Building Process
Once the design process is complete, our team begins construction. After clearing the home-site, we begin excavation of the basement. The we move on to the foundation. The foundation is one of the most crucial parts of a home. Accuracy and integrity are vital; this is why I keep this work in-house. We have much experience with complex foundation designs, and have often worked around challenges such as rock.
The basement concrete wall system is next. We only use solid, poured concrete. My experience has led me to believe that cinder block work in this area will lead to cracks and leaks down the road. Our next steps are basement plumbing and the basement floor. In some instances I have concern that there will be settling under the basement slab. In this case, preventative measures are taken.
Finally, the exciting process of framing begins. Shown over the next six photos, this usually takes 6-8 weeks and is usually perceived as a fast moving process. Notice that we use steel I-beams to allow large open spans and avoid columns in the basement. They cost slightly more, but are well proven and worth the price. You can see the steel beams in the photo on the right during the framing period.
Next we move on to windows, electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling. Once framing is complete, the windows are installed. During this stage, the electrical, plumbing, and heating/cooling systems are installed. The customer does a walk-through, deciding the positions of lights, switches and special outlets. This is also the time to specify any other auxiliary systems, such as alarms, audio/video wiring, or computer wiring. Before insulating the home, all of the wiring, plumbing and ductwork are documented with photographs in case there is ever a need to access these systems.
There are many choices for exterior finishes. In the photo on the left, cypress siding is being installed to complement the brick on this home. This process happens as work continues on the inside of the home. Back on the inside, insulation and drywall move forward. Many internal walls are insulated to promote quiet and privacy in areas where this is a concern. This stage is where the interior of the home really starts to take shape.
Once drywall is complete, things start to move forward in many directions. Interior doors are installed, and then the trimming begins. I encourage creativity in the trim choices. This is also when details such as doorknobs, lighting fixtures, and stair railings are put in place.The hardwood and tile floors are now installed. With hardwood flooring, we use a variety of prefinished or unfinished woods. The customer’s preference decides this. Once flooring is installed, cabinets and countertops follow. We use many different materials for countertops (this one being granite tile) and encourage customers to become creative with their choices.
Outside the house, the lawn is designed and created at this time. The yard is smoothed and grass is planted. Landscaping greatly influences the look of the home, so we like to assist in this process. There are a great number of choices available, such as the use of water features, terraces, retaining walls, and of course trees and plants.