California wildfires?

Question

I'm thinking of buying some beach side land and knocking up a really nice single mans pad, but would it cost me a lot to have the construction done in concrete rather than timber.
Makes sence,, dont you think,,,,,x,

Answer 1

Please take no offense at this, BUT...

First of all; hopefully not in our lifetime; Las Vegas may be Pacific Ocean; waterfront property.

SO much of the land in CA; most especiaslly in major Cities; including waterfront; are FILL. The actions of your fault lines; dictates the stability; since much like NYC, BED ROCK is often not the base for PILINGS; and even on a more personal level; if you stood on the shoreline; above the water mark at any tide, and punched the sand; you'd likely think it to be HARD. If you JUMP up and down on it for a few moments you'd displace the sand with the water table, creating a MUCK that cannot support a structure. There is a term for that which escapes me in the moment.

WILDFIRES is another issue, and Concrete will BAKE you; if you chose to remain in the center of your PAD; surrounded by FIRE, over an extended period.

Beyond all that; the balance in cost is negligible. We clear cut Forests to build TRACT developments. SEEING that, the manufacturers of AGGRAGATES as they are MINED; have kept up with comparing pricing for building materials.

BUDGET...YOURS... Might also be a factor, beyond just the WHERE to build. "A LOT" is a pretty "relative term. I happen to prefer reinforced concrete slab housing; but I wouldn't expect any guarantees from the MFG, or builder; in any environment. Note any FINE PRINT.

With all due respect; I might re-think the WHERE, and even in CA there are areas; especially North of any major fault line and Fire issues; that are just as scenic; and SINGLE MAN PAD friendly.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

the beach front land will cost more than whatever you knock up for the pad.

Answer 3

I would take into account, the fire danger, and coastal erosion first.
I would go for concrete as it will stand up to the elements better.

Answer 4

No, not really. And if designed to require a minimal amount of exterior adornment (such as an ''adobe'' look) it could actually be cheaper.