Originally Posted by Trish Crocker (Post 429086)

I want stucco just because it seems more like Florida. The sided homes are beautiful, inside and out, but I have had sided here in Michigan and love the 'tropical' look of the block.

Originally Posted by Chipper (Post 429042)

Thanks for the info. I had several concerns about frame built homes with the main concern being bug or termite damage. The other concerns were holding up to the weather and the insulation value of the walls.

Originally Posted by John_W (Post 429154)

Vinyl siding I hear is an attraction for snakes, they like to slither up inside the space between the vinyl siding the the plywood walls. .

Originally Posted by tommy steam (Post 429161)

The salesman I was with , told me that you can have termite damage with a cement or block home...the termites can eat the roof rafters ,So the lesson here is to get termite protection...I too thought termites would not harm a cement house.

Originally Posted by CarGuys (Post 429272)

One thing I did was upgrade to stronger two sided coated steel doors with 1/3/8 solid foam centers.

Herv

Originally Posted by Chipper (Post 429148)

We live in the Grand Rapids area and we also have only had sided homes. Hopefully, TV will be in our future.

Originally Posted by goingtothevillages (Post 429031)

I just completed my search, etc. and bought a concrete and stucco. I like to looks better than frame/vynal and have spoken to several residents who were in the frame/vynal and sold to purchase a concrete/stucco - they stated that their utility bills were significantly lower. I just purchased a Courtyard Bungalow at Mission Hills and it has poured concrete/stucco rather than the block and stucco - ANYONE know what difference I might notice with poured concrete rather than block ???????

Originally Posted by l2ridehd (Post 429111)

As with anything there are pro's and con's to each. I own one block and two stick built homes. Termites may be worse in stick built, but your going to have to have a termite contract on both and the price is the same so not sure that is an issue.

Block or poured concrete homes need to be painted every 5 to 7 years vinyl does not. And both require pressure washing at a minimum annually.

Stick built gives about 1.2% more square footage home for home. 4 inch walls vs 8 inch walls. Stick built is a whole lot easier to add electric outlets or exterior wall mount TV's or new cable outlets in the future.

Concrete seems to be a little quieter, maybe less energy, but I can't prove that and so far all measures I have done prove the opposite. Only thing I can guess as to why is the stick built homes have better wall insulation as both have the same attic insulation.

No data to prove, but I agree with Bill, concrete and hip roofs should hold up better in high wind.

Concrete costs more and will increase your tax bill slightly FOREVER.

Having both and lived in both, I am not sure I would prefer one over the other. Location, location, location should far out weigh the concrete vs stick built issue. If building new on a specific lot and could chose either, would probably chose block for the better storm protection if budget was not an issue.

Originally Posted by CarGuys (Post 429272)

It is something you will go back and forth with for quite awhile. And maybe why many Villagers move three times we have been told?

Gracie and Bill spell out the reasons for both quite well. Some people have no option for a Block Home only the Frame is available.

I talked to several builders before deciding. My curb appeal heart was leaning toward Block but my Garage and my wife's Lani requirements had us end up with a frame.

Remember Block or Frame. The roofs can both be ripped off just as easy if the force is strong enough. When I asked my builder to double the Hurrican strapping he re - assured me that was not necesary. With the strapping codes now required if they fail then we should not be any where near or in that home.

Bugs will get into any home! As will mice and other critters. Pest control is a fact of life and will protect any home is done properly and on time.

It all comes down to budget space and curb appeal. My saleperson, God Bless his sole was so helpful in our decisions.

One thing I did was upgrade to stronger two sided coated steel doors with 1/3/8 solid foam centers.

Herv

Originally Posted by Trish Crocker (Post 429476)

Hi fellow Michigander! I have a granddaughter that lives in the Grand Rapids area, we're just outside of Detroit. Have you been to TV yet? I see you just started posting so welcome to TOTV!

Originally Posted by Shimpy (Post 429473)

The code in S. Fla. says all exterior doors must open OUT. Regardless what they are made of, if the door isn't supported by a frame all around it on the inside as an outside opening door it will only be held from blowing in by the latch. The first thing I noticed when we bought our house was the door opened in unfortunately.