Many of you across the country do not have the problem of type of construction. In South Florida, any home that was built of wood frame construction is considered inferior to concrete block. The reasons why consumers and realtors feel that wood frame is inferior are:
- Wood Frame Homes in South Florida are a feeding ground for termites. There is an old saying in Florida that either your house has termites or your house will have termites soon. The issue I have with this is that every home including CBS construction have termites in South Florida.
- The perception of wood frame homes is that they are less likely to stand up to a Hurricane. If you looked at Hurricane Andrew in 1992 yes most of those homes were blown away, but that was not all because of the type of construction of the house, it was because of the shotty construction of those homes. Most homes nowadays are built inferior to the homes that were built in the 60's and 70's because the materials were better, and less expensive then in todays market. Taking all this in account, Insurance companies charge almost double your premiums to insure your Wood Frame Home.
- Wood Frame Homes have more maintenance. They do. You do have to replace the wood every couple of years.
The advantages are that wood frame homes have better insulation, priced considerably less, and tend to have more character. I will say that when thinking of buying a home do not just eliminate all wood frame homes because you may get the deal of a lifetime, and isn't that what everyone is looking for. Happy Hunting, and Have a Great 2009!!!
David Serle
Vice President/Managing Broker
RE/MAX Services
561-912-3500 Office
561-912-3502 Direct
561-756-3104 Mobile
