It is the natural American reaction to negative events — We will be back, bigger and better!" Maybe not ...

See this Governing magazine article Why Rebuilding 'Bigger and Better' After Disasters Is a Mistake. It is a great article that touches on many issues that are going to impact people's ability to execute on their desire to "be back."

The first and foremost issue is the increasing frequency, severity and cost of disasters of all types. Severe weather is in a position of ascendency. All extremes are in play, flooding and drought; hurricanes and tornadoes; rainstorms and wildfires; extreme heat and extreme cold — go figure. 

In the end, like most things in life, it will boil down to money. As is our human nature, you will be able to build where you want, but the insurance premiums are going up! And, in some cases, responsible state and local governments are going to step in and enact reasonable limitations on where people live and where they will provide services. The other item needed is better building codes, which to date have been, once again, a local issue. I've had friends chafe at having to pay for building permits and the plan reviews, followed by inspections, mandated by government. They are there to protect you. Watch any home improvement show and you will see many examples of poor building practices that range from electrical to plumbing or even structural safety issues. 

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