Friday, March 30, 2012

Foundation Perspective





NOTE:  When you see your footing and foundation for the first time, you may look at it and think that it is smaller than it ought to be.  This is a completely normal reaction, but know that it is just an optical illusion.  (Your builder should reassure you that that is a common observation.)


Thursday, March 29, 2012

The Basic Steps of Foundation

1.  Lay out- Staking out where the footing is going to go based on the house plan
2.  Dig it-  Preparing the trench footer so that they have smooth sides and base
3. Pour it- The concrete of 2500 PSI minimum will be poured level into the trench footer
4.  Scrape it- Scraping off any excess dirt from the crawl space to ensure proper drainage should water ever infiltrate that area.
5.  Pin it- Concrete nails mark all the outside and inside corners of your foundation to accurate depict the outline of your home.
6.  Lay it-  Block will be installed on top of footer within the pinned area.



...  and now that the block has been laid, get ready for the termite pre-treatment.  





Wednesday, March 28, 2012

The F Words: Footings and Foundation


Now that your site has been excavated, it is time for the concrete footing to be poured and the foundation to be built.   This is a crucial step as it permanently determines the way your home will set on the lot.  Make sure to discuss with your builder your preferences and ask for your options before the concrete is poured!

The process will look something like this...




A concrete footing is poured for all outer walls and for the load bearing points of your home. 



Once the footing is poured, the foundation work begins.




Skilled masons work so that the blocks and mortar line up precisely, 
insuring a sound foundation upon which your home will be built.



Once the outer foundation walls are completed, the piers are placed strategically 
to provide support for your new home.




Next, the framing begins!


Tuesday, March 27, 2012

THE Thing


"The single most important thing about your house is the foundation." -Steele  




Monday, March 26, 2012

"I am going with the builder who gives me the best deal."

People are always looking to get the best deal on purchases.  After all, why pay full price for something if you can get it at a discount?  With many things in life, a deal is probably worth pursuing.  In fact, many items are priced with a built-in cushion (think cars, shoes, appliances, etc.).

Some people may go into the home building experience with the thought, "I am going to go with the builder who gives me the best deal."  However, when it comes to your home, this may not be the best idea to pursue.

While not always true, a less expensive home typically is going to indicate one or more of the following:

  1. inferior materials, 
  2. inferior workmanship, 
  3. a combination of both, or 
  4. a bulder who is trying to produce quantity, not quality. 
Make sure you know and trust your builder enough to be able to ask him where the "discount" he is giving you is coming from... because there is that other thought to consider: "You get what you pay for."



Friday, March 23, 2012

The Well-Appointed Home

Think about this...

You can build a 2500 square foot house for $250,000.
You can build a 2500 square foot house for $500,000.

Same house plan, same square footage, different finishes.

A great builder calls it having a "well-appointed home."

"Not all homes are built equally." -Steele

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Understanding Square Footage Cost

Some people will go into a home building process consumed with the square footage cost.  However, the square footage cost is not necessarily an accurate way of determining a home's quality.

Consider:
A 2890 square foot house is listed at $299,900 which puts its square footage cost at $103.77.
A 2850 square foot house is listed at $315,900 which puts its square footage cost at $110.84.
A 2449 square foot house is listed at $298,000 which puts its square footage cost at $121.68.

You may look at those numbers and wonder, "Why is the square footage cost for the smallest house so much higher?"  But, being better informed than the average person out looking to build a home, you stop and ask yourself, "Is this an indication that the builder has put better quality materials into this home?"  A great builder is not going to compromise on the quality of your home...  Don't hesitate to ask your builder about the quality of materials that go into the home building process.  Knowing this will better help you to understand what "square footage cost" is really all about.

You can build cheap or you can build quality.  You just need to decide what is most important to you.



Wednesday, March 21, 2012

The E Word

Excavation!

Every wonder why some sites are excavated and some are not?  Excavation is not always necessary...  if the lot is completely flat.

The initial cost of excavation and lot prep will save money in the long run and give a better finished product.

  • Excavation saves money on foundation costs.
  • Excavation increases the lot's ability to drain thereby reducing future water problems.
  • Excavation will temporarily move the top soil and fill dirt so that it can be reused at the home site, avoiding the need to purchase more.


Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Thought of the Day...

Some builders build to maximize profit.
Some builders build to maximize quality.
It is really hard to do both.

What kind of builder do you want to work with?


Monday, March 19, 2012

Finding the Plan that is Right for You

Have we hammered home that finding a great builder and the right location are critical?  When you have both, your building process will be enjoyable!

Now that you have those two crucial elements figured out, it is time to discuss your home needs with your builder so he can help you find the best plan for you.

Things to consider:

  • Make a list of your needs and wants.
  • Be realistic about your budget.
  • Think about how many bedrooms and bathrooms you require.  Extra bathrooms= added expense.
  • One level homes cost more to build because there is more foundation and roof for the square footage rendered.  Two storied homes are traditionally more cost effective.
  • Porches, patios and garages do not count as part of the square footage price to build, but they do add cost.
Your builder can help you determine what criteria to look for in a home plan...  Again, communication is key!








Saturday, March 17, 2012

Keeping things in perspective

Consider working with your builder during the building process like a marriage.  There is stress involved as you build your home, but it is normal and will work itself out if you keep in mind that good communication is crucial.


Have a great weekend!





Thursday, March 15, 2012

Location, location, location

So you have made the decision to build a new home.  Now you need to decide where...  

Things to consider:
  • Know the area in which you would like to live.
  • Make sure you can afford that area on your budget.
  • Wait before you buy, as it is important to involve your builder in the choosing of a lot.
The perfect location is hard, if not impossible, to find.  Recognize that compromises may be necessary, but it is easier to modify your home to fit the location than the other way around!


A great builder will know what can and cannot be built on a lot.  Trust your builder's expertise to help you make the best choice for the location of your new home.







Wednesday, March 14, 2012

The B word

Ah, the Budget... because even though building your home is your dream, there is still the reality of having to work within your budget.  Recognizing that, you should feel comfortable enough with your builder to tell him exactly what you want to spend.

A great builder:

  • will be able to tell you the costs associated with building a home.
  • should be forthright about how much he will make in the process of building your home.
  • is going to provide you with cost-conscious options that will help you see where you can best compromise, while still getting the items that are most important to you.


Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Thought for the Day...

"The most difficult decision you will make building a home is deciding to build a home." -Steele



Monday, March 12, 2012

What is the first step to begin the building process?

You have dreamed of building a home, but are not sure where to begin to turn your dream into a reality. Should you have a list of all the features you want in your home? Should you find a house plan? Do you need to buy land? All of these can be answered "yes," but ultimately the very first thing you need to do is find a builder.

Qualifications of a great builder: 
  • A great builder is going to walk with you step by step through the home building process. 
  • A great builder will carry 99% of the stress that comes with building your home. 
  • A great builder is a good teacher.  You should be able to ask questions and have them answered in a way that leaves you confident of the direction your home is proceeding. 
  • A great builder will be able to speak to you about every aspect of building your home without being evasive.  
Hiring the right builder is essential to your Dream becoming your Home.
How to find a great builder:
  • Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a great builder. Ask your friends and acquaintances. If someone has worked with a great builder, they will have a glowing report of their experience.  
  • Customer satisfaction is a great indicator of a great builder...  Do past clients gladly open up their homes to show people who are considering working with the builder?  
  • Ask the builder about how he spends his days.  Will he be on your job site?
  • A great builder surrounds himself with great subcontractors, recognizing that it takes many different skilled workers to produce a quality home, built to last.
  • When you find a potential builder, make some phone calls.  Ask about the builder at Building and Codes.  Call different suppliers and other people in the trade.  You will find out quickly enough what kind of reputation the builder has established in the community.

 "Hire a builder who lives up to your expectations because if your expectations are higher than your builder can provide, he will fall short."- Words of Steele