When considering property purchases, it’s important to note that various areas of the U.S., and even various Communities within the same State or City are usually marked by very distinct types of Architecture, styles of interior design, and varieties of interior features. I have worked with Buyers who expressed interest in having a Fireplace, Wood Floors, and/or a Gas Stove.
Here in South Florida, Fireplaces, Wood Floors, and Gas Stoves are the exception instead of the norm.
The main reason for the scarcity of Wood Floors in South Florida is the high level of humidity in our tropical climate. Real Wood Floors are much more likely to warp significantly due to high levels of humidity (yes, even though they’re inside of the House and not outside). Because of that factor and personal preferences, Flooring choices that are most frequently used in the main Living areas are Marble or Tile and some who prefer the look of Wood will choose Laminate Wood Flooring/faux Wood Flooring. Of course, this isn’t to say that Wood Floors don’t exist. There are Homes that have beautiful Wood Floors, but they aren’t the majority and most Homes that have them are Luxury Homes. Pictured above is Unit 3009 at Las Olas River House Condo, a Residence that has beautiful Wood Floors, a Listing of mine that I sold in 2009 for $700,000.
The lack of Fireplaces in most Homes also relates to Weather. Our Winter Season doesn’t truly qualify as “Winter” when compared to many other locations that have Snow and a true Winter Season. We just have very, very few days when Heat is necessary and when it is necessary, most of us use Heat that’s part of our Electric Central Heat and Air System. That being the case, those who choose to have Fireplaces here in South Florida are those who find them to be aesthetically appealing and it should be noted that most such Fireplaces are Electric, not Wood Burning Fireplaces, so you won’t see many Chimneys As with Wood Floors, most Homes that have Fireplaces are also Luxury Homes.
Last, but not least, Gas Stoves. I love to Cook, so I understand the preference for a Gas Stove instead of Electric. Most Houses in South Florida have Electric Stoves, however, a few Single Family Homes, Condos, and Townhomes have Gas Stoves. If you’re interested in adding a Gas Connection at a Single Family Home or Townhome where it doesn’t currently exist, you can contact the local Gas Company to determine if Gas is available in your Community. If Gas isn’t available, the alternative is to obtain Gas by installing a Propane Gas Tank at your property.
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