Jamaica Homebuyers Advised to Prioritize Disaster Resilience
Jamaican homebuyers are advised to prioritize disaster resilience, focusing on construction that withstands hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes.
Jamaicans are urged to prioritize disaster resilience when buying or building a home, as the island prepares to mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on October 13. The theme, “Resilience Starts at Home”, highlights the importance of preparing for natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, landslides, and earthquakes.
Expert advice for buyers and builders
Lenworth Kelly, a past president of both the Incorporated Master Builders Association of Jamaica and the Jamaica Institution of Engineers, emphasized that disaster resilience should be a key factor in home-buying decisions. Speaking at a Jamaica Information Service Think Tank on October 7, Kelly advised prospective homeowners to follow building codes, hire qualified professionals, and obtain proper reports before purchasing an existing house.
Kelly’s message comes almost a year after Hurricane Melissa, which caused significant damage and highlighted the need for better disaster preparedness. He stressed that a home’s ability to withstand natural disasters should be considered from the outset, not as an afterthought.
The importance of site selection and construction
Kelly noted that much of a home’s exposure to disaster risks is determined before construction begins. He warned against building on flood-prone land or unstable slopes, emphasizing the importance of following development requirements. Kelly also highlighted the often-overlooked risk of earthquakes, which require specific mitigation measures to be built into the design and construction stages.
In Jamaica, the Building Act, in force since January 2019, designates municipal corporations as local building authorities. Kelly advised buyers to ensure building plans are approved by these authorities, providing an independent check against minimum standards. For existing properties, he recommended obtaining a structural report, a surveyor’s report, and a valuation report to assess the home’s resilience and value.
Hurricane Melissa’s impact revealed the critical need for sufficient insurance coverage. In July, the Insurance Association of Jamaica urged homeowners to ensure their policies reflect the actual cost of rebuilding, as disputes over the average clause have arisen. The Financial Services Commission is reviewing insurers’ application of this clause to Melissa claims, with a verified assessment due on October 16.
As Jamaicans engage with the property market, there is a growing emphasis on resilience as a measure of value. Buyers prioritizing disaster preparedness are likely to drive a gradual market shift, favoring homes on stable, well-drained land with clear approvals. With the hurricane season extending until the end of November, prospective homeowners are advised to treat resilience as a critical factor in their decisions, requesting proof of a property’s disaster readiness before committing.
Global theme, local action
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction announced the theme “Resilience Starts at Home” in June, emphasizing the household as the foundation for disaster preparedness. This theme divides responsibility among governments, the private sector, and households.
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Governments are tasked with creating risk-informed land use plans, setting building standards, and sharing hazard information with communities. The private sector is responsible for how and where homes are built, financed, and insured. Households, in turn, must act on this knowledge when they have the means.
In Jamaica, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management leads the observance of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, as reported by the Jamaica Information Service.
Resilience as a long-term investment
Kelly emphasized that a home is often the largest investment a person will make and should be built to withstand natural disasters. He stressed the importance of engaging qualified builders and professionals from the beginning of the construction process.
“Mitigation is preventing dangers that may happen,” Kelly said, highlighting the need to make informed decisions before any storm warning. This proactive approach ensures homes are designed and built to resist natural events, providing long-term security for homeowners.
For buyers, the focus should be on the site’s preparedness, not just the interior finishes. Kelly cautioned against purchasing properties on flood-prone land or unstable slopes, as these areas are more vulnerable to damage during heavy rains.
Additionally, Kelly urged buyers to consider earthquake mitigation, which must be incorporated during the design and construction stages. This is particularly relevant in Jamaica, given its location in a seismically active region of the Caribbean.
The Building Act mandates that municipal corporations serve as local building authorities, responsible for approving building plans and ensuring construction adheres to the National Building Code. For buyers, this approval process serves as an independent check that the design meets minimum standards.
These documents provide critical information about the property’s condition, boundaries, and value, enabling buyers to make informed decisions about the home’s resilience and worth.
