New home building costs
- Thread starter welk
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welk said:
Building costs vary depending on type of construction (wood frame, concrete), finishes, etc. It might be helpful to be more specific. Costs can be from the mid 100's/square foot up to 300/square foot.
welk said:
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.
[ame="http://www.sowal.com/bb/showthread.php?t=3348"]More info on this thread[/ame]
Camp Creek Kid said:
pk305 said:
I think the shutters are also better for withstanding flying debris. IIRC, the wind-rated windows can break if hit by debris, but not shatter due to the laminations.
pk305 said:
Actually there are two seperate issues with windows in FL:
All windows in Florida must be wind rated (the actual pressure rating is determined by location). However, only those homes within the wind-borne debris area must be protected from flying debris.
The wind-borne debris area is roughly one mile from the coast, but Walton County has maps which indicate where this zone is exactly.
Window/Doors are protected by either an impact rated shutters or they are constructed of impact glazing.
Please note that installed, impact rated shutters are also quite expensive, they are not just your ordinary louvered shutters you would get at Home Depot.
The cheapest option when building in the wind-borne debris region, is to use non-impact rated windows/doors, and protect these with metal or plywood panels -these must be on site at the time of your final building inspection and a track or other hanging system must be evident. Obviously this option is not as convenient as the impact glass or pre-hung rated shutters as it can take a while to get all the panels up when a storm is approaching.
Code changed as to windows and shutters in 2007. You can no longer meet the requirement with sutters or plywood that are stroed. It is now much easier to install Impact Rated windows. You will also save a ton of money every year once you have the home inspected and verify to the insurance company that the windows are impact rated. Also, if you are out of the area and get on 18 hours notice, it is not likely you will be able to get the shutters istalled in time.
In new code you would have to have installe dshutters that can be closed quickly and not stored. These types are expensive (and not very attractive). If you have impact rated windows, they have been tested and certified by breaking the glass and then subjecting them to 9,000 cycle of positive and negative wind speeds of 140 mph for the Destin area.
See this for more info. http://www.biltbest-windows-and-patio-doors.com/index.php/biltbest-storm-guard
In new code you would have to have installe dshutters that can be closed quickly and not stored. These types are expensive (and not very attractive). If you have impact rated windows, they have been tested and certified by breaking the glass and then subjecting them to 9,000 cycle of positive and negative wind speeds of 140 mph for the Destin area.
See this for more info. http://www.biltbest-windows-and-patio-doors.com/index.php/biltbest-storm-guard