Think about what is over your head...

Everything in your house, with the exception of your porcelain fixtures, is susceptible to water.  Why not spend as much as you can on roofing?  A good builder is going to encourage you to buy the best materials you can afford, and will provide the best roofers to have your roof properly installed.

Be aware of the unprofessional builders next door

Building a home in a subdivision with less-than-attentive builders is a challenge. A good builder provides electric, water, rest room, and needed materials and supplies to his subs to accomplish their tasks. Others seem to think that these amenities are for community use. ie dumpsters, porta johns, electric, water soil, sand, and on and on. When building a home with a good builder, be vigilant and help him help you by performing a little neighborhood watch. It will keep costs down on your end and reduce your contractor's overhead by not having to support less-than-prepared and unorganized neighboring builders. Give an inch and they will take it all!

What kind of builder do you have?

When you are picking a builder, do you stop to think what skills your builder possesses? Is your builder a good manager of the subcontractors with which he will be working? Does your builder have the ability to set a good example on the job site? If necessary, can your builder pick up a hammer or saw and build your home effectively? While not all builders are actually "builders," you might want to inquire as to what skill set your home builder has.

Controlling your Climate

Your home's HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning) is complex... there is no guessing involved.  The size of the condenser, air handler and coil are critical to optimize your system's efficiency.  Insulation, exterior finish, size and type of windows, insulation package, and the direction your house faces all play an important part in equipment sizing, and we haven't even gotten to supply and return placement.  Again, it is complex.  If you have questions or concerns, ask to meet your builder's HVAC subcontractor, and get clarification.  There is nothing worse than an uncomfortable climate in your home.

How is the pitch on your pipes?

Plumbing is gravity based.  Too much pitch or too little pitch and solids don't move.  It is crucial to have the proper pitch on your home's plumbing!

Kohler: A company committed to quality

Located in Kohler, WI, right off Lake Michigan, is a company that produces plumbing fixtures.  But these aren't just any plumbing fixtures.  Visit their webpage- http://www.kohler.com/corporate/index.html -and you see their motto:  "...A single level of quality regardless of the price." This is a company dedicated to quality in all the products they produce.  This way of thinking mirrors the Steele Trademark Homes, Inc. way of thinking.  When it comes to building your home, you don't want to sacrifice on quality, especially when it comes to your plumbing fixtures.  Steele Trademark Homes, Inc. uses Kohler products in all the homes they build.

The P Word

Plumbing is a critical component of a home that is often taken for granted.  Let's be honest...  Not everyone wants to talk about the purpose of plumbing.  To be blunt, plumbing has to do with bodily functions, and sometimes bodily functions are accompanied with noises.  Be sure to consider the plumbing locations in your home and ask your builder about minimizing the noise of plumbing.  Everyone will appreciate your good planning!

A plumbing observation...

"Don't judge a faucet by its cover...  It is what is on the inside of a faucet that counts." --Steele

A Plumbing Equation

A good plumber + great plumbing fixtures= 

a well-plumbed house

Just as you are careful in your selection of a great builder to build your home, your builder carefully selects a plumber to plumb your home.  Good plumbing can make all the difference in how your home functions in the years ahead.

An Electrical Perspective

Many people underestimate the importance of a home's electrical framework. An extensive wiring and electrical structure is essential for the house to be able to function at its full potential.

Electrical Options

There are many different ways to light a room.  Some options to consider adding to your new home:

• fan/fanlights- especially in bedrooms
• can/pot lights- great task lights for areas where fixtures are not wanted
• switched outlets- to turn on a lamp with a wall switch
• floor plugs- handy in large living spaces for floor lamps
• outlets for Christmas lights
• under-cabinet lighting
• extra outlets in the garage

A great builder will suggest adding these and other lighting options to your new home.

Another E Word~ Electrical

At this stage of building your home, an electrical walk-through is an absolute must.  Think about homes you have lived in previously, and areas where an extra outlet or light switch would have been helpful.  Now is the time to make sure you have those incorporated into your new home. This is an area where simply wiring to code is insufficient- spend the extra money to have extra wiring done.  Once the house is wired, it is wired.  While additional wiring is possible to add later, it is difficult and expensive.  Remember you can never have too much light!

Illuminating quote of the day

"When I turn on a light, I want to see." -Steele

How well do you understand your home's mechanics?

A good builder will explain to you all of your home's mechanical features--plumbing, electrical, HVAC-- including operation, size, type, quantity, and quality of the material used.

Proper Perspective on the Framing Process

At this stage of home building, your house looks like a toothpick factory.  To get a better perspective of each room, walk through the house and look at the bottom plate of each space to help you see the room.

All lumber is not created equal

Just as you are conscientious in your choice of home builder, your builder makes a careful choice in the company that provides the lumber for your home.  A good lumber company will be very stringent in the type of lumber that they sell to their builders, carefully checking each shipment to ensure that only the highest quality materials are provided for the building of your home.

Another F Word: Framing

Basic Steps of Framing

Framing begins with the silseal  (a black plastic membrane) and the silplate (2x8 or 2x10 pressure treated lumber (PTL)) on which the first floor rim board and the joist will be attached.

1.  First Floor Framing- 

• floor joists and key structural members
• first floor exterior walls
• first floor interior walls

2.  Second Floor Framing-

• floor joists (double as first floor ceiling joists)
• second floor exterior walls
• second floor interior walls
• second floor ceiling joists
• roof canopy and roof decking

The Framing Process

"This is my favorite portion of the home building process...  The paper plan comes alive."  --Steele

The Termite Pre-treat

After the footing and foundation are done, it is time to begin the termite pre-treat.  This process involves three steps:

1. The interior and exterior of the footing are saturated with a chemical called Adonis. 
2. The back fill soil around the exterior of the foundation is treated.
3. Upon completion of the home, including the installation of grass, the third treatment is applied.

The three step approach costs more, but is the proper way to protect your home.