A wood railing it also an option with similar type attachment to the concrete porch using Simpson brand post base anchors.  

Two buyers have walked away already - and this time he was supposed to fix the damage from termites, but he just mickey moused one corner of the house and it looked like he put a fresh beam of wood that wasn't even doing anything structurally (not sure why). 

I might gather my courage and try it with some of our older houses where the wood floors are not in the best shape.Gail

This would add about 3500 in insurance premium to your mortgage balance (you may be able to pay the premium up-front rather than roll it into the mortgage)With an insured mortgage, if you were to go with a 5-yr term variable rate product, you should be looking at an interest rate between 2.4 & 2.7%.  

The automation in German wood construction is something I dream of seeing here.

There are certain parts of the business where I pay a premium for premium expertise, and other parts of the business where I take a different route.

@Wayne Brooks Yes different in your neck of the woods..

Hello Will,I had a tenant that kept his dog in a small closet with wood floors and dry wall with baseboard.

In popular areas, the interest rates get bid low or if the rate is fixed and the county allows a premium over the amount owed to be bid, then premiums get high which reduces your return.

I like laminate wood floors, long lasting roofs, granite countertops, gutters and vinyl siding.