We definitely wanted block construction after talking with several experienced builders. We are very impressed with this houses ability to to maintain the appropriate temperature.

Sounds like the conversation the three little piggies had……..

No stick-build house for me in hurricane country.

I saw a video of houses being hit by an atomic blast when I was young. There’s a dramatic difference in damage between stick-build and concrete block.

https://youtu.be/ztJXZjIp8OA

Building materials
 

I opted for vinyl after living in a block/stucco house in Clearwater for 28 years. In 28 years we painted that house 5 times, very expensive. With vinyl pressure washing a couple times a year leaves alot of money for other activities. Also not too worried about hurricanes here like I was near the gulf in Clearwater. Only downside I see is vinyl house is not as bullet proof.

Totally agree to all.
Concrete block can be changed for windows, additions, etc. I don’t see the precast as having that capability. The Villages must be saving $ with the precast but don’t see any savings being passed down to the buyer. Is it as stable in high wind? We will find out eventually. The walls of precast are thinner

But yes, location is more important to us than construction type

Good point! Which family do thing was the happiest after the blast?

Quality
 

Sorry but don't agree. I have worked in residential construction and have seen the quality of many different builders in major developments in unscaled areas around Clearwater FL. I have looked at the framing and concrete methods and they are above average. I have found that the home measurements are accurate and square. I've witnessed no cracking of driveways like the upscale development I lived in last. Only cutbacks I see are in flooring, counters and appliances, all of which are replaceable.

Never a true word spoken add on to this CDD bond fees, high amenity fees, renters, no community travel, turnpike noise.

Tested by Hurricane Ian
 

Have watched several YouTube videos of people driving around Ft Myers Beach after Ian. Was surprised that newer wood-frame homes were totally sound, albeit several with a few shingles missing. And a bunch of them were 3 story high vacation rental homes.

Apparently the hurricane- standard building codes are effective.

Wow!
 

Sticks or stone will break out bones but nukes will always kill you!

More than 10 years ago, a major tornado cut a path through The Villages in the early morning hours of Ground Hog Day. The path of destruction started in Wildwood and destroyed a church on US 441. Many homes were destroyed. The homes built with concert blocks still had their exterior walls standing, helping to protect the residents inside.

Concrete block walls are more expensive to construct but add savings in termite and water damage possiblities. I believe insurance costs for block houses are lower. I think the siding/EIFS is a different discussion than block or stick framed. We do NOT have stucco homes in the US, they use Exterior Insulation and Finishing system. The upside to EIFS is additional insulation 1-2” over the outside of the block walls then a coating applied to the insulation. Also, with EIFS you can change colors when painting. Coming from Colorado, vinyl siding can be destroyed during a hail storm… probably not a problem here in FL. Also, siding can be applied to concrete block walls which I believe is TV building process… could be wrong.

Block is used for larger spans. Stand up poured has windows installed and those homes are preset. They have a limit on wall length. Take a ride to Fort Meyers to see the damage of a hurricane.

EIFS, haven't heard that term used in sometime. That term had a negative connotation in Georgia in the 90's because of poor installation practices. EIFS is not what is used in The Villages. The "stucco" is a concrete-like mixture that is applied directly on the concrete blocks.

Concrete block all the way, then you can make stretches and basically go crazy making it just the way you want.

Oh...wait....

Joe