New home building costs

I am truly asking for clarification I don't understand how I am able to walk across my floor without falling through.

Oh okay, I understand it that the 40lbs/sq ft is distributed over the entire area of the room. In other words if you have a 10x10 room rated at 40lbs/sq ft you can have an over all capacity in the room of 4000lbs. Of course you probably wouldn't want to stack that on a needle. ;-)

Oh okay, I understand it that the 40lbs/sq ft is distributed over the entire area of the room. In other words if you have a 10x10 room rated at 40lbs/sq ft you can have an over all capacity in the room of 4000lbs. Of course you probably wouldn't want to stack that on a needle. ;-)

Makes better sense to me...meaning if I put that 4000lbs out on my deck(if it were like my floor) I might would fall off with the other 3,785lbs. Tyvm

Makes better sense to me...meaning if I put that 4000lbs out on my deck(if it were like my floor) I might would fall off with the other 3,785lbs. Tyvm

Regardless I am no engineer so if you use that equation I am not responsible for any resulting injury, property loss, or loss of life.

All these ideas about building sturdy storm proof homes are great, including the storm windows, which are now not an option but required in most coastal areas. So any discussion regarding "is it worth it and is it a good investment" is a moot point because they are required now and they were not required a year ago. My analysis just points out that if you did not have to buy these windows, because now that you DO have to buy them, it will take 27 years to get your money back. I know there are some variables such as the possibility of not getting homeowners insurance without these windows, etc. in the future. And if a hurricane scores a direct hit on your home it would be stouter with the storm windows, of course this may not ever happen but could.

This discussion was started on home building costs. I am just pointing out that yes we are getting some breaks on home construction costs now because of the slow times when workers are more abundant.

The storm window upgrade change to the building code however, cancels out this savings. And yes, they cost less than they used to but they still cost at least twice and more like three times what normal windows cost.

This code change comes at an especially weak time in the real estate market when we are also facing depreciating real estate values, appreciating real estate taxes (which are based on prior years not present years), appreciating homeowner insurance costs, declining housing demand, housing oversupply, the difficulty (and practicality) of obtaining home loans over $417k,the second highest foreclosure rate in the United States, point being this is another nail in the coffin to the greatly anticipated housing recovery. Most people realize that currently you can rent a house for about one half of what it will cost you to own the house.

Some people buy feraris because they like them and can afford them, if they cost more they would still buy them. Most people though drive a chevy or a toyota.

Thank you, that does clarify your statement very clearly. My understanding was that other building supplies had come down in cost or this untrue as well?

http://www.wayne-dalton.com/Fabric-Shield.asp

watch the video

http://www.wayne-dalton.com/Fabric-Shield.asp

watch the video

I've seen these before, very impressive, but at the time I remember the price being right on par with impact windows.

I've seen these before, very impressive, but at the time I remember the price being right on par with impact windows.

these cost far less than the cost of impact resistant windows. for an additional $2300, I would have been unable to upgrade.

The fabric shield is the best alternative to impact windows I have seen.
Reasonable cost but still have to be installed like plywood just not as heavy and cumbersome. If you have windows upstairs its hard to install.

To get any discount from insurance(state farm, at least) the window protection needs to be professionally installed by the reseller, then inspected and signed off by the building dept. there is an affadavit that the ins company will supply.

rambunkcious, i'd rather be hauling the fabric shield up the ladder than a sheet of plywood, or the lucite or aluminum panels that need to be fitted together...

Added expense or not, if you look at how structures built under different codes fared in Punta Gorda during Hurricane Charley, it's impressive how well homes built under newer codes do hold up compared to older homes.

Based on that, I'm all for the long-term benefits of a tighter codes, even if it causes some sort term discomfort in the real estate market.

All homes built in compliance with the latest codes, will be required to have the impact glass, so the storm shutters or Wayne Dalton products (great idea), would just be over and above.

I'm not sure of the cost difference on the avg home built with impact glass, than those without, but I bet if you wrapped it into the 30yr note, the benefits outweigh the costs.

A wood frame home with hardiplank siding and standard finishes (basic trim, solid-surface countertops, stock cabinets, etc.) should not cost more than $200/sq. foot and can probably be built for a bit lower. A 3-story home requires wind rated windows/doors on all levels or storm shutters, which are both very expensive. Go for the windows--much less headache and not much more expensive than shutters.

Does this price include the lot or is it for home construction only?

I just dont get by here often enough. All points well made in this thread.
Yep, impact windows are significantly more expensive, but who paid the bigger price along the Mississippi coast as a result of Katrina or South Miami after Andrew. The fact is that if you do not prepare for the reasonable worst case scenario you are inviting the worst to happen The residential building code is a political document that is constructed from compromise among competing interests. It has also been described as the minimum standard to not go to jail. Why would you go with the minimum for your home whether it is primary or vacation. A lot of your net worth is tied up in that minimum standard investment.
A building whether residential or commercial is a single monolithic structure. In high winds, that wind is looking for the weak link. It will seek it out. The roof, the eaves ,the walls or doors and windows. Once it can penetrate the envelope of the building it will treat the building like a aircraft wing. Wind force differentials and all. try to tear it apart. The point being that you need to protect the complete envelope of your building. Windows on most homes are the weak link. One high velocity pine cone or your neighbors lawn chair into your window can give the wind the advatage it seeks.
I personally would recommend inmpact windows along 30-A. It is built in protection. If you live elsewhere, you will not be driving against the evactuation flow just to put up shutters. And not hoping that the management compant got by to do it for you. If you live here during hurricane season than the Fabric Shield panels are viable and easy to put up. A lot easier than plywood or metal. If you would like to learn more follow this link and PM me.
http://www.ecosmartinc.com/catwind.php