25 Years Experience
Kitchen and bath remodel, decks, painting, tile work, carpentry, etc.
No job too small!
We do emergency repairs also.
Mark Roberson
Jacksonville, Alabama 36265
256-365-6101
Visit Reliable Home Repair and Remodeling at Merchant Circle, too!
RHRR Blog
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byInspecting the Construction of Your Home
A house has an amazing number of distinct systems: electrical, plumbing, insulation, siding and/or paint, air conditioning and heating, windows and doors and several others. If defective, or poorly built or installed, headaches can run from expensive repairs to life-threatening conditions.
Even those without expert knowledge of home construction can learn some simple guidelines to reassure themselves that the home they're buying has been made well. Always get a professional inspection, but go one step further and get that added confidence that comes from seeing for yourself.
Whenever possible take advantage of viewing the house during construction.
Insurance regulations will often forbid anyone but licensed professionals from seeing the house during working hours. But carpenters and other home-building professionals start early and leave in the afternoon when there is usually still daylight. Take a little trip and look around.
Don't make a pest of yourself or try to confront the contractor when you think you see something done wrong. Polite questions are ok, but angry accusations generally have the opposite of the desired effect. Use an intermediary to express your concerns.
At various stages, look for electrical systems that are designed to carry the appropriate amount of current and if needed, 220 volt outlets for your needs. Most homebuilders are honest, but sometimes they shave costs by installing circuit breakers and other components that are lower rated than you might need.
Perform some simple arithmetic by adding up all the wattage for computers, appliances, etc that you expect to have. Increase the amount by at least 30%, then divide up among the different circuits in the house.
Check to ensure that insulation isn't lying against sharp metal edges. Even though the wiring is stationary, insects and rodents can chew through these and expose the wire, producing a short.
Check the plumbing to ensure that pipes are routed in a way that will make later replacement and/or repair as simple and low-cost as possible. If the house is already constructed or far along, there's little you can do to change it, but it's always best to know.
If construction has reached the stage where running water is available, check for leaks. It's not unheard of for even brand new homes to have second floor toilets or sinks that leak water down the insides of walls. Though it's unpleasant to have to make other living arrangements or argue with homebuilders, it's better to know before you move in.
At the later stages, windows and doors will be placed in frames. Both are generally made very precisely by manufacturers in standard sizes. But frames, sometimes unfortunately, are always hand made and can be out-of-square and even have the wrong dimensions.
Take a measuring tape and a T-square. Measure some frames to ensure they're standard sizes. You'll want later to be able to buy shades that fit properly. If the windows and doors are in place, check that there are no air gaps.
Most homes are well-constructed by honest, highly competent professionals with years of experience. But, occasionally, you'll find a job where costs have been shaved or the workmanship isn't up to par. Don't be shy about protecting what in most cases is your largest investment, not to mention your future home.
Great Stuff on Amazon
Durabuilt™ 180-pc. Power Tool Accessories Kit
Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 12/04/2008) 
Factory-Reconditioned RIDGID R922 18-Volt Cordless 4-Tool Combo Kit
Amazon Price: $199.99 (as of 12/04/2008)
New YouTube vids
Now's The Time to Remodel
Nationwide, home prices are expected to decline this year: Bad news for both builders and home owners. But as with many dark clouds, this one has a silver lining.
Runtime: 1:29
256 views
0 Comments:
New Del.icio.us bookmarks
New Links Plexo
American Standard Sinks
American Standard Sinks,Bathroom Sink Cabinets,Gla more...1 point
Best Coffee Makers
Great site for coffee makers,
coffee maker,
bunn c more...1 point
Kitchen Sinks | Stainless Sinks | Undermount Sinks
Sinks USA sells high quality undermount stainless more...1 point
REMODELING Online: Home remodeling, kitchen and bath design ...
REMODELING Online provides professional remodelers more...0 points
Home and Garden, Decorating, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling - Move.com
Feature photos and articles on bathroom makeovers, more...0 points
Home Improvement - Home Building and Remodeling
If you are remodeling or starting from scratch, us more...0 points
Remodeling
AsktheBuilder.com: A remodel job is in your future more...0 points
Kitchen Faucets | Cheap Kitchen Faucets | Discount Kitchen Faucets
Visit the kitchen faucet emporium for all your kit more...0 points
Home Improvement Guide and Information
Resource on home improvement and home repair for t more...0 points
New Amazon Plexo
T-Jak TJ-104D Drywall Kit Includes a 2 Extension and Two Drywall Extension Tabs
Quick adjusting work support with precision height more...0 points
Strait-Line 6041103 X3 1/4-Inch at 20 Feet Manual Level 2 Line Laser
Strait-Line, Sx3 Laser Level, 360 Degree Rotation more...0 points
Mini-Brute T-JAK, Cabinet Support Jack, Adjustment Range 15" to 23"
The Mini-Brute is a smaller version of the origina more...0 points
Charlotte Collection 24" Towel Bar - Satin Nickel
When a classic, traditional design that complement more...0 points
Brushed Nickel Kitchen Faucet & Soap Pump with Pull Out Sprayer
New Brushed Nickel Faucet with pull out sprayer an more...0 points
- Eagle Valley Construction Launches New Website to Provide the ...
- It specializes in residential interior and exterior remodeling, room or 2nd story additions, garage...
- Norwood Park hosts holiday tour through history
- The current owners report the house was heavily paneled when they bought it, but they are gradually...
- Renovations renew 1950s-era home
- The TV room leads into the roomy kitchen, which is a 20-foot-by-24-foot addition. The custom-made ta...
- FCH interior receiving much needed makeover
- There are also small details that the maintenance crew is working on, such as old leaks and making s...
