Florida is becoming one of the most popular states to move to in the new decade. The beautiful weather, high value of homes, and soaring economy despite COVID-19 has helped Florida become an even stronger housing market than it was prior to 2020. However, if you’re thinking about buying a home in Florida, it’s important to understand some of the common differences in the way Florida homes are structured.
Below are some of the most common differences in Florida housing construction that you won’t always find in other states:
Homes are built with cooling in mind.
Most buildings in the Southern United States are built with cooling efficiency in mind. Your A/C unit is arguably the most important system in the entire housing, ranking as high in importance as water and electricity. Even with a top-notch cooling system, your home may struggle to stay cool in the summer, which is why a home that is designed with self-cooling in mind is of the utmost importance.
Florida homes don’t have basements.
In Florida, you’ll almost never find a home with a basement. Why? Because Florida’s elevation is so low, you don’t have to dig very far before you hit water. Even in areas where the elevation is high enough for a basement, the high levels of humidity put Florida basements at high risk for mold. Therefore, most Florida homes are simply built on slabs and either have an attic or no extra storage space at all.
Strong roofing is a top priority.
Florida is one of the few places in the U.S. that has a high risk of hurricanes. Floridians know that the hurricane season can cause severe damage and devastation to a community, so most construction in the state is built with this in mind. Strong wind- and water-resistant roofing like terra cotta are common.
Fencing is necessary for wildlife.
Most Florida homes, especially those in rural areas, have substantial fencing surrounding the perimeter. This is because of the unexpected and often dangerous wildlife we see close to home. Alligators, black bears, and even the occasional panther or bobcat can wander into your yard and cause harm to your family. Even harmless wildlife like raccoons and deer can destroy months of hard work in the garden if you don’t have proper fencing to secure your property.
Building a fence that can withstand Florida’s wildlife and turbulent stormy season required a seasoned and local professional’s help. To find the right design for your Florida fence, contact FloriFence today!
FloriFence LLC. 