Building Homes or Extensions/wood frame or block

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Expert: - 9/12/2007


Question
We are going to build a house and we live in Oak Hill, FL. Close to the river. My question is: Would there be substantial savings building a stemwall/wood frame home instead of concrete floors/block home???? With the cost of materials we are trying to cut corners. Are block homes any more energy efficient than wood. we are also doing a tin roof. thanks for any input you can give me. alison

Answer
This is really a question for your local builder.  My dad is in the Ocala area and all the homes I see are CMU (block).  This is for termite, weather, hurricane, and many other code reasons.  You may be hard pressed to find a builder in that market that even does wood frame.  The cost of materials is probably a push and shove.

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Dan Griffin

Expertise

I can answer almost all questions related to the total construction process. My expertise is in commercial construction, though I can field most any residential question. I have hands on experience in concrete, heavy equipment, masonry, all phases of carpentry, interior finishes, and I am fairly strong in mechanical and electrical.

Experience

I have over 20 years experience as a commercial carpenter and commercial construction superintendent. I have another 20 years experience in facility management for a major school district.

Organizations
My favorite hobby for he past 12 years has been singing bass in a The OkChorale men's barbershop chorus and the Mature Moments quartet.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Bachelor's degree in English and Math. I have completed many continuing education hours in the building trades. I hold a Master Carpenter card from the AGC, Associated General Contractors.

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