How to Build a Home that Will Stand the Test of Time
Most people have wisely put “safety” on the top of their priority list when buying a home. Finding a safe place with a solid structure is crucial. Read on to find out more about how to build a home that will stand the test of time.
Location plays a vital role in the selection process. Building near the shore, for example, is becoming an increasingly risky proposition with the continued rise in sea level. It may be argued that the actual probability of damage is minute but one can never be faulted for erring on the side of caution. After all, nobody wants to see their sizeable investment being dragged into the sea.
Searching for Secure Places to Purchase Real Estate
Natural disasters occur more frequently in some places compared to others. According to available data, the coast of Florida and the region known as Tornado Alley are the two most vulnerable areas in the US. Numerous storms pass through them every year. Homebuyers should consider this fact in their selection process. They would need a large insurance policy to cover the house in case the worst happens. Beachfronts around California and Florida are known to be prone to risk. This will only increase with time. The smart thing to do is to plan ahead.
It may be argued that no location is 100 safe. There is some truth to this but it does not mean that we should build homes randomly and shrug off potential dangers. It is far better to assess the risk of each site individually and make decisions based on data. With the help of technology, it is possible to see the level of risk throughout a given map. Both desktop and mobile apps are available exactly for this kind of assessment. Many of them may be used for free. Their levels of sophistication vary widely. ClimateCetral.org offers a good mapping tool, as does Geology.com. They can show flooding maps based on predicted sea level rise along with probabilities. Other risks such as crime rate may also be studied using online tools that are based on locally compiled statistics.
In addition, home buyers may want to keep an eye out for eminent domain actions due to future plans to build public structures. These are rising in certain areas due to urban expansion. It’s a double-edged sword. If the land was bought at a cheap price, then this could result in a windfall. For others, the loss may not just be a matter of money but also of a beloved family farm.
Safety Features of a Structure
This will depend largely on how the home is going to be acquired. For pre-built homes, buyers need to check the existing safety features inside the structure. The people who are opting to build from scratch will have greater control over what features are incorporated such as a basement, a security system, hurricane shutters, supply sheds, and safe rooms.
It pays to consider sustainability, especially when it comes to basic necessities such as power and water. The resources that enable us to enjoy them are dwindling such that utility costs have nowhere to go but up. We should not wait until there is a crisis before figuring out how to rally our own resources for sustainable living. For instance, a lot of homeowners have installed their own rainwater harvesting system to make the most of what nature provides. Others have placed solar panels on their roofs and gone off-grid.
Of course, the materials used in building the house also need to be safe and reliable. A lot of construction materials have been found to contain harmful substances that may cause diseases like respiratory problems over the long run. Choose non-toxic paint, drywall, cleaners and flooring. Use an air conditioner that does not contain CFCs that are harmful to the ozone layer.
The Secret to Safety
Nature is far too powerful for humans to control. We are often at its mercy and all we can do it to prepare for the worst and pick up the pieces in the aftermath. As risk is present in virtually every location, the best strategy to reduce it is through diversification. Buy several properties across different geographic location if possible. Stay in the most convenient place and rent the others while idle.
This strategy is familiar to veteran real estate investors who have to protect their wealth in creative ways. Diversification lessens their exposure to risk at any given time.
Conclusion
Try out the tools mentioned above as a starting point in your quest to find a safe home. Be sure to consider sustainability, security, and healthy materials. Finally, practice geographical diversification for reduced risk.