Ask the Builder Q: How important is duct sealing? A: Poorly sealed heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts can be major energy losers. Unsealed ductwork that runs through an unconditioned attic can leak 500 cubic feet of air per minute—more than a ton of heating or cooling capacity. These air leaks occur at the […]
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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 […]
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 […]
Ask the Builder Q: Why do so many products need to be ordered ahead of time? A: Manufacturers and dealers stock a lower variety of products than they once did. There are various reasons for this—for example, just-in-time manufacturing and inventory management—but the bottom line is that a lot of items can’t just be picked […]
Ask the Builder Q: Does every new home have a structured wiring system? A: Builders have responded to consumer demands for electronics and other technologies by adding structured wiring packages to their new homes. A structured or advanced wiring system is now offered as a standard feature in more than half of all new homes. […]
Ask the Builder Q: What’s the difference between an option and an upgrade? A: Options, also called standard options or specifications, are typically products or finishes (such as flooring or lighting) that are already included in the quoted, advertised, or negotiated price of a new home. Builders often allow buyers to choose among standard options […]