What to ask when building a home

Discussion in 'Non-Offensive' started by NettlesD, May 7, 2018.

  1. NettlesD

    NettlesD Full Access Member

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    I'm looking for certain key things to ask when we meet with the builder.

    Things like:
    * You will want 2-zone A/C and heat when you go over XXXX sq ft.
    * A/C and heat should be XX-Seer if between XXXX and XXXX sq ft.
    * Only R-XX should be used in attic.

    You get what I'm trying to say. I'm just seeing if anyone is a builder or has done this before and knows what to ask for. Kind of like....yea, we built a home and didn't ask for XYZ and we should have and the next time we are going to get XYZ done.
     
  2. Alberta-SRT

    Alberta-SRT Full Access Member

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    I have built a custom home and there are several things I upgraded from standard.
    R20 in the walls, R40 in the ceiling (might have been R50 or higher, can't remember now)
    Not sure if you are doing a slab foundation or a basement.
    We had a basement but the main floor was all done in Slate, very heavy tile. So instead of 20 inch spacing on the floor joists we went with 16.
    For a curved wall my builder used a stud every 6 inches, not only did that ensure a smooth wall but it also needed to support a custom staircase. When we sent pictures to the stair company they were so impressed a site visit wasn't even needed.
    Place blocks in the framing around windows to support curtain rods and in the bathrooms anywhere a towel rack or grab bar might go.

    If you have the budget upgrade everything
    Triple pane windows
    Wood frames looks nice but vinyl is more energy efficient and has no maintenance.
    Dual water heaters (Primary feeding a Secondary) if you have a soaker tub
    Wiring for computers, sound systems, and security.
    Energy efficient HVAC.
    Cladding on all outside trim, again no maintenance painting it.

    Oversize the garage, put a drain in the floor and water faucets (Hot and cold) for washing cars or the dog. If using a double door go 18' wide, singles get 10's.
     
    Last edited: May 8, 2018
  3. NettlesD

    NettlesD Full Access Member

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    That's exactly what I was looking for. It also gives me some reference when I see what he is offering (i.e. R13 in walls and R20 in the ceiling). This way I will know to ask for better materials.

    The goal is also to install a lift. Anyone know what PSI the garage concrete should be? I figure 11 foot ceilings but maybe 10.5 feet might be enough. Those are other things I need to find out before signing anything.

    Oh, the house will have a walkout basement. Anything I should know about wall height or something should be done if you have a walkout basement?

    This was great stuff.

    Edit:

    Anyone know what normal frame spacing is on a home? I was told that granite is very heavy so the sub flooring needs different spacing if granite counter tops will be used. I'm just not sure what NORMAL is or what most homes are built with. I was also told to have sub flooring glued and screwed and not just nailed. Cuts down on squeaks.
     
    Last edited: May 8, 2018
  4. Alberta-SRT

    Alberta-SRT Full Access Member

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    Can't remember what concrete I used.

    Couple things I forgot to mention,
    Make sure there is a drain in the floor of the basement, especially if that's where your water heater goes.
    Run a gas line outside to your deck/patio for a Gas Grill.
     
  5. NettlesD

    NettlesD Full Access Member

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    Never thought of a gas line for a Gas Grill.

    Keep it coming.
     
  6. Alberta-SRT

    Alberta-SRT Full Access Member

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    Underground sprinklers for the lawn
    Electrical outlets under the eaves for Christmas lights with a switch inside. I had my switch in a closet.
    Pre-wire for ceiling fans in bedrooms
    rain glass for garage windows so people can't see in but you get full light.
    Breaker box in Garage for garage outlets so when your tools trip a breaker you don't need to go all the way to the basement.
     
  7. NettlesD

    NettlesD Full Access Member

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    Some items from the builder.

    • R-38 insulation in exterior ceilings
    • R-13 insulation in exterior walls
    • Spray foam insulation rim joist areas
    • 50-gallon hot water tank
    • Lennox® 92% energy efficient furnace
    • Digital programmable thermostat with humidity display
    • House wrap to prevent air and moisture infiltration
    • Energy seal at windows, doors, and outside walls to
    improve energy efficiency
    • Silverline® by Andersen low “E†glass windows
    • 13 seer Lennox® central air unit
    • Active radon system

    • Shingles with 25-year warranty
    • 16’ and 8’ carriage style overhead garage door with auto
    opener
    • Insulated composite entry doors with full weather stripping


    • Premium colored vinyl windows (per plan) with front
    windows determined by elevation
    • Foundations with Lifetime Polycoat Waterproofing by
    Champion®
    • Engineered floor system
    • Nailed, glued and screwed drywall (ceilings only)
    • Glued and screwed sub floor throughout
    • 200 AMP electrical service
    • Sump pump and basket with exterior drainage system
    • Pex® water supply system with labeled manifold
    • PestShield™ tubing system installed in walls (service not
    included)
    • Third-party inspections at pre-drywall and pre-closing
    • 10-year builder structural warranty