Why Buy New — Health and Safety

When looking for a Florida home, similar to buying a car, you have two main options — new or used. In reviewing your options it’s not just about features or design, but also what may lie out of sight. If only houses had a check engine light to help make us aware of potential issues!

Today, we’d like to educate you on the health and safety advantages of building a new home in Florida.

Mold, Mildew and Allergens

Did you know that indoor air quality is often worse than outdoor air quality? When air doesn’t circulate, humidity, odors and allergens can build up, and poor air quality can trigger sore throats, headaches, and even asthma.

Used homes may have a history you don’t know about. Whether that is allergens or fungus lurking in old carpet, or mold inside the walls, this can cause respiratory problems.

In contrast, a new home’s history starts with you. Everything is brand new; you do not have to worry about such dirt and allergens in the carpet or walls. Central air conditioning helps remove moisture from the air, and ventilations fans in bathrooms are helpful in removing mildew and mold-causing heat and humidity when showering or bathing.

And, allergy sufferers who prefer not to have carpet at all will appreciate the hard flooring options available to choose from at our Personal Selection Studio.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are a group of chemicals that can easily evaporate into the air we breathe and affect indoor air quality. These invisible hazards can be found in paint, plastics, flooring, and a variety of products used in the home. Health effects can vary, and studies suggest health problems increase for those who have asthma or are sensitive to chemicals.

Fortunately, stricter guidelines on the materials used in today’s carpets, paints, adhesives and varnishes limit the VOCs in materials used in new homes. For example, Highland Homes uses Valspar paint; it has a lower odor than most paints and zero VOCs, thus allowing you to breathe easier in your new Florida home.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be fatal; the CDC warns that hundreds of people each year die from carbon monoxide poisoning. Faulty fuel-burning appliances and devices such as gas stoves, fireplaces, and water heaters are top sources of carbon monoxide in the home.

In our Florida new homes, Highland Homes uses Whirlpool electric appliances and includes carbon monoxide detectors to help eliminate this risk.

Asbestos

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission homes built between 1930 and 1950 may have asbestos in the insulation, texture paint and patching compounds contained asbestos until the late 1970’s, and some asbestos-containing products were not regulated until 1990.

In good condition asbestos materials cause no harm, but if they are damaged or degrade asbestos can cause cancer at the worst and require costly renovations at best.

Modern legislation in the US largely bans asbestos in consumer and building products, for your safety. So, you can rest assured that you won’t have to worry about asbestos contamination in your new construction home.

Storm Safety and the Florida Building Code

The State of Florida is very proactive about building standards and Florida’s building code is continuously updated and amended for our state’s specific needs. This makes your new home safer and more sustainable as the latest materials and construction methods are built-in to help protect you against high winds, water intrusion and other natural threats.

After the significant storm damage from Hurricane Andrew in 1992, our state adopted a single, state-wide code which went into effect in 2002 and is updated every three years, with amendments issued one time every year.

As recently as June 30, 2015, changes in energy requirements were made to the code. So, purchasing a new construction home ensures your home is built to the highest standards for both your safety and money-saving energy efficiency.

Pests

With a pre-owned home it’s hard to be sure that the previous owners had kept up with regularly scheduled maintenance, especially when it comes to pest control. When you buy new, you can relax with the peace of mind that your Highland Home has been pre-treated for termites and includes an innovative Taexx built-in pest control system.

A New Home — For Your Peace of Mind

Why buy new? So you can move in without having to clean up someone else’s gunk, goo, dirt and dander, knowing your home has less chemicals, more warning systems in place and a stronger structure, and you can relax knowing your loved ones are healthier and safer under your new roof.

With homes priced from the mid-$100,000’s to mid-$300,000’s and hundreds of design selections for you to personalize your home at the Highland Homes Personal Selection Studio, your new home is both priced for your budget and designed for your life.

To learn more about building with Highland Homes and to find your new home in Tampa Bay, Orlando, Bradenton, Central Florida or Ocala, give us a call at 863-797-4999 or visit the Highland Homes website today!