America’s wooden houses vs Ghana Concrete and bricks building | construction
To start with, why are American houses made of wood and not bricks? Simple put, why are houses made of wood instead of concrete? According to the National Association of Home Builders analysis of Census Bureau data about 90% of homes built in 2019 were wood-framed. And about 10% were concrete-framed homes, and less than half a percent were steel-framed.
For a fact, wood-framed homes are susceptible to damage from natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and pests. This of course makes them less durable than concrete homes.
Although wood framed homes have very strong hardware, home reinforcement and proper civil engineering works goes into it but without proper maintenance the wood could be eaten by termites, wood boring beetles and other pests. Wood framed homes could still be more susceptible to windstorms regardless. Brick houses are safer in this regard. That begs endless questions, why don’t Americans build concrete houses in tornado prone areas? Why do Americans still using wood to build houses?
Well, here are the reasons: the first is, it is pretty easy to build wood-framed house in a matter of days especially using kits. Secondly, it is cost effective and affordable compared to brick homes. Third reason is that there is abundant of timber in North America, so it makes sense in terms of low cost building material. Fourth reason why Americans prefer houses made of wood is low tax. However, it depend on the state you are in. But are wooden houses really safe enough anyway? I will be discussing that in a minute.
In order to protect against natural disaster in hurricane-prone zone and  windstorms, most South Florida municipalities building codes don’t support wooden framed homes. If you are wondering whether brick homes can withstand a tornado, you bet, yes. Concrete house can survives tornadoes, flood and other natural disasters. Of course earthquake is an exception unless anti-earthquake building reinforcement is in place. Disastrous earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria is an example of what i’m talking about.
A research called Debris Impact Testing conducted by Texas Tech University shows that cement or concrete home with a fortified base could withstand a Category 4 or 5 hurricane compared to wood framed homed.
During natural disasters like windstorms, there is debris flying all over the place and destroying homes. The research also shows that concrete walls are strong enough to withstand flying debris from hurricanes and tornadoes.
Concrete homes are very durable, heavy, and can last a long time compare to wooden houses. Also concrete is resistant to fires as well. In 2015, wild fire   consumed 70,000 acres in northern California and turn everything into ashes and claiming precious human lives but Sean Jennings’ brick house stood as you can see in the image below.
Having said that let’s explore why Ghana brick homes are have better quality than American wood-framed houses. Have you ever consider buying homes in Ghana?  Accra excels in construction quality, surpassing America and much of the Western countries. Most Americans are oblivious about other countries…..there is that stereotype created by the media that Africa nations is a place of hunger and poverty and diseases …… everything in the US is the best and other countries are shitholes. Wrong! Big time. The world is changing fast. Hold your thoughts and let me tell you why. When comparing the construction of new homes in Ghana to what is offered in the United States, it becomes evident that you are settling for the subpar housing options in America. The above research proves it all. Let’s continue.
Read also:Â 8 REASONS WHY WESTERNERS SHOULD CONSIDER RETIRING IN GHANA
One of the primary reasons for this discrepancy is the allocation of home buyer funds…..when purchasing a new home in America from a builder is, a significant portion of your funds goes towards land and the permits required for construction. In contrast, in Ghana, your funds is directed towards the actual home itself. This allows for the use of superior building materials and higher construction standards compared to what is typically found in America. Don’t get me wrong, i’m not saying US building materials are of poor in quality.
Read also:Â 12 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD START INVESTING IN GHANA REAL ESTATE NOW
Let’s take this further, let’s compare the quality of construction in America. In new home constructions, builders often prioritize cost-cutting measures to maximize their profits. If you decide to be home owner in Ghana, all houses are built with concrete or bricks walls instead of cheap wood, while the floors feature luxurious marble rather than artificial flooring commonly seen even in luxury homes in America.
Read also: 11 BEST CITIES AND TOWNS TO LIVE IN GHANA – WEST AFRICA
Moreover, the location of homes in Ghana is designed to enhance convenience. In America, even when purchasing luxury home constructions, you are often confined to suburban areas. In Ghana, Accra, however, you have the opportunity to acquire a home conveniently located in metropolitan areas, greatly improving your day-to-day life.
Who doesn’t like own privacy? We all do. The types of houses in West africa allows you to build privacy walls around your entire property, preventing unwanted access and prying eyes. Any traditional african houses especially in urban and suburbs areas are walled or has installed fenced not only for privacy but also for security. But in American regulations generally limit homeowners to inexpensive vinyl fences, and even if you are fortunate enough to have a six-foot fence, it is usually confined to the backyard, leaving the front yard exposed. You can see what i mean in the image below.
Ghana offers greater flexibility for home customization as compared to the restrictive regulations in America. You can build a one-level house if desired or upgrade for a five-bedroom home instead of settling for four without required any additional building permit or local municipality approval. Also, constructing a guest house is entirely feasible as long as you have enough space on your property. In America every minor change to your property requires permits and approvals from the government or regulatory authorities.
Another thing I would like to bring to your attention is that, homes in Accra, Ghana exhibit diversity and uniqueness in terms of modern traditional african architectural designs blend with westnern architeture not the African tharch houses the media shows on TV. Unlike the monotonous neighborhoods found in America, where houses look almost identical, with the only noticeable difference being the vinyl facade, Ghana homes showcase individuality. Even in luxury new home constructions in America, it can be challenging to differentiate between multimillion-dollar houses and more affordable ones for moderate-income earners. They often employ the same materials and provide a similar experience. However, in Ghana, and for that matter West  african houses are made of ornate walls, high-quality doors, and an overall bespoke feel of individual taste.
Another notable benefit of Ghana construction is climate control. Each room can have its own individual climate control, allowing for personalized temperature settings based on individual preferences. Whereas in North America, at best, you may have one or two zones of Heating, Ventilation, and Air –condition (HVAC), necessitating a compromise on temperature preferences.
Own A Home In Greenery & Solar Powered Gated Community @Kwabenya Before it is Sold Out!
Imagine seeing your kids running around on playground with their friends in the safety of this greenery and lush landscape beautiful, gated community. How comfortable and refreshing will that be? Exactly!
Are you looking to buy your dream home or an investment property for cashflow purposes in Ghana? Are you a westerner planning to make Ghana your next home and looking for African homes for sale? Perhaps you may be worried of the hassle to go through to build yours, we have got you covered. Buying a home from a developer is more secured because we have done all the hard work and due diligence on the land and it has pass the process. Your only job is to own it by reserving your home today.
Read also:Â Why do Americans leave their luxurious life and move to Ghana?
La margo Villas, is upcoming greenery, lush landscape, eco-friendly, and renewable energy gated community in the  beautiful, picturesque hillsview of Kwabenya, Accra featuring townhomes and apartments. Our residence will enjoy energy reduction on utility bills, worldclass amenities , and facilities such as clubhouse, multi-purpose tennis court within the community and most importantly, flexible payment plans. Let’s help you own your dream home. Get in touch with us.
Read also:Â ECO-FRIENDLY HOMES FOR SALE WITH SOLAR IN GHANA
La Margo Villas Neighbourhood Snapshot
Kwabenya is a residential community located in the Ga East Municipal District of the Greater Accra Region. The area is well connected to major roads and highways, making it easily accessible from other parts of the city. It is an ideal area for real estate investment and an emerging sub-market for those who want to escape excessive noise of Accra. Get in touch with us to reserve your dream home today right here. Read also: ​The 9 Advantages Of Living In A Gated Community In Accra
Take Away
Are you Ghanaian in the diaspora or a foreigner national interested in Ghana real estate? Perhaps you are a busy person looking for real estate service provider in Accra Ghana to handle your real estate needs hands-off? Villashark’s one-stop-shop diaspora services has got you covered. Check out our services packages and choose the plan that best fit you. If you have any questions feel free to contact us.
