Is it possible to build the 2008 Dream Home, to
let strong winds of a Hurricane to pass through
open passages built beneath the house, so the house would not with stand the full brunt of the
winds? I believe I read some where a house in "North Carolina" was built in this manner.
Thank You,
Glenn

I HOPE ME DREAM HOME 2008 NO HOME I GAT

Anyone who has had a home built, or work done on an existing house, knows that getting a job done on-time and consequently within budget (manhours) depends greatly on passing inspections. If you get hung up with inspectors it can throw you job off tremendously; time and budget-wise.
So hard hats off to you, for a great job!

As I was reading about this wonderful 2008 DREAM HOME, and seeing that it is 3 stories, please tell how this house will be made if the winner is in a wheel chair, or cannot climb stairs. Will there be a elevator? If you could answer this question that would be great.

I have been a code official for over 14 years and I find the tone of this article to be insulting and does nothing more than to perpetuate a perception of conflict between contractors and inspectors. On one particular job, I was called out to inspect the reinforcing and footings for a new office building. Upon inspection I discovered the footings were undersized as well as the reinforcing according to the plans I had been provided. When I spoke to the job foreman it was then realized that he was not provided the final plan set and had no idea the plans had changed to include a brick façade. Not only was the foreman grateful but I later received a call from the owner thanking me for catching this oversight. Working with dedicated professional contractors is never a problem. My time is more often spent educating “weekend warriors” and “handyman” who take on projects that exceed their abilities.

Boy, Kent from Midwest, are you overly touchy or what? The article in no way disparages inspectors, so I can only ascertain, that you constantly walk around with a chip on your shoulder... Try a little humor to get through the day, and stop living your life being so sensitive.

I dont have a problem with inspectors but, please how many time can they come up with new faults. Inspection one, do this that and the other, ok done. Call back well, here we go again you need to do this that and the other, ok done. call back, again Oh you have to do this and that What? how many times does it take??

Building inspectors are a blessing meant to protect the public from inexperienced, ignorant or just plain greedy contractors (who cut corners to put more profit into their own pockets).Owners and contractors alike should consider these fellows knowledgeble consultants rather than annoying harridans. And no,I have no connections to the building industry nor to inspectors, I simply appreciate the job they have to do and the necessary service they provide the public.

I watched the videos and looked at the new pics. Everything looks great and sturdy. You all are doing a stellar great job. The views are awesome. I also read the blogs.
You know people inspectors make sure your home & you in it are safe. Be thankful they are there to help you. You could get a bad builder etc. and have something horrible go wrong with your expensive home.. It's better to make sure the builders, elect. plumber etc. do a job right than to find out later you hired someone to do it wrong. You could get hurt in it or loose your home due to fire, storm damage or get fined alot of money. Then you may not be able to sell it later when you want to move on to something bigger and better. Every body has a job and everybody needs help and reminders. Let them do it right. People are in a hurry and forget important things all the time. Better safe than sorry.....

i love the location of this year`s hgtv dream house

What about real estate taxes and personal property taxes--my husband is a disabled veteran and in most states he does not have to pay either of those! That would be cool.

Patricia

WOW!!! Stunning location, incredible house! Guess you might expect the best from the best :) Can't wait to see the floor plans! Amazing job!!!
Melissa

I also would like to know if the disability issue will be addressed, as I am wheelchair bound and my husband is a disabled army vet. Winning this would be a dream come true for anyone, but there are so many houses that I can't even get around in! Not only elevators, but Wide doorways, roll-in showers, heat and cool vents in baseboards- NOT in the middle of the floor! Just some common-sense changes normal people wouldn't even notice.

Looking at the early construction photos and reading your Certified Stellar document, would make any lucky Dream Home winner feel that you have taken every step to insure, safety from natures fury is number one in your planning and design. All steel reinforced concrete will surely exceed the highest wind zone codes. As a final note, I can picture myself with a Pina Colada on the Veranda after a long hard day of fishing.

John

As a disabled Vet,I have the same question as Patricia. What are the real estate taxas and personal taxes for the area.

Joseph

I watched the video and been reading every little thing what seem to be the problem people work with mother nature all the time

wonderfull area, i can see my self and my familiy living there . how can i enter 2008 home dream.

Thanks HGTV for giving many of us something exciting to dream about.. Its a great dream and can't wait to see whose dream will become real..

The house is beautiful!! Happy to see you have returned to warmer climates.

Warm water,sandy beaches and lots of nature is what will make each day a new adventure.

Keep the pictures coming. Its like we are there in Keys with you all.

Thanks again.
Cathy

HGTV you picked such a great location for the 2008 Dream Home. All your past Dream Home locations were also fantastic. We are looking forward to the final bells and whistles of this great 3 story home, my husband and I Love your shows.
Were so happy that HGTV shows were finally developed to help us all with insites and imaginations, and dream factor. Stay strong HGTV.

WE DIGG IT!
NICOLE :)

We love this house--My husband is a disabled veteran so to win this would be great He does not have to pay real estate taxes or personal property tax--so that would be good. Is there an elavater? That's a lot of steps for a disabled person!

It's looking good
Patricia

I am excited to see the outcome of the 2008 dream home, I'm a regular viewer of hgtv, and this is something that we're looking forward to, goodluck to the construction workers, crews, and all the people involve in this project, all of you have a big heart to share it to the public, thanks hgtv,
susan of illinois

Kent I think you've got it wrong. It wasn't the tone of the article that was insulting. It was the last question asked that seems to have you in a huff. Why would that be if it doesn't even apply to you. Wether you like it or not there are incompetent code inspectors and if their over sites aren't due to incompetence then it must be corruption. I reside in the central Florida area and there are problems in the buildings services of some of the surrounding counties here. It's pretty bad when not only your contractor is a shyster but when the inspectors aren't much better. Unfortunetly it's the home owner who suffers the consequences of their actions or inactions for that matter. So lighten up and be grateful you have integrity, morals and ethics. We need more of your kind in this field.

OMG, Richard you guys could not have chosen a better spot to put this Dream Home, and as I have watched it's progress it is truly the creme da la creme. This will be a very exciting year. If only all contractors built to the standers you set on HGTV we the home owners would be one very happy group of consumers. I can't hardly wait for the TV premier!!!!!

The HGTV dream home is a great thing. However, it is not a public building, or a goverment hand out. People should realize that there are major responsibilties associated with winning this house. The builders are not required to make this house handicapped accessible, nor is HGTV responsible for the taxes, upkeep, utilities, etc, required to live in this house. I realize that all this is included in the rules of the giveaway, but there are a lot of people out there that do not read them or understand them. I am just trying to make people aware that this may not be their winning lottery ticket, and they need to make their own way in life and not just chase after a dream that may not come true

I think the Dellanos are aware of every aspect and they don`t want HGTV coming down on them they`ld never build again. It looks fabulous.

I have fallen in love with every house you have built, but I think this will be my favorite the local is fantastic, cant wait to see the finished product.
Lynda