Elin Nordegren Leveled $12 Million Mansion Because It Made Economical Sense [Expert Opinion]

Elin Nordegren, the ex-wife of PGA star Tiger Woods chose to bulldoze the $12-million oceanfront mansion she purchased last year because it made the most economical sense.

Nordegren’s builder tells PEOPLE that the home was not up to South Florida wind-loading codes meant to protect structures from hurricans. Dan Reedy of OnShore Construction tells the magazine:

“We had an architect and a structural engineer out here and everyone agreed that it made more sense – structurally and economically – to tear it down and start over.”

Before the home was completely destroyed however Nordegren gave Habitat for Humanity four weeks to go through the structure and remove everything they could. When all was said and done Habitat managed to salvage tens of thousands of dollars worth of cabinets, hardware and fixtures.

Once inside the home Habitat officials discovered carpenter ant and termite infestations.

The demolition of the home is meant to mark a new start for Elin who just turned 32 on New Year’s Day. While her new home is being build Nordegren is living with her two children in a nearby rental home.

Details about Elin Nordegren’s new home are still scarce but we’re pretty sure it will be up to current Florida wind code standards and will be constructed with termite and carpenter-ant protection in mind.

At least in this case the destruction of the home wasn’t just a rich person choosing to flew their spending power. Do you think destroying a $12 million home in the middle of an economic crisis was the smartest decision for Nordegren?