Around several beachy areas of Florida, you have probably seen houses built several feet above the ground. These are known as stilt houses. They are pretty common in most coastal areas especially subtropical regions like the state of Florida. There are many reasons why builders and homeowners choose to put up a stilt house.
Here are some of the benefits of living in a stilt house.
The View is Better
A house built high above the ground gives a larger view of all the surrounding beauty. It can even give you a sightline above the trees and roofline of other surrounding homes if the house is built high enough. The higher you are the better the view.
Stability
Though it instinctually seems like a stilt house is less stable than one sitting on the ground, they are a smart way to place a home on areas that have less stable earth. The stilts are what give the home stability rather than the ground underneath. If you study where the majority of stilt homes are built, it is mostly in places known for having shaking ground like sea cliffs, sloping mountainsides, and sandy beaches right on the water or even over the water. It allows for homes to be solidly built in a cool and unique location.
Protection
Homes on the beach are removed from the danger of flooring when they are placed on stilts. There are many locations in Florida, including the Forgotten Coast, at higher risk of flooding and hurricane damage. Homes built on stilts help to reduce the amount of storm damage.
It is also much more work for an intruder to get into a home on stilts.
Ventilation
Stilt homes stay cooler in the Florida heat. They allow air to circulate and flow around all sides of the home. The circulation of air underneath the house significantly helps to keep the home cooler and much more pleasant in peak summer temps. This also helps to lower energy costs.
Stilt homes have been around Florida for thousands of years and there is a reason for that, they are a smart choice for waterfront living.
If you are looking for a great beachfront property please call us anytime. We specialize in Forgotten Coast real estate. We can help you find the perfect beach home like a beachfront stilt house on St. George Island. For more information on beach properties on the Forgotten Coast contact us any time.
If you have always wanted to retire to the beach, come and check out homes on the Forgotten Coast. There are many great homes on beautiful serene beaches in great communities. Contact us anytime for help finding a great beach home.
