10-25-2013, 02:42 AM
Doc, I read the other post and beam vs slab discussion as well, which seemed to have become de-railed somewhat. I second everyone's comments here. I'll be 66 next month. I'm currently climbing stairs here at home and my mother, 88, has problems climbing the stairs when she visits. We're looking into a house in Fern Acres with all the living spaces upstairs. Why? First, I would rather cool the house with trade winds than an expensive air conditioning unit. With (both) bathroom windows upstairs on opposite sides of the house they can be left open with some degree of security. Sure, your average ninja could get in, but I'd better not be home...Secondly, I like the view. Ohia lehua flowers, Mauna Kea.
As mentioned in the other thread, the post-and-beam engineering if done right is independent of the slab itself. You can still have a slab below if you desire. Maintenance is a huge factor. Wrap around decks help with window cleaning, but if the roof is toast, you'd better have $. Also mentioned: the more roof, the more catchment. This can be extremely important, and is often site-dependent. More mauka, more rain. Or more makai, possibility of well? Just my $.02
bamboo2u
As mentioned in the other thread, the post-and-beam engineering if done right is independent of the slab itself. You can still have a slab below if you desire. Maintenance is a huge factor. Wrap around decks help with window cleaning, but if the roof is toast, you'd better have $. Also mentioned: the more roof, the more catchment. This can be extremely important, and is often site-dependent. More mauka, more rain. Or more makai, possibility of well? Just my $.02
bamboo2u