Ask Home Builders in Bay and Walton County, Florida

There are a few popular residential construction techniques you will see used by custom home builders. Your builder will determine what’s best for your luxury home by considering your lot’s location and needs. Here are a few common techniques used by custom builders:

Frame construction is the most common residential construction technique in the Panama City, Florida and throughout the Panhandle where timber is plentiful. It involves building a wooden frame consisting of a series of vertical studs and horizontal beams. These studs and beams are then fastened together to create a sturdy, load-bearing frame.

Once the frame is constructed, other building materials such as drywall, siding, roofing, and insulation are added to complete the structure. Frame construction is a versatile and cost-effective building method, making it popular among builders and homeowners alike. It allows for flexible design options, as the frame can be modified to fit various shapes and sizes. Additionally, frame construction provides good insulation, which helps to reduce energy costs and keep the building comfortable, even in those hot summers like we experience here in Panama City, FL.

One of the advantages of frame construction is its availability. The materials used are readily available and relatively inexpensive compared to other construction techniques. Wood frame homes are complimented by structural engineering adding metal straps, tie downs and steel rods.  This adds to the structural integrity of the home and allows it to sustain high winds.

Block construction involves using concrete blocks to construct the walls of the home. It is more popular in South Florida than Panama City and the Panhandle, because there are limestone quarries, one of the key ingredients in the manufacturing of concrete. Limestone is the primary raw material used in cement production, and having a local source of limestone means that cement factories can reduce transportation costs and ensure a reliable supply of high-quality raw materials.

This type of new construction is achieved using blocks which are laid in a running bond pattern and held together with mortar. The roof is then constructed using trusses and finished in a similar manner as a wood frame home.  The only difference being is how the trusses are tied down to the block structure.

Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction is a modern method of building homes and other structures using foam insulation blocks as the formwork for concrete. The foam blocks, which are made of expanded polystyrene (EPS), are interlocking and stackable, and are used to create a hollow cavity in which reinforced concrete is poured. Once the concrete has cured, the foam blocks remain in place, providing a durable and energy-efficient structure.

ICF construction offers some benefits over traditional building methods. The insulation provided by the foam blocks results in a highly energy-efficient structure, which may reduce heating and cooling costs for the homeowners during the hot summer months in Florida. Additionally, reinforced concrete walls provide excellent strength and durability, making the home more resistant to extreme weather events and other natural disasters occasionally reaching Panama City and the Florida Panhandle.

ICF construction has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in areas prone to extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and tornadoes. The energy efficiency and durability of ICF constructed homes make them an attractive option for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint and increase the resiliency of their home. Additionally, ICF construction is considered a more sustainable building method, as it reduces waste and uses fewer materials than traditional construction methods. Of the three types of construction mentioned here, ICF is the most expensive.

All three popular residential construction techniques have unique advantages. The choice of construction technique ultimately depends on several factors, including budget, location, and personal preference. Whatever the choice, it’s important to work with an experienced Panama City home builder who understands the strengths and weaknesses of each construction technique to ensure the construction of a safe, durable, and energy-efficient home.

To begin your custom homebuilding journey in the Panama City area, call 850-265-6047 or visit our model home to learn more about the construction techniques used by the experts at AR Homes® Panama City (BCB Construction, LLC).