Can I build a house like this?

Question

I am trying to build a house in Florida but I want my foundation to be built with brick. What other ways can I build my house to make it hurricane-proof or close to hurricane-proof? Thanks. What are some websites where I can go that shows pictures of model homes in florida. Thanks

Answer 1

concrete is the material to use

Answer 2

First thing-  don't go with wooden construction.

Let me repeat- DON'T go with wooden construction.

On the beach here in a Katrina zone, the only house left on the beach that wasn't on a hill was made of solid concrete walls.

Second-  Build hurricane shutters, or even traditional shutters, into the house.  This will make boarding up the house before a hurricane soooo much easier.

Third-  If you have to have carpet on the bottom floor, make it rugs or make it cheap.  It will get ruined if the surge from a hurricane is high enough.

Fourth-  Make sure you have a good place to store water, canned goods, and other essentials if you don't plan to evacuate every time a storm comes in.

Last- check your building codes and ask the building office in your area (whoever issues permits) about tips.

Answer 3

No such thing as hurricane proof unless you go underground

Answer 4

First, use a reputable licensed contractor to build your house and not some dude that tells you that he has been building houses for years and you don't need a licensed contractor.

With a reputable licensed contractor, you can legally hold them to their quality of work.  Noticed I said reputable licensed contractor and not just a licensed contractor.  There are many licensed contractors out there that will build c**p just to make as much money as possible.

I don't recommend building your foundation out of brick.  It is not at stronger as a poured concrete slab.  Be sure to do a geotechnical study on the ground you will be building on so you won't be building on a sink hole or ground that will not be able to support the structure or on clay.  Building on clay is very bad and will cost you a lot more money in the long run to correct a cracked foundation.

Hurricane codes have been toughened up in Florida, where it is required to tie the roof to that foundation by metal rods and hurricane strapping on the rafters.

Answer 5

There was this show about a house in i think new orleans that was built on stilts... odd looking, but its supposed to be the most hurricane proof design yet, and its relatively cheap. I forget what it was called but it was on the science channel....

Answer 6

omnicrete

Answer 7

iam with five star concrete is close to your best bet for hurricane proof.