When building in Valdez more care needs to be taken into account for surface drainage (healthy slope away from house, tile drain at footings), snow slides (keep away from passageways and windows). In Fairbanks the snow typically is held on the roof with asphalt shingles.

Fairbanks building will usually incorporate higher R-values in building components. For example they will use rigid insulation on the warm side of the wall or double wall construction instead of just single 2x6 wall with batts.

The frost depth is considered 4 feet in the interior and 3 feet in Valdez. The footings are required to be below the frost line. If a septic system is installed, it too must be below the frost line or insulation must be used.

All the materials are available in the Fairbanks area. Valdez building requires more coordination to obtain materials.

Building in Valdez requires design for seismic and wind restraint. Shear wall, anchor bolt, and hold down designs are mandatory. Fairbanks homes typically do not specifically design for or build for seismic and wind restraint.

House wrap is not necessary in the dry, mostly windless climate of Fairbanks. But it is necessary in the windy, moist air of Valdez.

Prepare more for rain delays and disruption in Valdez, but it can be quite wet in Fairbanks also in the late summer and gets colder sooner.

Hope this helps the future owner-builders in Valdez and Fairbanks...or gives a buyer ideas on what to look for in a well-built home in these areas.