Determining a budget for building a new home can be done with a little math and a system. Money to build a new home lies in your home equity, the amount you are eligible to borrow, and any other savings you might have. A realistic budget to build your new home can be developed with a home breakdown checklist of the separate parts of a house.
Job interviews are the best way to see if the contractor you want to hire will be able to do the work you want. Ask the contractor about his business, the kind of trade magazines he subscribes to, his management habits. Get references from the supply houses where he buys materials. What do they know about the quality of his work?
Shovels now come in smaller sizes. Gardening is easier than ever. Spades for cutting sod and shaping are great. Shovels with round points slide into the soil.
Geothermal energy systems are environmentally friendly heating and cooling systems for your home. They transfer heat to and from the soil. Geothermal systems are quiet, compact and work best in moderate climates.
Log homes are a beautiful alternative. Assure your log home is built correctly by contracting with one of the experienced log home builders.
Precast concrete foundations have many advantages. They don't need footers poured and cured in a controlled factory. They can be installed in less than a day and are bolted together and then waterproofed.
Windows can turn a room into an oven that bakes you and your furnishings. Window film works to control heat gain and loss, UV infiltration and common glare.
Filtering the air inside your home is very important. Today's newer homes are so tight, little outside air enters that might otherwise help to improve air quality. There are many different filter options, but I love my rinsable electrostatic air filter.
A walk through inspection checklist may make your builder uncomfortable. A complete list made as you walk through the new home of every problem or defect as well as everything that is in perfect condition will be worth its weight in gold.
Water vapor can condense and cause musty smells in your home. Odor from crawl spaces can be stopped with the use of high quality vapor barriers.
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