Construction Details

The home had a major addition and renovation completed in 2014.  All aspects of the home meet current building codes.  The best of materials and techniques were used in construction.

Construction Aspects that may not be readily apparent.

Structure – Concrete block 1^st story.  Frame construction on second story with reinforcements in excess of code – threaded rod and Simpson Strong Ties.

Roof -  Aluminum sheet roofing, with peel-and-stick underlayment.  Metal roofs are the best performing roof coverings in high wind conditions.  Aluminum reflects heat, greatly reducing heat load on the airconditioning system.

Insulation – Spray Icynene insulation on underside of roof which is more efficient than fiberglass and makes attic spaces essentially air conditioned.  Fiberglass in house exterior walls and some interior walls for sound insulation.  Two-car garage insulated with foam board and both garage doors are insulated.

Windows and Doors – All windows and doors are 140 mph impact rated.  Windows are triple pained, tinted and low-E for energy efficiency.   Both garage doors are hurricane rated.

Exterior Surfaces – All exterior surfaces are man-made materials for low maintenance, with a few small exceptions to provide color and character.  First floor is stucco, second floor is Hardie Board, soffits and facia are Hardie Board, and all trim is Hardief Board.  All materials are connected using stainless steel fasteners - nails, screws, and bolts.

Air Conditioning – Two systems, one for upstairs and one for downstairs.  Newer high-efficiency units located on south side of house for longer life.  Upstairs compressor, air handler, and all duct work new in 2014.  Downstairs compressor and air handler replaced late 2018.

Outside Lighting -  Six carriage lights, two front porch lights, 3 guest suite porch lights, and 5 two-light LED floods light the entire outside of the house and yard, 21 total lights.  All fixtures are plastic to survive the salt-air environment.

Front Steps – and front porch and steps are decked with Ipe, a Brazilian walnut that is one of the densest woods known.  It is attached with hidden fasteners so that no nails or screws are showing and the boards can float as they change size due to humidity or temperature.

Irrigation System and Well - The yard and gardens have a sprinkler system to provide irrigation during the dry times of the year.  The system is fed by a well, avoiding high water bills.

Low Electric Bills - The many energy-efficient features result in low electric bills. The average bill during 2019 was $77.