Did Building Codes Save Florida Homes?

It’s indisputable that hurricane Irma effected so many people’s lives in the worst way imaginable. While many were left with no home, others were left with missing family members. Our hearts go out to those families that were deeply affected and we are active and doing our part to help in any area that we can.

There’s a lot of Irma hype filling up our Facebook newsfeeds right now but one article stood out. Realtor.com made a good point in one of their blogs. Here’s a recap:

Michael and Stephany Carr live in Naples in a home built before 2002 building codes. If you know any hurricane history, you know that 3 years after those codes were mandated, Wilma ripped through Florida. Many homes were destroyed including the Carr’s. Their roof had been torn off.  “After the storm the couple retrofitted their house to comply with the new code. They added a standing seam metal roof with continuous panels connected by strong fasteners. And they invested in hurricane impact resistant windows and doors.”

When Irma whipped through Naples this year, the Carr’s upgraded home withstood the storm without any problems, despite what it did to the trees and yard. In fact, all through the state, The Keys included, seemed to have the same similar outcome. The homes that were built to the new building codes seemed to make it out with significantly less damage. Our project, Anglers at Sombrero, was built to these codes and were virtually untouched in comparison to some detrimental outcomes.

The evidence so far is precursory and further investigations are being made. It is still too early to know for sure the role the building codes had in the minimization of destruction during Irma, but all signs lead to the codes having done their job.

If you’re looking for a safe, up-to-code home, please contact The New Home Spot at 239.333.0030. We have great relationships with trusted builders and make it our business to find you the perfect place to call home.  

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