Q: What’s the paper-like wrapping I see on new homes before the exterior siding goes on? A: Increasingly, quality-conscious builders add an extra layer of weather protection around the outside of the house called an air barrier or “housewrap.” Installed as a continuous material just behind the siding, stucco, or brick finish, the barrier blocks […]
Author Archives: Todd Gaul
Ask the Builder Q: What is a cool roof? A: A cool roof is just what it sounds like: a roof that stays cooler than a typical roof on a sunny summer day. This, in turn, keeps the attic from overheating and eases the burden on the air conditioner. Although most people think that a […]
Ask the Builder Q: How will zoning, deed and other restrictions affect the project? A: They can cause major headaches if not planned for. Restrictions can be imposed by local government agencies or homeowner associations. They can include how far the home must be from the property line, how high the roof can be, and […]
Ask the Builder Q: What are covenants and how do they differ from zoning and code requirements? A: Most planned communities have legal covenants—formally known as “codes, covenants, and restrictions”—that regulate home design and construction in that community. These civil contracts are not enforced or monitored by the city or town. The restrictions imposed by […]
Ask the Builder Q: Can you cut costs without cutting amenities? A: If you’re flexible, there are creative ways to save money without sacrificing what’s important to you. For instance, you can trim the kitchen cabinet budget by building a pantry closet. Or you can build a simpler, less costly roof without taking away from […]
Q: Why do so many products need to be ordered ahead of time? A: Manufacturers and pro dealers keep fewer products in stock than they once did. There are various reasons for this (including just-in time manufacturing and inventory management) but the bottom line is that many items can’t just be picked up at the […]
Ask the Builder: Q: Do builders and remodelers guarantee their work? A: The pros do. The warranty should clearly define what is and isn’t covered and how long the warranty is good for. And it should be in writing. A verbal promise to correct any problems that come up is as valuable as the paper […]
Ask the Builder Q: How do workers comp and general liability complement one another? A: These policies work together to protect homeowners from claims for injury, and it’s important that all contractors on the job have them. If an insured worker falls off a ladder and breaks a leg, the workers compensation policy will pay […]
Ask the Builder Q: How much do permit requirements and codes vary from place to place?A: In the United States, the International Residential Code serves as the model code. States, and sometimes localities, can adopt all, part, or none of it, which means that requirements can vary somewhat from one jurisdiction to another. Politics can […]
Ask the Builder Q: How do allowances work? A: An allowance is an amount of money budgeted to cover an item not chosen before the building contract is signed. For instance, if the homeowners need more time to decide what style of cabinets they want, the builder can allocate a dollar amount for cabinets and […]