Having read opinions and comments for months from the cornucopia of various perspectives, I'm keenly interested in having current opinion on the most financially beneficial choice between buying an existing property or building a new home, considering that my objective is a home comparable to higher quality construction in Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, or other similarly built homes. Also, can one still have a gulf view for a new home in an area that is sufficiently high or protected to withstand big storms without being decimated?
I'm looking forward to your thoughts and opinions.
Thank you.
Replies
52
SoWal Expert
There are no codes here about concrete being required (either as walls or floors). If you build in flood zone AE "#" you cannot have any habitable space or electrical fixtures below that number and all walls (typically stud infill or screening between pilings) have to be breakaway construction.
A frame house built with a concrete slab on grade is significantly cheaper than that of Rosemary, Watercolor, etc. where you are required to have the first floor elevated a certain height above grade. The concrete wall construction of Alys and parts of Rosemary also increases the costs. While I like the stained concrete floors, bear in mind that that's the finish most of the homes in the neighborhoods the original poster mentioned put in garages. Add at least $5-15 a square foot for tile, wood, or stone floors for a better "comparable".
A frame house built with a concrete slab on grade is significantly cheaper than that of Rosemary, Watercolor, etc. where you are required to have the first floor elevated a certain height above grade. The concrete wall construction of Alys and parts of Rosemary also increases the costs. While I like the stained concrete floors, bear in mind that that's the finish most of the homes in the neighborhoods the original poster mentioned put in garages. Add at least $5-15 a square foot for tile, wood, or stone floors for a better "comparable".
SoWal Expert
Heard this last night - great true story for you on taking estimated construction prices with a grain (or shaker) of salt:
Couple is driving through 30-A development looking at homes and stops at one under construction. They talk to the contractor about building costs etc. He confidently tells them "You can build any house in here for $X a square foot".
Husband's response: "Then why did you just quote us $Y a square foot on your bid for our house?"
I wish I'd been there to see him attempt to remove his foot from his mouth as he listed the various reasons why you couldn't build THAT house for $X!
Moral of the story: Just because someone says you CAN build a house for $X, doesn't mean it won't really cost $Y!
Couple is driving through 30-A development looking at homes and stops at one under construction. They talk to the contractor about building costs etc. He confidently tells them "You can build any house in here for $X a square foot".
Husband's response: "Then why did you just quote us $Y a square foot on your bid for our house?"
I wish I'd been there to see him attempt to remove his foot from his mouth as he listed the various reasons why you couldn't build THAT house for $X!
Moral of the story: Just because someone says you CAN build a house for $X, doesn't mean it won't really cost $Y!
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