The damage was extensive, but thankfully the loss of life wasn’t. What was even more miraculous though was that some homes seemed unscathed while others around them were reduced to rubble. The ones built in their place can withstand a hurricane of this magnitude in the future with proper architecture.

Why were these homes spared while others faltered? Aloha Building Contractors knows 5 reasons why certain Mexico Beach, FL homes survived Hurricane Michael.

1. They used impact-resistant glass

One of the most basic things any home or business can do to keep it safe from damage is replace the windows with impact-resistant glass. It’s an investment, but it protects your structure from being blown away. If your windows break, your chances of your home still standing after a big one like Hurricane Michael are extremely slim.

2. They were built after 1995 when new codes were enacted

One of the things that made Mexico Beach so charming was the old-style cottage homes lining the streets. Unfortunately, most of those were built in the 1950s on through the 1970s. Builders back then didn’t know what they know today, plus storms are getting stronger. The homes that were built after the state of Florida enacted new building codes, roofing codes, and stonger structues to prevent another catastrophe like Hurricane Andrew happening again.  These built after 1995 survived because they were built to withstand it.

3. They had hurricane shutters

If your home doesn’t have impact-resistant glass, it absolutely needs hurricane shutters. Without them, that wind gets in and rips it apart. Older homes that had real hurricane shutters on them managed to survive.

4. They were properly reinforced

Special nails and metal attachments built in between the roof and walls will keep the roof anchored in place. Many older homes didn’t have this. The Habitat For Humanity homes in the area did though, and while they sustained some other damages, because of this reinforcement to the walls and roofs of these homes, they didn’t blow away.

5. They built beyond code

There’s a brand new home that was famously built well-beyond the existing code, making the news as it stood unscathed on the beach while the other homes around it were in shambles. The walls were made with poured concrete that topped off 40-foot pilings. Rebar was put in every wall and they went over the top in protecting it. Building codes required that homes should be built to withstand winds of 120 mph but this home went that extra mile, built to withstand winds that are up to 250 mph.

If you’d like to rebuild your home to survive a hurricane or reinforce it to protect it should another roll through, let Aloha Building Contractors of Panama City, FL help keep your property strong and safe in Mexico Beach, Lynn Haven and the surrounding areas! We specialize in roofing, remodels, new construction, and even custom home builds for the area.

1. 68% of homebuyers in 2016 were millennials, and one of the primary traits that the majority of millennial renters and buyers is seeking is the desire to get to routine places without the need for a vehicle. Millennials prefer walking over driving and place a considerable price on living within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and work. If they can feel they are helping the environment by just where they live it gives them an intrinsic sense of making a positive difference in the world. Commercial Buildings like this are typically placed in density-packed areas located close to schools, libraries, and parks. These structures provide a hub with easy access to what most will be needed in their daily life.
2. What about investors? Regardless of commercial or residential changes in the market, mixed-use buildings are seen as a low risk investment in the real estate world. Because they offer both residential and commercial spaces, investors can diversify the from the investment portfolio in only one building.. Other than this commonly known positive trait, mixed-use buildings also offer higher income, cash flow, longer leases, and less competition.
3. As cities grow and traffic builds, it’s no surprise that Americans are beginning to favor walking over driving as their preferred mode of transportation. As many as 49% of Americans over the age of 21 would prefer to live in communities within walking distance of amenities. With proximity being such an important trait, the trend of mixed-use buildings is on the rise.
4. Tenants in mixed-use buildings are often some of the greatest beneficiaries of commercial businesses in the building, which provide an income stream for both developers and businesses. Take a look at City Place Doral in South Florida. The project features 250,000 square feet of retail space, including luxury living and more than 40 dining, shopping and entertainment destinations for all palettes and walks of life.
5. Help out the local community by helping small business with a structure of this nature. Developers and investors have a promising new clientele base when it comes to mixed-use buildings. Besides residential and commercial spaces for lease, mixed-use buildings have the potential to drive a lot of interest and foot traffic compared to their stand-alone store counterpart.

Care About the Environment

One last bonus, since commercial and residential tenants occupy one building, resources such as energy, trash disposal, and sewage can be used more efficiently. Municipalities save even up to 38% on infrastructure costs while serving compact developments opposed to large-lot subdivisions. Vertically mixed-use building can also reduce long-term maintenance costs over individual buildings, since services can be shared through residential and commercial spaces.

At Aloha Building Contractors, we believe constructing mixed-use facilities promotes jobs and growth in the Bay County are like Panama City, Mexico Beach, & more. If you’re interested in developing a mixed-use building, please click here or call us at 850-890-3835. During our conversation we can discuss feasibility, potential time frames, and if we are the commercial contractor that is best suited to your needs.

The sooner you can contact us at 850-898-3835 the sooner we will be able to help you out. We expect demand to be high and we have the ability to pull in construction crews from the surrounding cities. We are your trusted source as a leading building contractor in the Bay County area.

One of the survivors of the hurricane said our city looks like “what you would see in a disaster movie, it seems unreal”. Panama City Beach, St George Island, and Mexico Beach are one huge disaster zone after 150+ mph winds, heavy rain, and 9-foot storm surge combined to make it one of our worst natural disasters in memory. Mexico Beach was hit the hardest, as the hurricane rammed ashore Wednesday as a Category 4 beast. It was the 3rd most powerful hurricane EVER to make landfall in the U.S. mainland. This hurricane has been blamed for at least 6 deaths. Michael also hit North Carolina and South Carolina as a tropical storm with heavy downpours and spun up additional spinning tornadoes.

We will rebuild and make this city even better than before!!