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
Termite bait. The further you go sout the worse the problem. In GA it is very common to have termite retreatment, and repair bond.
Jim, thank you for your comment. I do agree you get termites, but everyone in South Florida gets them, and they should have termite bonds.
David,
The problem with frame homes losing their attraction really came on after the 2004 hurricanes. Prior to that we didn't have that much of a difference in them, but after the insurance companies raised the rate on frame homes compared to similar sized concrete block homes. Concrete block homes are just as susceptible to termites as frame homes, they can be weaker structurally also. It's true that frame homes need more attention and regular outside maintenance, but the current mania for concrete just isn't justified.
Termites will eat a concrete home as well; I've seen it. And if concrete block isn't reinforced it is less structurally sound than a properly built frame house.