Tips on building a new home

[Bean]

I've scoured the messageboard and really liked the ideas that were given in the various threads. We're building through Cedarglen (I know...I know...) but so far, things are going alright and they are just about to dig a hole in the ground.

Just thought that I'd ask you all if there are any other things to do or look for in regards to building a new home.

Thanks in advance for any ideas and tips!

[Shin Pad]

Make sure that you go out and inspect it on a regular basis while under construction. It's amazing what you might see that you didn't expect.

[Bobblehead]

Paging Eddie Bronze. Eddie Bronze, your experience is needed.

I woud like to do the same thing, but not until the current boom slows up and some of the ...weaker... employees are let go.

[Bean]

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

Paging Eddie Bronze. Eddie Bronze, your experience is needed.

I woud like to do the same thing, but not until the current boom slows up and some of the ...weaker... employees are let go.

Well one of the reasons why we decided to go with Cedarglen (and Cardel was a front runner) was because these two builders apparently have established trades and don't use fly by night workers/crews. I don't have any proof of this, but some builders didn't seem to mind us buying a house now without a firm grasp on when the house will be built.

In this case, we started signing things in February and our posession date is September 2007.

[MacDougalbry]

Builders put most of their effort on ensuring that the finishing looks good, so I would focus, personally, on ensuring that the concrete, framing and insulation are done right.

Pay Eddie $200 to do a framing inspection for you. (Just kidding.) I actually caught a major structural defect in the framing on my own house. If Eddie can't do it, maybe you can find an inspector who specializes in new houses.

I guarantee you the vapour barrier will not be done right, particularly on rim joists, where they typically only loosely staple it on. Don't believe me -- go down to your basement and check your own house. Get them to seal it properly (they are supposed to).

Lastly, please tell me you aren't getting stucco.

Above all, whatever stuff happens, try to keep a good relationship with the site guys. They are still the key to getting your home done right.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by MacDougalbry

Lastly, please tell me you aren't getting stucco.

Just curious why not? I was actually looking at some houses and I was wondering about why most have siding.

Originally Posted by MacDougalbry

Above all, whatever stuff happens, try to keep a good relationship with the site guys. They are still the key to getting your home done right.

I've had friends do that- come by with random donuts, coffee, etc and you'll see the positives from the extra care you can get.

[MacDougalbry]

Regarding stucco... when we had those huge rainfalls a couple of summers ago, it was by and large the stucco homes that leaked. In my neighbourhood of circa 2004 stucco homes, probably 50% of them had some leak or other. The vinyl homes faired much better.

[Cowboy89]

Originally Posted by Shin Pad

Make sure that you go out and inspect it on a regular basis while under construction. It's amazing what you might see that you didn't expect.

Best advice anyone could every give about when building a house. Never assume that if something looks off that somehow it's part of the plan. Contractors screw up all the time (especially in today's labor market). My suggestion would be to visit the site every week and keep an ongoing list of things that don't seem right and then keep in good contact with your sales contact to ensure these items get properly explained/rectified. I once knew a guy who hired a guy 20 hours a week to be at the construction site to ensure it was built correctly because he had poor experiences in the past. I think that's nuts, but keeping up with what's going on yourself for as much time as you can give is always a good idea. Good Luck!

[Jayems]

If your going to the site, yeah bring beer, water, food, whatever.. but dont just hang around the guys for an hour or two.

You'll just get in they way and become annoying.

[photon]

There are some companies in Calgary which will do inspections for you for framing, vapor barrier, etc. Not sure how much they charge though.

[MacDougalbry]

Sundays are the best time to show up, as that's usually when the site is quiet... no beer for liability reasons, though. Take lots of pictures.

[Jayems]

Originally Posted by MacDougalbry

\. no beer for liability reasons, though.

Most just bring a cooler, and its enjoyed after the work day is over.

[Bean]

A heads up for the future home builders:

The plumbing company may gouge you so ridicously that it is almost funny.

All standards from my builder are okay however if you choose to 'upgrade' beforewarned that they will expect your right leg and your left nut. We've recently went out to choose our plumbing items and asked about the following:

upgrading to a slightly nicer kitchen faucet. - $420

Upgrading to toilets that don't require you to squat - $150 each (x3)

Of course these are just two from our list but unfortunately some things should be installed during construction however I'm beginning to think that <plumbing company name> is just ripping us off.

If I can sugest for anybody to check out the suppliers before they sign off for a house...that'd be good mentally and financially.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Bean

Upgrading to toilets that don't require you to squat - $150 each (x3)

OK, you now have my attention. I'd be curious to see how that would work; standing up to poop would seem so wrong though.

[return to the red]

Originally Posted by Bean

A heads up for the future home builders:

The plumbing company may gouge you so ridicously that it is almost funny.

All standards from my builder are okay however if you choose to 'upgrade' beforewarned that they will expect your right leg and your left nut. We've recently went out to choose our plumbing items and asked about the following:

upgrading to a slightly nicer kitchen faucet. - $420

Upgrading to toilets that don't require you to squat - $150 each (x3)

Of course these are just two from our list but unfortunately some things should be installed during construction however I'm beginning to think that <plumbing company name> is just ripping us off.

If I can sugest for anybody to check out the suppliers before they sign off for a house...that'd be good mentally and financially.

there is a reason why Bathrooms, along with the kitchen, are the most expensive areas to do or renovate in the house and this would be why. We are building as well and upgraded our fixtures and all sorts of other things. Thankfully I have renovated a bathroom before so I was prepared for the additional costs

[flambers]

Originally Posted by Bean

I've scoured the messageboard and really liked the ideas that were given in the various threads. We're building through Cedarglen (I know...I know...) but so far, things are going alright and they are just about to dig a hole in the ground.

Just thought that I'd ask you all if there are any other things to do or look for in regards to building a new home.

Thanks in advance for any ideas and tips!

Personally when I had my home built, I stopped by the site and took a look at it every day. Make sure you look at the detail, lots of times some features will be missed. If you see it make sure its reported and don't be scared to call the head office.

In my case, I found a bunch of mistakes.

[flambers]

Originally Posted by MacDougalbry

Take lots of pictures.

I second this, I also took allot of pictures. It could come in handy.

[automaton 3]

We're two weeks away from possession of our new home. I know how you feel on the upgrades, they've got you over a barrel for things that can't easily be added later.

I used to frame houses...they wanted $3900 to build a deck, which I know I can build for less than $1000 myself...highway robbery. I used to frame for our house-builder as well, but they take these upgrade #'s out of a book and present them as a take it or leave it.

Good advice on checking progress on a regular basis. I was able to have the framers that I used to work with frame the house, and they did an excellent job. The other trades, hit or miss. Our electrician missed a whole bunch of stuff, IMO the plumber did a barely adequate job and the concrete has been a total disaster. If you don't have a look on a regular basis, you may be disappointed at the end.

[return to the red]

Originally Posted by automaton 3

We're two weeks away from possession of our new home. I know how you feel on the upgrades, they've got you over a barrel for things that can't easily be added later.

I used to frame houses...they wanted $3900 to build a deck, which I know I can build for less than $1000 myself...highway robbery. I used to frame for our house-builder as well, but they take these upgrade #'s out of a book and present them as a take it or leave it.

Good advice on checking progress on a regular basis. I was able to have the framers that I used to work with frame the house, and they did an excellent job. The other trades, hit or miss. Our electrician missed a whole bunch of stuff, IMO the plumber did a barely adequate job and the concrete has been a total disaster. If you don't have a look on a regular basis, you may be disappointed at the end.

where abouts are you building and who is your builder if you don't mind me asking?

[flambers]

Originally Posted by Bean

A heads up for the future home builders:

The plumbing company may gouge you so ridicously that it is almost funny.

All standards from my builder are okay however if you choose to 'upgrade' beforewarned that they will expect your right leg and your left nut. We've recently went out to choose our plumbing items and asked about the following:

upgrading to a slightly nicer kitchen faucet. - $420

Upgrading to toilets that don't require you to squat - $150 each (x3)

Of course these are just two from our list but unfortunately some things should be installed during construction however I'm beginning to think that <plumbing company name> is just ripping us off.

If I can sugest for anybody to check out the suppliers before they sign off for a house...that'd be good mentally and financially.

In my case I felt the "standards" were extremely poor (built with a different company in Calgary but they are a big name).

I put in ~ 30K of upgrades into the house and should of put more into it.

Biggest areas were:

(1) Kitchen
(2) Flooring (standard flooring is much to be desired).

I went with the standard paint but it was crap. Ended up painting the interior within 2 years.