[BostonRich]

Block for me. Stronger, quieter and looks better but what sold me was the report of a lady who had snakes living behind her house siding.

[DonnaNi4os]

Originally Posted by pikeselectric

Hi there! Personally I have always preferred block construction for the overall appearance and longevity. I feel that most frame homes have higher maintenance requirements. Found this article with pros and cons of both: Concrete Block Vs. Wood Framed Homes (Pros, Cons, & Myths)
The Villages New Construction does dabble in both types still, along with the precast/"tilt up" block options as well. My opinion overall is to stick with block. Have a great day!
- Casandra with Pike's Electric

Thanks for the link to the wood vs block. Interesting read

[Bilyclub]

Since this has become a matter of opinion I prefer block over vinyl siding. Block needs to get painted every 10 or so years, but what do you do with worn out looking vinyl?

[Two Bills]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

What does the model of home have to do with it? When I drive around, the vinyl homes still look clean and neat years after built date. The stucco/block homes, whether high end designer or premier, look years older than they are.

Premier homes are built from block/stucco because you can create a more stately and grand appearance. But, after built, a month or so later, they begin to look old. The home one chooses is a personal preference. Be happy!

....and after 6 months they start to crumble, and within the year there is just a pile of rubble left.
Can't understand anyone buying a block built home!

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

What does the model of home have to do with it? When I drive around, the vinyl homes still look clean and neat years after built date. The stucco/block homes, whether high end designer or premier, look years older than they are.

Premier homes are built from block/stucco because you can create a more stately and grand appearance. But, after built, a month or so later, they begin to look old. The home one chooses is a personal preference. Be happy!

It sounds like you are agreeing with me. Yes, a premier house has a stately and grand appearance partly because it doesn't have vinyl siding. But, I totally disagree that a block house starts to look old after a "month or so". By the way, most of the concrete and block houses in The Villages do not have stucco. The concrete surface is covered with a trowelled cement finish that is very durable. Usually, It doesn't require any maintenance except painting every 10 years or so.

[DonnaNi4os]

Remember the 3 little pigs? The only house still standing was made of bricks. I have a block home, no regrets.

[GATORBILL66]

Originally Posted by chrisinva

Currently live in a block constructed home, built 2018, with stucco surface. I'm considering a frame constructed , per the TV advertisement, home in Citrus Grove. The frame house has siding. I didn't know the developer still made frame homes.

Being from the north, I've heard & believe that block construction is better than frame for withstanding hurricanes. Your opinions? Thanks!

Actually, wood frame home are 6 times stronger than block. It takes 6 times the wind strength to break a 2X4 as per a cinder block. But the siding they put on the frame homes will rip off. Cedar siding on a frame home is the best.

Former president of BESTBUILT HOME, INC.

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by DonnaNi4os

Remember the 3 little pigs? The only house still standing was made of bricks. I have a block home, no regrets.

Remember big bad Katrina, Andrew, or Ian? Or the tornado here in the village of Mallory? They huffed and puffed and blew It all down! Fairy tales are make believe.

[Desiderata]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

I helped in the clean up effort after hurricane Katrina in Biloxi. The hurricane leveled everything from block homes, apartment buildings, casinos, and large commercial buildings. Whatever was in its path was destroyed.

You can't worry too much about the home you choose. Every home, frame, block, or tilt wall is constructed to withstand hurricane force according to updated hurricane code. If I were you, I would do this

1. Google the pros and cons of vinyl vrs stucco which are exterior finishes and Frame vrs concrete block, vrs tilt wall which is how the home was constructed. Decide which you feel is best for you.

2. Call an insurance agent and ask for quotes on each style of home. Frame, block, tilt wall.

3. Look at sinkhole and flood maps. Avoid areas you see that may be trouble.

4. While purchasing, ask the realtor to review the cost of property taxes and the bond. Different cities and counties have varying millage. Some bonds in one area are lower than in others.

4. Relax! You did the best you could do. If a tornado or hurricane hits your home, just like in Biloxi, nothing you or anyone can do. Rebuild and move on with your life.

I love this reply.

[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by GATORBILL66

Actually, wood frame home are 6 times stronger than block. It takes 6 times the wind strength to break a 2X4 as per a cinder block. But the siding they put on the frame homes will rip off. Cedar siding on a frame home is the best.

Former president of BESTBUILT HOME, INC.

There's no question in my opinion, that wood frame is by far, the best construction technique for single-family, residential construction.

In the future, please remember this is The Villages and trying to confuse folks with facts, isn't very well tolerated.

I'm sure you think that big giant "Welcome to The Villages" sign on the bridge is a simple "welcome"? It is not. When folks pass under that sign, the force field immediately endows them with superpowers ... wisdom, intelligence and unparalleled knowledge of all subjects.

[Wondering]

In my opinion, you are better off with a block or poured wall construction in Florida because of the heat, hurricanes and possible tornados. In 2007, there was a tornado that touched down in The Villages, where Mallory Country Club and surrounding streets exit.. All or most of the "Stick" construction house were demolished or nothing left of them. The block homes had minimal damage. Something to consider!

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by GATORBILL66

Actually, wood frame home are 6 times stronger than block. It takes 6 times the wind strength to break a 2X4 as per a cinder block. But the siding they put on the frame homes will rip off. Cedar siding on a frame home is the best.

Former president of BESTBUILT HOME, INC.

Huh? How are you defining wind strength? If frame houses were 6 times stronger than block houses, they would easily survive a tornado, but they obviously don't.

[JRcorvette]

Originally Posted by chrisinva

Currently live in a block constructed home, built 2018, with stucco surface. I'm considering a frame constructed , per the TV advertisement, home in Citrus Grove. The frame house has siding. I didn't know the developer still made frame homes.

Being from the north, I've heard & believe that block construction is better than frame for withstanding hurricanes. Your opinions? Thanks!

Here in Florida I would only buy a block home. Fram can have issues with termites and the vinyl siding is early damage and in my opinion looks cheap. I hate seeing vinyl mixed in with stucco block homes.

[Vermilion Villager]

Originally Posted by jimdecastro

I had both. I find the block to be MORE maintenance. The bigger thing is the view and neighborhood. I left Citrus Grove for the view - only. I bought in Newell instead of Richmond BECAUSE of the proximity of the great people of Citrus Grove. But I will say the retail and construction issues are still meaningful - but improving.

Would you care to explain? If you bought a block in 2021 and have maintenence issues then there is a problem.

[Altawood]

My observation from living in both is that the new pre-cast concrete homes are quieter and cooler than the frame home we just purchased in De Luna. I believe that they would also do better in a hurricane, though that’s just a guess. I don’t know if the energy savings would be the same in the colder months.