Considering A House on Stilts
Does the idea of a home perched on stilts leave you worried about stability and maintenance? Interestingly enough, houses on stilts is not a new idea and actually dates back to prehistoric times and to this day is seen in all shapes and forms.
In this blog post, we take a deeper look at this idea exploring the concept of homes on stilts and the pros and cons of stilt houses.
Homes on Stilts: Making the Most of Your Property
It’s not uncommon for homeowners, those planning to build and prospective property buyers to shy away from houses on stilts. What they may not realize, though, is that there are plenty of reasons why houses on stilts are a good idea.
When most people consider building on stilts, their first mental image is one of the coastal regions. While it’s certainly true that stilts leave a house less susceptible to flooding, they’re not just for areas near the water. Building on a sloped site, or one prone to soil subsidence, can present a challenge throughout the lifespan of a new home. Houses on stilts are ideally suited to this tough terrain, as the elevated foundation allows you to take full advantage of a sloped lot without the need for drastic excavation.
Because stilts are driven far into the ground, a house built on less than stable soil are far better protected from soil subsidence than those on traditional foundations. Want to extend your home beyond the shoreline? Stilts allow your home to perch over the water gracefully.
Practical Pros of Stilt Houses
There are pros and cons to any building decision, but the pros for building on stilts can be both aesthetic and practical in nature. You want a home that will last, and there are perks to lifting your structure off the ground a bit.
First, houses on stilts are better ventilated, with better airflow. This is a major boon to not only the average homeowner, but especially those with an eye on green home design. Building on stilts can minimise the ecological impact of construction and boost energy efficiency, all in one go. They also tend to be less susceptible to timber pest damage, an attractive consideration when you consider that Australia is home to each and every known termite species.
Considerations for Owners – Are Stilt Houses safe?
So what are the disadvantages of building a house on stilts? Well, just like any other structure, houses on stilts can have structural defects due to building faults, neglect or direct damage. If you’re considering the purchase of a new home, whether it’s on stilts or a traditional foundation, you should always work with a reputable building inspection company to protect yourself. A professional building inspector can help you to avoid the purchase of a home with major structural faults that aren’t always visible to the untrained eye.
New homes aren’t exempt from faults. Building errors, shoddy workmanship and poor quality building materials can leave your brand new dream home damaged before you ever turn the key in the lock for the first time. Investing in stage construction inspections is the single most effective way of ensuring your home is being built in keeping with all industry best practices and Australian Standards.
Whether you’re a fan of houses on stilts or prefer your foundation rooted in solid ground, make sure you’re guarding your interests. Work with a neutral third-party inspector for an unbiased, accurate evaluation of your new property before you assume ownership, and responsibility for any existing issues.
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