be damaged.

It depends.

Each have advantages and disadvantages.

In general, frame construction is more flexible, easier to work with from the inside (installing things on the wall, changing interior partitions, etc, than CMU or Tilt Up. Also, insulation is usually more efficient. Vinyl siding has less on-going outside maintenance (painting, etc.).

The hurricane standards are the same, regardless of the construction technique.

It really boils down to what "look" you like.

I would not let fear of hurricanes drive your decision here in TV. The Villages is in a very low hurricane risk zone. There are manufactured homes built in the 60's in TV that are still standing - 50+ years old.

BLOCK …. Unless you want noise and high AC bills

The big bad wolf couldn't blow down the little pigs house made of brick! :icon_wink:

We bought a lot and built our house in 2013, a Gardenia, and we had the option of Stick, concrete block, or poured concrete, we went with concrete block and very happy with the results. Also, we have had no problems with the insulation or hanging stuff on the exterior walls. Ours has metal studs on exterior walls, and with some care you can hang things like TVs on these.

The insulation R-value and noise transmission levels are basically the same for block and frame walls.

I am a retired contractor, could not have given a better explanation. Except, you may want to ask for insurance quotes on a frame, concrete block, and tilt wall. They may vary. Who knows what insurance companies look for these days. Also, make certain the home was constructed before March, 2002 for up to date wind mitigation standards.

Agree.
Our hovel in UK is brick and block, well insulated, warm and noise proof.
The Highland Division pipes and drums could march past and you would never hear them.
Having said that, we have local quarried stone houses with the old lath and plaster walls over 3-400 years of age in our village still occupied and looking good.
Our church is dated from 12th century, with upgrade in 15th century.
I think we still have the original pastor!

I don't know about heat/ac insulating values but I know for a fact the frame/vinyl homes allow for a lot more outside noise being heard.

Not true. The home on a frame gets wrapped up before the siding is placed on.

I do not believe anyone covered termites. In frame homes you have to be a little more cautious. But, if you keep a regular termite contract, you will have no problems.

Constructed before March, 2002?

Standard building codes for wind construction were updated in March of 2002. I believe an insurance company gives a deduction for homes that meet these updated standards. Homes built prior to 2002 used an older, less reliable, building code for wind construction. With every hurricane, we learn more and more about better ways to hurricane-proof a home. Tilt wall construction is the latest technology and is believed to help withstand hurricane force winds better than older homes. However, this theory has not been fully tested since few hurricanes have come through since the up-to-date homes have been built.

Disclaimer: I am not an insurance expert. But, I do hear discussions of Villagers regarding their home insurance rates. Some have seen them double and triple while others have not seen a sizeable hike. I believe this can be explained by the age of your home. But then again, even as a contractor who knew to purchase a newer home, I am still puzzled how insurance rates are calculated. I can tell you this, the price of my policy is less than those who live in older Villages. But, ask a Villager, and they will not fully disclose the terms and deductibles of their policies. (It is none of anyone's business) So rates provided to you by individuals for a comparison are all over the board. I urge you to talk to an insurance agent about the coverage on a frame vrs block vrs tilt wall home. And also discuss wind mitigation, flood, and sinkholes. They are the only ones who can provide you with the correct quotes.