Building codes will make housing more expensive

Officials are pushing a set of standardized statewide building codes for residential and commercial structures in an effort to lure more insurers to the state, secure federal dollars and offer uniformity for economic development.

The overriding concern, however, is safety, especially in light of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Other coastal states like Florida have adopted such standards, and residents told lawmakers Monday that the move could eventually save their lives.

Opponents argued during the House Commerce Committee meeting that stricter guidelines would drive up construction costs during a time when so many homes already need to be rebuilt -- up to 200,000 dwellings, according to the Louisiana Homebuilders Association.

This is precisely what has happened in Florida. It simply becomes too expensive to rebuild. Only the richest can live in beachfront communities in some parts of Florida, now.