Hypothetical: Airstream as "Modular" Tiny House Living

[BigButtUgly]

n2916s: Your faith in your Miami-Dade building inspector and codes for residential areas is not only misplaced it's downright naive. I seriously doubt roofs , sheds and pool enclosures are Risk Category IV (185+) designed so don't worry about your front window during the next "really big one" because your house will be GONE. For Denis 4 x 4: you are spot on. And there are many design reasons. Current max wind speeds are around 200 MPH with global warming pushing that up to 220 MPH. I have designed structures to withstand Fujita 7+ ( very radical cones) but flat slanted board and batten walls, bonded standing seam roofs, deep conical footings and ASCE 7 windows. These could be homes of the future for Miami-Dade ( and they far exceed the present minimum specs) but would not now be permitted. With some "tweeking" and carbon fiber technology, wind born debris protection can be achieved also. . So much for inspectors and codes that are are purported to help and protect us. Ask any building inspector about pressure treated wood foundations, double wall construction. houses without gutters, pig tail wiring, standing seam roofs wit or without water harvesting, and geothermal. Ask to see his code book--do not be surprised.

[n2916s]

Yeah, except that I was dead center when Andrew made landfall. My house, built in 1956, actually did pretty well. Lost all of the shingles and tar paper on the windward side, all the windows blew through, garage door crushed in, all the wooden fencing gone... 6 months and 60 grand later, good as new...

My neighbor took an entire "homemade" tool shed right through the front door and out the back. If they hadn't been cowering in the bathtub, who knows?

Much rather have enforced codes than not.

[rodsterinfl]

As soon as I read your post I thought about the Port Homes. I wondered if anyone would mention them then about halfway through, they did. The concept is exactly what you describe though not in WNY.

I know of three port home communities in FL then of course in TN and Texas. I have search on the Internet for them. I like the idea too.

[cameront120]

Just remember that building to meet the code is building the worst that you can legally get away with.

[BigButtUgly]

n2916s; Glad you did well with Andrew as it was worst in 30 years prior i.e. @F4 W/ eye of 145 mph AND gusts to 175 MPH. Surprised your 1956 house did that well because that was probably the pre-code which mandated hurricane clips for roof rafters to the double top plate. But then again , houses were built better back then. Codes tend to be minimum that keep houses affordable and insurance companies somewhat happy. Of course buyers can demand better and stronger construction and many builders are willing to perform. Often homes in such categories can cost as little as 10% more and in the long run capture costs in reduced insurance rates. I always build or remodel to way above NEC, NPC and National and International Building Codes. In many cases more fire safe also