The costs of building a new home or adding room additions will vary from contractor to contractor. Request a breakdown of the costs. Provide them with a standardized form to help you compare "apples to apples." This will also help you determine if your contractors payment requests are in line.
Plans require detailed written specifications to convey to the contractor and subcontractor exactly what's desired and how it is to be done.
Square your project in order for it to be a success. Angles must be perfect. To check for square you can use a calculator or follow the instructions below.
A patio slab that doesn't have a foundation shouldn't have a structure built on top of it. Foundations protect structures from frost heaving that could crack the slab.
Your heating ductwork is okay. Your furnace and air conditioner are working and are sized correctly, but no air is coming out of some of the heating ducts. Equalized static pressure is important for air flow. As supply pipes are branched off the main supply duct, they should get smaller to provide the correct static pressure.
If you want a truly waterproof foundation, use the right products and a good drainage system. Damp proofing products are generally asphalt or tar based compounds sprayed on the foundation. Waterproofing compounds are different from damproofing.
Change orders are the silent killer of most projects. Homeowners can change their minds and contractors may charge extra for work not detailed in plans or specifications. Plan carefully before work begins to avoid costly change orders.
Contractors seem to abound in the yellow pages. Plumbers, painters, roofers...who do you pick? What are their skill levels? Get all of your questions answered by going to supply houses where these contractors purchase material. Get references and information about the quality of their work.
If your air conditioner runs all the time, but your house still doesn't get cool there may be a problem. The air conditioner isn't low on refrigerant, so it may be the size of your unit that is inadequate to cool your home.
House plans are the first part of the home-building process. High-quality house plans include numerous exterior and interior elevations, countless details, cross sections and schedules.
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