AUSTIN, Texas — Later this month, the Austin City Council will discuss the rules around the Wildland Urban Interface Code, or WUI.
The WUI creates guidelines for businesses or homes that are next to wildlands are protected from the next wildfire. According to a presentation from the Austin Fire Department, the council will consider expanding the zone that would be considered at-risk for wildfire damage.
Mike Drew is the co-owner of Next Custom Homes. As a builder, he wants to build a home that is somewhat resistant and capable of withstanding a wildfire. But he says the city’s codes could raise the costs when it comes to building fire-resistant homes.
“You know, we have metal roofs, we have stucco siding, we have noncombustible wood. And all of these things are necessary,” Drew said. “So finding the right materials and the approved product has been our biggest challenge since it began here.”
Nick Quijano is the founder of Southerly Homes, and showed KVUE a home in a WUI area where the homeowner was required to install fire resistant materials.
“We’ve probably added around $50-to-75,000 in cost on this home alone,” Quijano said.
Quijano’s concern is for future buyers, who are building homes at more affordable prices and might have to pay more money for these materials.
“So that’s why I think homeowners should maybe have a little bit more of a voice or a choice on what goes in their home,” Quijano said.
Both builders are telling folks to talk with their team of experts on what the potential costs or pitfalls could be when it comes to constructing their “dream homes.”
“I mean, I don’t know that things are going to get better. They’re going to get worse,” Drew said. “You know, we’re kind of suffering along with you as a builder.”
The city council is expected to discuss the at-risk zone at its March 27 meeting.