BRADENTON, Fla. — The risk of hurricanes is often top of mind for residents along the coast, making more resilient construction an appealing option for home buyers.
“The first thing you think about is hurricanes,” said William Fulford, who moved to Florida from Virginia Beach about a year ago. “Everybody does, and we wanted to make sure no matter where it was, the house was going to be safe.”
What You Need To Know
- A new development in Bradenton boasts hurricane resistant homes
- It's construction that experts are calling the wave of the future, as more and more builders factor in the effects of climate change
- At the Florida Flood Hub, researchers are analyzing data on rainfall and sea level rise, with the goal of helping communities adapt infrastructure
Fulford bought his home in the up-and-coming Hunter’s Point development in Bradenton.
Designed by Pearl Homes, the new constriction boasts homes strong enough to withstand a Category 5 hurricane. Each one is built with 2x6 lumber, equipped with hurricane straps and powered by solar energy.
“We have 2400 watts and the backup power buffer is 20 percent so we’re guaranteed pretty much having power all the time,” Fulford described of his system.
Mark Gobuty, the associate developer for Hunter’s Point, said changes were even made to the land the homes were built on.
“We added at least 6 feet of soil, packing it in and then having a design that gave us 14 feet above sea level before having what we call an enclosed space,” Gobuty said.
It's construction that experts are calling the wave of the future, as more and more builders factor in the effects of climate change.
At the Florida Flood Hub, researchers are analyzing data on rainfall and sea level rise, with the goal of helping communities adapt infrastructure.
Preliminary results from the Hub’s first ever sea level rise report show Florida can expect about a foot of sea level rise by 2050, based on data collected since the year 2000.
Charles Jacoby, the Hub’s strategic program director, said that means the potential for increased coastal flooding, something to keep in mind when investing in a home.
“It’s factoring in these changes that are coming,” Jacoby said. “If you really want to live by the water, you take all the steps necessary to keep yourself safe. Keep your home safe.”
From his Hunter’s Point deck, Fulford said the construction of his home has given him just that — a retirement with both water views and peace of mind.
“Just really lucky to have this and again, not worry about it,” Fulford said.