The Law Offices of John Caravella, P.C. does not own this content. This content was published to the Letter’s to the Editor, and is available to view on the Tampa Bay Times.
Does anyone remember the picture of a single solitary home, standing virtually unscathed among the ruins in Mexico Beach after Hurricane Michael? Someone proactively decided that employing superior engineering and materials could trump the personal losses and the ridiculous cost of insuring a beachfront property against a devastating storm. Everyday we read about reversing climate change by investing in wind and solar energy, buying electric cars and discontinuing the use of fossil fuels with little financial consideration for the abandonment of functional assets and the associated industries who are blamed for this predicament. Many seem to believe that this is the sacrifice that must be made to save the planet.
Why does the same logic not apply to the construction of homes, particularly properties in the most vulnerable areas? It is apparent that many people can no longer live in this state, due in part to constantly rising homeowner insurance rates. We have the technology to build nearly hurricane-proof buildings and to improve existing structures against them. It would seem that money would be far better invested in climate-resistant construction than dollars spent on the hope of partial compensation for a damaged or destroyed property from insurers who must rely on the collective pool to pay its obligations.
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John Caravella Esq., is a construction attorney and formerly practicing project architect at The Law Office of John Caravella, P.C., representing architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, and owners in all phases of contract preparation, litigation, and arbitration across New York and Florida. He also serves as an arbitrator to the American Arbitration Association Construction Industry Panel. Mr. Caravella can be reached by email: [email protected] or (631) 608-1346.
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The Law Offices of John Caravella, P.C. does not own this content. This content was published to the Letter’s to the Editor, and is available to view on the Tampa Bay Times.