Contact BeachLife Development | Hurricane‑Proof Custom Home Builders

Frequently asked questions

What foundations are best for hurricane‑proof homes?

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We typically recommend fiberglass pilings as the primary solution thanks to their corrosion resistance and longevity, or engineered piers with grade beams—tied into the monolithic SCIP shell. Final selection follows soils and geotechnical reports.

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How high should my hurricane‑proof home be elevated?

Elevation depends on your site’s base flood elevation and local freeboard rules. We size finished floor elevations to meet or exceed code and practical access goals after reviewing your survey and flood maps. Where piles are appropriate, we specify fiberglass pilings that are eco‑friendly, corrosion‑resistant, and longer‑lasting than traditional timber or steel piles, providing a durable foundation solution in harsh coastal environments.

How long does it take to build a BeachLife hurricane-proof house?

Variables for building timelines

The timeline for building a SCIP home varies based on size and complexity. However, the insulated concrete construction is usually faster than traditional builds because the precut panels allow for quick assembly. Most homes can be completed in around 9 months, depending on site conditions, design complexity, and permitting.

Long-term Considerations

Once you build your BeachLife home, you won't need to build it again.

Can we use my existing foundation to build on if we need to go up 14’?

Each home is different

It depends on the structural integrity of your current foundation. Since BeachLife homes are lightweight yet incredibly strong, they still require specific foundation reinforcements to handle a 14-foot elevation. We will do a set of soil tests and a structural assessment to determine feasibility.

It makes sense to start with a strong foundation

The risk of building on an existing foundation outweighs the cost of building a durable foundation. In most cases we recommend demolition of the existing home, building up the foundation with fill and adding the necessary pilings to ensure safety and longevity through storms.

How does SCIP or the BeachLife building technique make a house hurricane-proof?

SCIP has been used in many countries to build commercial and residential

SCIP stands for Structural Concrete Insulated Panels. These panels consist of a steel-reinforced foam core encased in high-strength concrete layers, making them:

Impact-resistant against flying debris
Stronger than wood or stick-built homes
Fire-resistant and flood-resistant
Able to withstand winds exceeding 200 mph, making them ideal for hurricane-prone areas

Energy efficiency and low maintenance

Investing in a SCIP home means a significant savings on utility bills and a contribution to a more sustainable environment. Another side benefit is the extremely low maintenance once the house is built. No painting necessary, and no roof repair or replacement for the life of your home.

How does Beachlife Development design for a greater level of energy efficiency?

Insulated panels combined with solid concrete walls

SCIP homes are naturally energy-efficient due to their high thermal mass and continuous insulation. We further enhance efficiency with:

Tightly sealed building envelopes that reduce air leakage
High-performance windows and doors
Smart home energy monitoring systems
Optional integration with solar and battery backup systems

Can I integrate solar panels or other renewable energy systems into my BeachLife home?

BeachLife is focused on energy independence

The reinforced concrete structure on the roof can support rooftop solar arrays, and we can incorporate battery storage, geothermal heating, and energy management systems to maximize energy independence. Because the rooftops are useable, many BeachLife customers prefer to put solar panels on their pagoda and power the entire home while covering the deck area.

What are the cost differences between a BeachLife home and a traditional home?

Cost per square foot is only slightly higher

While BeachLife homes have a slightly higher upfront cost due to premium materials and engineering, they offer:

Lower long-term energy costs (up to 70% savings)
Lower insurance premiums or go Self-insured
Reduced maintenance costs compared to wood-framed homes
Increased durability, eliminating the need for frequent repairs

Over time, SCIP homes provide a significant return on investment through energy savings and longevity.

It's a better choice

Keep in mind that living a Florida waterfront lifestyle comes with a cost. If you want to have a home that is standing after a hurricane, you need to invest in your future.

Are BeachLife homes customizable in terms of design and layout?

It's your house, it's your design

You’re not limited to any pre-designed models. Our team works with design engineers to create modern, traditional, or contemporary designs, incorporating vaulted ceilings, open layouts, and custom features. With the SCIP materials it makes it easy to introduce rounded edges and arches into the home design.

Templates to get you started

Many of our customers start with an online design then end up with an entirely customized home by the tine they're finished.

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Frequently asked questions