First time new home buyers should plan needs, amenities and budget before starting your venture. Ample space and storage are top needs in new home plans. Consider, too, garage, closets, yard space and your favored orientation of the sun. Your new home will be a joy if you plan well upfront.
Electrical outlet placement depends on the needs you have in your home. National electric code dictates where they can be or not. Consider having your builder install extra electrical outlets outdoors, in bathrooms or in a study where there is a lot of electronic equipment. Plan for your electric circuit breaker panel to have six or even 10 empty spots for future circuit breakers.
Saving on home building costs by cutting out special features when building your new home may not be worth the cut. Home construction costs aren't often shaved much by reducing the size of features such as higher ceilings. How to save money, then, you wonder? Reducing the overall size of your home is likely the only way to achieve significant money savings.
Wood trim in your home need not be ho-hum. Custom wood trim makes your home stand out without busting your budget. Custom wood doors and hardware are a great touch.
Homebuilders are not all alike. Some have higher standards than others and treat the Building Code as a set of minimum standards. If you want a professional to build your home, go to where they buy their materials.
Settlement cracks can occur in a concrete foundation wall or concrete slab shortly after being poured. But most concrete cracks are caused by shrinkage. Soil quality, footer design and steel reinforcements can all help prevent cracks.
Solid masonry built homes fare well in the south due to climate and termites. Elsewhere, masonry homes are more costly to build than their wood frame counterparts. Masonry construction is durable but insulates poorly, requires additional costs in framing for the interior and takes more time.
New home builders won't scare you off if you consider adding the right provisions in your contract. Specifications will keep your contractor from bullying you into accepting his poor workmanship. Contract law attorneys can help with the contract and save you from stress.
If you are building a home that has brick or stone that needs the support of the foundation, a flat foundation may not be a wise choice. A ledge can be poured so your masonry sits above it to prevent water from leaking in.
Custom woodwork is not costly when you realize how much it adds to your homes beauty and worth. Wood trim must be the right scale for your room size and ceilings.
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