Talking Through Issues
When it comes to building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Florida’s challenging climate, material choices make all the difference. I’ve learned this lesson many times over my years constructing ADUs across the state.
I’ll never forget meeting with Sarah to discuss her dream tiny home design. Her Pinterest board was covered in beautiful photos of wood siding and exposed beams. “This is my dream look,” she said. However, as someone who has built many custom tiny homes here, I knew we had to have a frank conversation about how these materials would stand up to Florida’s humidity, storms, and pests. I gently steered Sarah toward more durable siding materials that still achieved the aesthetic she loved. Two years later, she tells me often how grateful she is not to be constantly replacing warped, rotten wood that’s become a free meal for termites.
Her story is one I’ve seen play out many times. People fall in love with designs that work beautifully in other climates but require some rethinking for Florida. I once had a client eager to replicate a stunning California tiny house with huge glass walls and a flat roof. No doubt, it was gorgeous. But here in hurricane and downpour-prone Florida? We needed impact-resistant windows and a pitched roof to stand up to our weather while complementing the original vision.
I’ve also learned the hidden costs of trying to save money upfront with cheaper materials. Take Mark, who installed wood deck tiles around his Miami ADU only to see them warp and mold within months in our humid climate. Replacing them with better-suited composite decking cost more initially but still looks brand new four years later. Or the Tampa family who opted for basic exterior paint to save on costs, then had to spend double just two years later when Florida’s harsh sun had peeled and faded it.
In general, I advise clients to consider the full lifetime cost of materials, not just the upfront price. As I like to say, “The real cost isn’t just the purchase price, but the purchase price plus maintenance plus replacement costs.” A 15% higher initial investment often saves 40% or more in long-term maintenance.
I’ve also learned the importance of having backup material plans, as unexpected supply chain issues can create costly delays. And I’m always investigating innovative new products specifically engineered for Florida’s environment, like the fiber-reinforced stucco we used recently that provides superior hurricane resistance compared to traditional stucco.
Ultimately, the key is choosing materials focused on long-term performance, not just initial aesthetics or purchase price. On a recent St. Petersburg ADU dubbed our “forever home,” we selected mold/mildew resistant walls, humidity-proof flooring, UV-filtering windows, reflective roofing. The cost was reasonable, and the owners will save tremendously on maintenance.
Steps for Success
So for anyone considering a tiny home or ADU in Florida’s challenging climate, keep this advice in mind: Choose materials made not just to look good on day one but to withstand our humidity, storms, pests and sunlight for years to come. I’ve seen firsthand what a difference climate-smart material selection makes for tiny home durability and beauty over time.Let’s talk about how we can build your ADU to thrive here!
