Granite countertops are beautiful, but remember, they will stain. Try to keep oils and liquids off of granite before it is sealed and stained countertops will be a thing of the past.
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Replacing windows, going from a large size to a smaller size, is a simpler matter than making a window bigger. Changing the size of a house window and getting the interior and exterior walls to match is a challenge.
Poured wall foundations and wood can coexist together for a beautiful finished basement. Poured wall foundations provide permanence that wood foundations sometimes do not. The wood can be used for the floor trusses with wood I joists that span large distances without structural beams in your basement.
Fireplace quality cannot be compromised. If your new home is going to be equipped with a wood burning fireplace, look at several fireplace designs already built by the contractor before you sign. Firebrick mortar and chimney size are important for fireplace safety.
Back drafting in multiple fireplaces in your home is caused by a lack of combustion air. Old residential building codes did not address combustion air flow. A professional can install a combustion air kit to solve the fireplace problem.
Bathroom design can create an illusion in your bathroom. Bathroom remodeling ideas can follow a theme such as an undersea world or a favorite television show.
Hot water recirculation creates instant hot water throughout your home. Installing a hot water return loop is fairly simple. Do you have one in your home? Are your builder and plumber the best for the job?
Damproofing and waterproofing should not be confused. Damproofing, a liquid asphalt, does not provide foundation waterproofing. Hot asphalt and rubber coating and an insulating panel will fully protect your foundation.
Stairs must be designed and built to code. Stair treads should be 10 inches and the riser should be 7.5 inches to make what I believe are the perfect set of steps. When building stairs make sure what the elevation of the finished floor at the top and bottom of the staircase is. Adding a thick tile or hardwood floor could change the riser height causing safety hazards.
Jobsites are different with each contractor. Some are neat and very safe while others are not. New home builders need to walk through their job site often. Read my tips on what to look for about how your home is being built. If you don't like something, talk to your contractor right away.
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