Builders and Consumers Weigh in on Resiliency of New Homes
The increasing number of significant natural disasters occurring over the past few years, along with ongoing concerns regarding the effects of climate change, have prompted discussions at every level of government on actions to increase the resiliency of communities, infrastructure and buildings.
Current resiliency plans, policies and programs — and those under consideration — have the potential to significantly impact how and where new housing can be constructed and greatly reduce housing affordability.
As part of NAHB’s efforts to address these challenges, it recently commissioned the Home Innovation Research Labs to conduct two surveys: a national survey of home builder interest in resilience and a national survey of consumer interest in resilience.
Builders Most Likely to Address Wind Resistance
Builders were asked about the mandatory or voluntary use of resilient construction practices and whether they had a project in the last five years that qualified for a public or private incentive for mitigation. The practices most builders indicated they were either already required to follow or use voluntarily on their homes included:- Flash and seal all openings
- Use hurricane clips or straps
- Build more than 1 foot above base flood elevations
- Use pan flashing at windows
- Brace gable end walls or dormers to increase wind resistance