Florida Keys Homes

Buying a home in the Florida Keys can be a bit confusing at times. While searching for a Florida Keys home, you’ll come across words like, Mobile, Modular, Frame and Concrete Block and Stucco (CBS). So what do all these types of homes mean exactly, here in the Florida Keys.

Mobile Homes in the Florida Keys

One of the first things I noticed when I started to sell real estate in the Florida Keys is that often people think modular homes and mobile homes are the same. However, they are not. Mobile homes are property, in which the the wheel axis remains on the structure. Over the years individuals have changed and added onto these structures, making it hard to tell that they are a mobile home. The best way to find out if the structure is a mobile home or not is to look underneath the property. Again, if you see that the wheel axis remains on the structure, you know for sure that the home is considered a mobile home.

Another way you can tell if the home is a mobile home or not, is to look for a certificate label. This is usually a small metal tag located on the outside of the structure. On the tag it will have the serial number, model, and the date it was manufactured. In addition, the home, if your lucky, will have a data plate, which is a sheet of paper usually located inside your kitchen cabinet that includes information like who the manufacturer is, date the home was built, serial number, model number.

Due to hurricane and storms in the Florida Keys, and home owners re-doing their kitchen cabinets or changing the siding of the home, finding the metal tag and data plate can be a bit of a challenge. If you are buying a mobile home and are getting financing, the lender will need these items. Along with several other items as well. Obtaining financing on a mobile home is no small task and takes a lot of extra work and money down. Some mobile homes can be financed while others can not. Always check with your lender before making an offer.

Modular Homes in the Florida Keys

On just about every street in the Florida Keys, you will see a modular home. These homes are built to the state and local building codes in a factory off site and then brought into the Florida Keys by truck. Typically the modular homes are transported in two parts, and then completed by professionals on site. The foundation, columns and beams are constructed on site and then the pre-fabricated home is place on top of the beam.

Many home owner choose to build a modular home as they are more affordable option. In addition, during Hurricane Irma, the newer modulars faired well through the storm. Modular homes are mostly constructed out of wood.

Frame Homes in the Florida Keys

Frame homes are wood homes that are built on site. This is your typical wood home. Frame homes are more affordable than a Concrete Block and Stucco home. They do require you to keep up on maintenance, as if there are any cracks in the structure, this can lead to water getting in and cause rotting. Frame homes do provide advantages if you want to make changes to your home. It is easier and cheaper to remodel a wood frame home. Walls can be demoed, moved, and additions constructed with ease.  New Construction frame homes in the Florida Keys are rare.  However, it can be done but requires a lot of extra strapping and engineering. 

Concrete Block and Stucco – CBS

Concrete Block and Stucco is the most popular home construction type in the Florida Keys.  With this type of construction, a combination of concrete blocks and pour concrete are used to construct the home.  The beams and walls will also contain rebar inside making the structure extremely strong and durable.  You can expect your CBS home to last a long time.  

However, not all CBS home are entirely made of concrete.  To save on cost, home builders have been using a combination of wood and concrete.  Often you will find a home with CBS walls and wood frame floors and trusses.  

Spalling is a common maintenance issue with CBS homes. Spalling is when water gets inside the concrete and interacts with the rebar inside.  The rebar expands and causes the concrete to crack.  If left unattended for great lengths of time, this can cause structural damage to the home.  If you see any cracks in your concrete it it best to take the time and money and invest in getting them fixed as soon as possible.

Concrete Block and Stucco Florida Keys homes are the most expensive type of construction.  They require a lot of custom work and extra materials to make the frames for the concrete.  In addition, concrete is heavy and not the easiest material to work with.

Lots of Options for Florida Keys Homes

The Florida Keys is home to a variety of different types of homes. While you look to buy a home in the Florida Keys be sure to ask your agent any question you might have.  The perfect house will ultimately depend on what needs and price you are looking for.