CONSTRUCTION: 60 years of Construction Change…

CONSTRUCTION By Tom Smith

60 Years of Construction Change….

How many of us remember Grocho Marx, a new $3,000 car, the hula hoop, 27-cent a gallon gas? Well, those were the years when most of the housing stock along the Pinellas Beaches was constructed. Much has changed over that 6decade period, especially when it relates to home construction.

First take home size and specs. In the 1950’s & 1960’s, the average home size in Florida was about 1,200sf, a 2-bedroom, 1-bath layout with just a refrigerator and range. Then home sizes increased, adding more bedrooms and bathrooms, adding the dishwasher & microwave, a 2-car garage instead of a single carport, higher ceilings, etc. This throwback thought brings you back to “Memory Lane” and what the first big wave of homebuyers choose when they followed Jackie Gleason’s lead to come to beautiful Florida to live and retire.

Over the past 60 years when the present home stock was constructed, home sizes, styles and amenities, as well as much needed structural code changes, have evolved for the better. Much of this was “market driven” due to the demands and larger budgets of the homebuyers, and some driven by code changes instituted by insurance companies and government officials seeing the need to better preserve our housing stock from strong storms, rising waters and hurricanes.  

That brings about the question, should homeowners tear down their existing 60-year-old home and consider replacing it with a new home? I thought I’d take this opportunity to outline a few of the many considerations that make a newly constructed home desirable today. 

Investment Potential:

• Newly constructed homes sell for a much higher premium than 60-year-old homes. Generally, a Florida replacement home is an “investment” not a cash expenditure;
• Considerably less annual flood insurance premiums, with additional 15% annual increases predicted each coming year;
• Energy efficiency: Higher SEER A/C systems, Energy Star appliances and doors & windows.

Structural Components, Safety & Peace of Mind:

• FEMA requirements. Elevated homes are superior, safer, and offer “Peace of Mind” as storms approach each hurricane season;
• Piling Foundation Systems for added structural strength;
• Major structural components are vastly improved for construction industry.

Amenities & Building Materials:

• Today’s most requested amenity… Elevators! Sure we all want exercise, but ease of carrying the groceries upstairs and having proper home access for our aging parents is a very important consideration today;
• Windows & Doors: All now required to withstand a 150mph storm! 

Exciting 21st Century Amenities:

• Beautiful exterior home designs that enhance your investment;
• New cabinetry and granite countertops for kitchens and baths;
• Flooring options such as porcelain and ceramic tile;
• Updated kitchen appliances, light fixtures, and interior design treatments.

Like our vehicles which we change periodically over the years, we all basically want the newest, best products with the most sex appeal. That’s human nature. Maybe considering a replacement home would give you a good investment, a new exciting living environment, and Peace of Mind for the next decades to come!

GHD Construction Services, Inc. has constructed 6,500 homes since 1971. If you have any questions pertaining to new home construction, feel free to come by the GHD model, call Todd at (813) 956-8633, or email to: Tnegoshian@ghdcsi.com. Meanwhile, look us up on our web site at www.GHDCoastalHomes.com.