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Expert: - 2/18/2008


Question
I live in Orlando, FL and I am thinking about buying a brand new home with CBS construction.  Meaning the second floor will be block as well as the first.  What are the pros and cons of this?

Answer
Hi Stacy - thanks for your question!

The biggest pro is that concrete block is a very common building material in Florida, so you're going with a "tried and true" system.

It also more than satisfies Florida's strict hurricane codes, as will your windows and roofing system.  It should give you comfort to know that a block home will hold up very well in a hurricane.

Concrete block also is good for "thermal lag"; that means that it's a good barrier to the intense heat from the Florida sun (it won't heat up as fast as an insulated frame house will).  In fact, as the block cools off at night in cooler weather, it help warm the interior by radiating heat inside.

Termite problems are all but eliminated - they're otherwise quite prevalent in FL.

Finally, if your house is close to your neighbors, you'll appreciate the sound-reduction qualities of the block.

Given the appropriateness of block construction for your climate, there aren't many cons - the biggest in my opinion is that a block house is much more difficult to remodel - but if that's not on your radar, don't worry about it!

Hope this helps,

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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