Excerpts from Chapters Sixteen to Nineteen
Chapter Sixteen
Construction of Your Dream Home
SEEING your home take shape on paper is exciting, but seeing it actually rise out of the ground in reality is even more exciting. Here is a short list of how everything should happen. After the list (in the book) is a brief description of what is happening during each phase of construction so that you will understand what is happening or about to happen next.
- Site Preparation and Utility Rough-in
- Foundation Layout, Digging and Construction
- Rough Plumbing and Underground Electrical
- Foundation Completion
- Floor Construction
- Wall Erection
- Roof Framing and Dry-in
- Plumbing and Septic System Completion
- Fenestration Installation
- Electrical Wiring Installation
- Insulation
- HVAC Ductwork Installation
- Exterior Trim and Finish
- Interior Wallboard Installation
- Floor Tile Installation
- Cabinetry and Trim Installation
- Finish Electrical Work
- Plumbing Fixture and Appliance Installation
- Interior Door Installation
- Interior Staining and Painting
- Carpet Installation
- Exterior Painting
- Exterior Concrete and Paving
- Landscape Installation
- Punch List and Final Walk-through
- Final Inspection
- Move-in
Chapter Seventeen
Getting Your Money's Worth
VALUE. That is what everyone expects. We all want assurance that we received that for which we paid. Since your home is one of the most expensive investments you will ever make, it would only be prudent to ensure that your money is invested wisely.
Chapter Eighteen
Choosing to Remodel
REMODELING an existing home is one of the most challenging situations within the residential design and construction industries. As a result, it may cost more than designing and building a new home on a square foot basis. In fact, it could cost as much as twice as much as building new. So the cost of remodeling must be weighed heavily versus tearing down and building new. Among the challenges are:
Adaptive reuse remodeling many times involves converting the home into one that can be accessible to someone with a physical disability. This can be quite complicated and should not be designed without the use of a design professional who is experienced in universal design.—See Chapter Eight.
Adaptive reuse to universal design has many facets to consider. The needs of the person who will be affected by the adaptive reuse need to be carefully evaluated. If there are any impedances or barriers, these need to be removed. If there is a step down into a sunken living room, the floor will need to be built up to the level of the rest of the house. Doors and hallways will need to be widened. Kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures need to be reconfigured and/or replaced.
- Performing a feasibility study;
- Creating a reasonable budget for design and construction;
- Learning the structural aspects of the house;
- Knowing what can reasonably be salvaged and what will need to be replaced;
- Trying to learn the unknown—the hidden aspects of the house and perhaps what may be irreparable damage within its walls, foundation and other areas;
- Trying to fit your new ideas into the scheme of the existing house;
- Reevaluating the budget after unknown damage becomes known.
- Whole house and adaptive reuse remodeling;
- Additions;
- Insurance restoration;
- Historic restoration.
Adaptive reuse remodeling many times involves converting the home into one that can be accessible to someone with a physical disability. This can be quite complicated and should not be designed without the use of a design professional who is experienced in universal design.—See Chapter Eight.
Adaptive reuse to universal design has many facets to consider. The needs of the person who will be affected by the adaptive reuse need to be carefully evaluated. If there are any impedances or barriers, these need to be removed. If there is a step down into a sunken living room, the floor will need to be built up to the level of the rest of the house. Doors and hallways will need to be widened. Kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures need to be reconfigured and/or replaced.
Chapter Nineteen
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
The questions propounded in this chapter have actually come up many times in initial meetings with clients, but they are nothing new or unusual. Because so many people have asked the same questions, they are legitimate and deserve answers. Some people might think that the answers should be obvious, but they do merit consideration.
Question: Why do I need a building permit?
Answer: Building Permits are required as a protection for you, anyone who may purchase your home in the future and your neighbors. Building permits are an assurance through the permitting and inspection process that the home has been built according to the applicable building and other codes, that it is safe and that nothing in the home is a known hazard.
Many other questions are answered in the book. Please consult the book for those important questions and timely answers.
Question: Why do I need a building permit?
Answer: Building Permits are required as a protection for you, anyone who may purchase your home in the future and your neighbors. Building permits are an assurance through the permitting and inspection process that the home has been built according to the applicable building and other codes, that it is safe and that nothing in the home is a known hazard.
Many other questions are answered in the book. Please consult the book for those important questions and timely answers.
