08/21/2019
To my South FL house hunters, have you written off frame homes? I often hear "absolutely no frame" or asked by my home buyers if they should "stay away from them?". My first answer - it depends! My first thought - frame homes have been around a looong time and they are all lived in. Hell, I grew up in a 2 bedroom, 1 bath frame home in upstate NY (with a 'feisty' fab fam of 5 - which included 2 bathroom hoggin' women!) and home is always home - thanks Ma/Dad! Many homes are also a combination of CBS, brick and frame, especially two story homes or where there are more funky designs, bump outs and window frames. In my honest opinion, from years of remodeling homes since my teens and the past 10 selling and inspecting them in Northern PBC, it mostly boils down to how well the home was built and just as importantly, maintained! Today, in FL, both are required to meet the same strict standards for storm resistance. With that said, there are pros and cons to both frame and CBS construction. Outside of frame being easier and less expensive to build, it allows for better wall insulation thus may be more energy efficient and metal connectors at the top and bottom of walls with reinforced corners make them strong. Frame homes may also flex and bend more during a storm allowing them to withstand higher winds before failing. Don't get my wrong, I'm not voting for or against frame! CBS homes have their pros too, as they'll be more resistant (not immune) to WDO's (wood destroying organisms) such as termites and to moisture intrusion problems as the block absorbs small amounts of water. HO insurance premiums may also be less than frame homes but again, this comes down to other factors such as the types of windows and doors, age of roof, wall/roof attachments and more. So, with all this said, we love ourselves a fresh, modern CBS home with impact windows and doors and a metal roof with the smell of fresh cut grass and bacon sizzling on the grill - but maybe don't just simply write off those frame homes - with proper construction, inspections, maintenance and home pricing guidance, they all make a safe house and with love, you'll make it a place to call home...and fight over the bathroom!
If you're interested in more on this topic (or others), whether it be a referral to an expert inspector, insurance agent or just a non-biased opinion, happy to help, all I ask is for a smile and a high five...and some bacon! (561)685-7371 [email protected]
