construction type and bldg material of east TN homes (Knoxville: for sale, houses)

[rick88ss]

Looking at possibly relocating to the Knoxville area. While looking at all the houses for sale, I see different types of construction and materials used in east Tennessee houses. When looking for a house in the $200k-$250k range what kind is preferable. Are there specific bldg codes that require a certain type of construction?
Being in South Florida most if not all homes are made of concrete block and reinforced concrete due to hurricanes.

[Barking Spider]

Almost all of the homes in the Knoxville area are wood frame. There might be a very small percentage that are steel framed, but they are pretty rare, same for masonry (concrete block) construction.
Exterior materials vary all over the place.
Brick veneer is very common. Most of the time it is mixed with vinyl siding, wood siding, or HardiPlank siding. There are a few homes that have metal siding, but they are older.

In that price range, I would expect you will find wood frame, brick and some type of siding.

We also have a pretty equal mix of slab, crawlspace, and basement homes. It just depends on the terrain. You don't have to worry about hurricanes here.

Here in Knox County, they use IRC Building Code.

[rick88ss]

Thanks for the info. So the brick houses that you see have a wooden frame then they're covered with bricks on the exterior? What type of construction is the most desirable when looking to buy a home in that price range?

[Barking Spider]

The basic construction is the same in all of them. The only difference is the exterior materials. It's really a personal preference. A large percentage of the homes in that price range will have brick, and another siding material combination. Sometimes, they will mix up stone veneer with the brick, or substitute the stone for the brick.
Slightly older homes (built in late 80's and 90's) may have a siding made from hardboard (Masonite was one). There were/are some problems with hardboard siding (even a recall on some of it) that will usually show up in home inspections. Hardboard siding has been replaced for the most part with Hardi Plank siding which is a better product, less prone to moisture problems.

The same goes for slabs, basements, and crawlspaces. Its really a personal preference in what you like. Each style has its own set of pro's and con's. In a given neighborhood, you might find all three.

[Road Pig]

Brick is a no or low maintenance and that is what i have. Price varies more on location than building material.

[Milrose]

I've looked at some MLS listings in Tellico Village and the heat source is listed as propane. Are there gas lines into the house or are these large exterior tanks similar to what you see on farms?

[rick88ss]

I kinda like the homes with a basement from what I've seen. Or split level with part slab part basement. Thanks again for the info.

[Barking Spider]

Tellico village propane tanks are usually buried in the yard. All you can see is the lid.

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by rick88ss

Thanks for the info. So the brick houses that you see have a wooden frame then they're covered with bricks on the exterior? What type of construction is the most desirable when looking to buy a home in that price range?

It's the same throughout the country. Unless it is a very old home from the turn of the previous century, it is brick or stone veneer on frame, unless it is an unusual custom-built home. Those are very rare.