If you’re thinking about buying a house, you’re probably curious about the “bones” of the place. If you hear someone refer to the “bones” of a home, they’re typically referring to the structure’s basic elements (and likely not the cosmetic finish choices). Consider it an excellent house with enormous potential. When I created the essay “Good Bones” of a Structure, I began thinking about this (Engineering Perspective). This follow-up essay is meant to describe the “bones” I would use for my Florida New Home Construction (while most can hold in your state, a review of the local weather perils should be carried out).
Introduction
After studying failing constructions for over 20 years, I’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t) and does not function. In many respects, Florida is a one-of-a-kind state. The weather is ideal for outdoor activities, and it’s a terrific retirement area. However, the state’s frequent appearances in the news and the regularity with which storms make annual trips to Florida are only some elements that make this state…unique. This is Red Flag Home Inspection take on the best bones for your build.
Foundation
Winner: Monolithic footer, and slab on grade.
In general, this part of the foundation is stronger and more lasting than other parts of the structure (like wood-frame construction). It also demands a lower level of expertise and is less labor-intensive to build. These pieces can be put together in a fraction of the time and cost of other popular components. These elements may not be possible to be built in certain locations because the circumstances are not right. Using these foundations on a sloping site or in locations with high groundwater levels is not recommended. A continuous strip footer with a raised slab-on-grade should be considered in locations anticipating more significant rain events. Unlike other foundations, this one does not pose a threat to its owner from termites or other insects. In terms of efficiency, they are better than wood framing and equivalent to continuous strip footers. This flooring system is ideal for tile installation since it accepts practically all major completed flooring alternatives. Finally, this flooring system is a low-maintenance foundation for a house after it has been properly created.
Wall Elements
Winner: Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) walls
Compared to other primary wall systems such as wood and metal, these walls are better regarding fire protection and structural integrity. CMU is a water-resistant material that may be clad in any of the most typical external claddings. In particular, CMU construction is best suited for stucco installation since the coefficient of thermal expansion of both materials is virtually comparable. In other words, they tend to grow and shrink at about the same pace (again, remember that differential tends to be negative regarding building/material movement). Mold can’t develop on the wall since it is made of inorganic materials. It’s termite-resistant since it can’t be eaten or degraded by termites and is also very sound-proof.
Roof Framing
Winner: Engineered truss
This approach is more convenient than traditional framing and may cover longer distances. Because they are built to a certain capacity, you can be confident that they will provide enough structural support. Additionally, the installation process is faster and less labor-intensive here.
Roof Geometry
Winner: Hip over gable
Wind resistance and aesthetics were the primary considerations in making this choice. In Florida, you may also take advantage of some excellent insurance reductions. Your Roof’s functionality must be given priority over its appearance, no matter what you decide. Most failures I see are due to improper flashing, and complicated roof geometries are among the most challenging to design.
Plumbing (Supply)
Winner: TIE between copper and CPVC
Both are quite long-lasting if fitted correctly. Copper is more costly and more difficult to install than CPVC. If you’re remodeling or retrofitting your home, Pex looks like the greatest option (admittedly, I have limited experience with Pex).
Plumbing (Drain)
Winner: PVC for the drainage system
PVC should be used for the DWV system. Root incursion and breakage may occur in other pipes, which deteriorate with time and are more susceptible to root intrusion and breakage. Such pipes include the following: Orangeburg; Clay; Steel; Cast Iron; and Orangeburg; (made from wood fibers with adhesives). ABS, which employs a different chemical but is chemically related to PVC, is also suited for this use. Extreme cold and freezing temperatures may favor ABS. PVC or ABS are the most common materials used in modern construction.
Finished Flooring
Winner: TIE vinyl flooring and porcelain tile
The choice of completed flooring is unquestionably a very individual one. As an engineer, I chose this material based primarily on its long-term viability, the convenience of use, and resistance to degradation. In other words, if you want to place carpet in the bathroom, you shouldn’t, although people used to do so.
When it comes to vinyl flooring, it is incredibly water-resistant and does not suffer any harm from exposure to water (it can sit in water for extended periods). Tiles, sheets, and planks are the most common forms, and they’re all constructed mostly of plastic. It’s no secret that vinyl composite tile (VCT) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) has been more popular in recent years because of their remarkable durability and the wide variety of designs available.
When it comes to flooring, porcelain tile is an excellent option since it is resistant to moisture. Your toilet is almost made of porcelain since it is constantly in touch with water. We’ve just discussed that moisture absorption and release are similar to thermal expansion and contraction. That doesn’t have a big impact on these tiles. Ceramic tiles may delaminate from the substrate and/or break due to the linear variations in moisture absorption and expansion.
On the other hand, Ceramic tiles are much less dense than these tiles. Although this will increase the frequency with which saw blades need to be replaced, it is beneficial for commercial and high-traffic settings. It’s easy to destroy an entire room’s worth of ceramic tile by dropping a tool or dish (since replacements are rare and the tile’s body is generally a clay-red hue), but porcelain tile is uniformly colored all the way through. The hue of a chipped tile is closer to the color of the original tile, giving it a better chance of disappearing into the background. Due to the reduction in porosity, they are also less sensitive to staining. Ceramic tile selections are few and far between since the general public prefers porcelain. These tiles are more expensive because they are created using higher-quality materials and heated for a longer time to achieve their impermeable properties. Take advantage of those gorgeous ceramic tiles in locations where you don’t expect these motions to be an issue.
Whatever your flooring choice is, it will only function as well as the substrate allows it to. If the wood-framed floor is not stiffened or the framing parts are not favorable to eliminating floor movement, any tile you put on top of it may fracture.
