Tips for Building a New Home
Windows
Choosing windows can be an overwhelming undertaking. Function, energy-efficiency, warranty, and appearance, should be top considerations and with the hundreds of options in brand-names, efficiency levels, materials, and appearances, it can become confusing in a hurry. Vinyl windows are a very popular choice and most vinyl windows are designed to be economical. However there are companies that do manufacture high-end, energy-efficient, vinyl windows. Another option is 'clad' windows which are constructed with wood and then the exterior surfaces are covered with aluminum, fiberglass, or vinyl.
Like vinyl windows, clad windows come in varying price points but are generally more costly than vinyl. This option tends to make a home look and feel more 'custom' because of the real wood interior surfaces as well as the many different color options on the exterior. The array of choices offered in windows for your home is like so many other things in the building process… often spending more on the purchase saves money in the long run.
Home… it's where your story begins.
Wood-Framed Floors
When building a home over a basement or crawl-space, using an engineered floor system is superior. Engineered floors are comprised entirely of manufactured components instead of dimensional lumber. This ensures that the joists and beams will not twist, shrink, or expand which causes un-even floors that tend to squeak and creak.
Although it costs a little more, we recommend using the manufactured components so that you will have solid, flat, strong, and quiet floors!
Home… it's where your story begins.
HVAC
Did you know that the most common problem with heating and air conditioning systems is that the unit is oversized? When your unit is too large for your living space, the unit does not run long enough to reach peak efficiency because the desired temperature is reached almost immediately. A unit needs to run for at least 12 - 15 minutes before it is running at peak efficiency. Another benefit of the unit running longer is that it will do a much better job of removing the humidity from inside your house while keeping your entire living space at a more even temperature. So remember, when it comes to HVAC Units, bigger is not always better!
Home… it's where your story begins.
Fiber-Cement Siding
There's nothing quite like siding if you want your house to have a lot of old-time charm. Fiber-Cement siding is a great low-maintenance option that gives a home a quality, custom appearance. Fiber-Cement is available in lap-siding and board-&-batten, as well as several shake and scallop profiles. It holds paint extremely well and can be painted any color you like or even stained. A variety of trim options are available to fully customize your exterior. For a custom, low-maintenance exterior with traditional appeal… choose Fiber-Cement!