We have seen big improvements in new residential construction over the last twenty years in passive fire protection building techniques.  These building methods, sometimes called firestopping or draftstopping, help slow down the spread of fire from one space to another in a home.  By slowing down the spread of the fire, we give emergency responders […]

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The foundation for your new home or addition is a huge component of your new owner-built project.  If you get it right, the rest of the project will go so much more smoothly.  Here we will describe best practices as it relates to poured concrete foundation walls (basement condition). Proper Cure: Three words. Don’t rush […]

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I’m always amazed at how many people don’t think home plans are a big deal.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been at the local building department and someone comes in with a piece of paper with a sketch on it showing the details (or lack there of) for their project.  Creating your […]

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How often do you hear…It all starts with the foundation? Actually, it all really begins with the home plans.  A good, complete set of home plans can save you a boat load of headaches on your project.  As an owner-builder, you have many options when it comes to home plans.   From predesigned stock plans […]

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We received a question yesterday about the appropriate tile underlayment (material that goes between your subfloor and tile) to use.  Using the appropriate material under your tile will help your new floor last longer while providing the necessary support to prevent movement. There are several different types of underlayment available so let’s go through each […]

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Most people can count on one hand how many times a year they actually use their living room.  Maybe it’s time to convert that space into something that can be used on a daily basis.  By enclosing a living room with french doors you create an elegant space that can be used for many different […]

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One of the most common questions I get as a builder is…when can I move in?  Can you build my new home in 90 days?  The truth is that it really depends on you and mother nature.  I recently finished a 4500 square foot custom home in three months.  Of course I stopped by the project […]

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The new homes built in the 90’s brought us two story rooms that created a dramatic, grand feel.  These two story rooms are still built today because they give the feeling of openness while making spaces feel bigger.  Although interesting architecturally, these rooms can be difficult to heat and waste space that could otherwise provide […]

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Because you’ve decided to build your own home, you get to choose exactly what your plan looks like.  And if you choose to add a few feet here or there, you will get a great deal on the additional square footage.  As an owner-builder, you will save the typical markup from the general contractor…but the […]

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As an owner-builder, you want to make sure you have insurance coverage for your new project both during and after construction.  This insurance should protect you in case of fire and weather damage, theft and accidental injury.  There are several different types of insurance available to protect you…let’s take a look at each. Builders Risk […]

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