Been thinking lately about how prepared my house really is if a huge storm rolled through tomorrow. I mean, we get some pretty nasty weather around here sometimes, but nothing like those hurricanes or tornadoes you see on the news. Still, makes me wonder... if something big did hit, would my place even stand a chance?
I know there are building codes and stuff meant to keep houses safe, but honestly, how strict are they really? Like, do builders actually follow them closely enough to make a difference? Or is it more of a "check the box" kinda thing? I remember when my cousin's roof got ripped off in that storm last year—he swore up and down it was built to code. But clearly something went wrong there.
Anyway, just curious what you guys think you'd do if you found out your home wasn't as sturdy as you thought. Would you try to reinforce it yourself somehow or just cross your fingers and hope for the best?
I totally get your concern—my house is over a century old, so trust me, I wonder the same thing all the time. Building codes back then were basically "make sure it doesn't fall down immediately," haha. I've reinforced some key spots myself (mostly attic supports and window frames), but honestly, it's probably just wishful thinking. At this point, if a huge storm hits, I'm banking more on good luck and solid homeowner's insurance than structural integrity...
I've been wondering the same thing since starting renovations on my place—especially about the basement flooding. Did you check your foundation drainage at all, or is that just another can of worms you'd rather not open...?
Foundation drainage is definitely worth checking out, even if it feels like opening Pandora's box. Did you notice any signs of moisture or pooling around the perimeter after heavy rains? If so, you might wanna look into installing a French drain or at least making sure your gutters and downspouts are directing water far enough away from the house. I had similar basement flooding issues a few years back—turned out my downspouts were dumping water right next to the foundation... rerouting them made a huge difference.
I had similar basement flooding issues a few years back—turned out my downspouts were dumping water right next to the foundation...
Foundation drainage is a great point. Also, don't underestimate the value of storm shutters or impact-resistant windows. I installed shutters last year—wasn't too complicated, just measured carefully, ordered online, and followed the instructions. Definitely feel better knowing they're there.
