CAT | Quality Check
We just had a reader question come in regarding concrete slabs. Marie from Texas asks, “We just installed concrete slabs for a new barndominium. I have heard that you are supposed to cover the sides of the slab with stone or dirt. Is this necessary?” Thanks for the question Marie. We are glad to hear […]
Top Consumer Complaints
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Fix it!, Owner-Builder, Quality Check
Have you ever had a problem with a product or service you purchased? Most of us have at some point in time. A new study released yesterday claims the second biggest consumer complaint this past year involved home improvement and construction. Let’s take a look at some of the details from the study and discuss […]
Driveway Paving
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder, Quality Check
How to Build a Home, Step 51 Driveway paving begins once all of the major work is completed on a new home. It’s a good idea to get the driveway installed just after carpet installation to prevent any mud from being tracked in and ruining the new carpet. Yes, everyone should remove their shoes […]
Manufactured Floor Joists and Fire Protection
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Owner-Builder, Quality Check
If you are thinking about building a new home or addition, you will probably take a look at manufactured floor joists as an alternative for structural support. Manufactured floor joists can replace traditional 2×10’s and 2×12’s in new construction. They have some advantages over traditional dimensional joists but there is a recent code change you […]
Insulating Your Home
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder, Quality Check
How to Build a Home, Step 39 We start insulating your home once all of the rough mechanicals and draft stopping are completed. Since this is the last activity prior to closing up the walls with drywall, it’s extremely important to get things right here. There are some very critical items to review prior to […]
HVAC Rough-in
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder, Quality Check
How to Build a Home, Step 36 For those who choose a forced air heating and cooling system for their new dream home, the installation begins with the ductwork. It’s important to get the HVAC installation right to maximize energy efficiency and comfort. Here in step 36 of our How to Build a Home series […]
How to Install a Prehung Door
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder, Quality Check
Once you’ve reached the frame stage when building your new dream home, it’s important to know how to install a prehung door. In our last post in our how to build a home blog series, we covered the framing activity. Most professional home builders have their rough carpenter install the exterior doors while framing the […]
Install New Windows: Tips for Owner Builders
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder, Quality Check
You typically install new windows in your dream home project at the end of the framing activity. There are so many things that can go wrong with the installation, so we’ve decided to give you some professional general contractor tips for getting it done right. Don’t assume this is an easy process…every window and home […]
Framing a Home
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder, Quality Check
How to Build a Home, Step 33 Framing a home is step 33 in our blog series on how to build a home from start to finish. The framing activity, also called rough carpentry, is extremely important to the success of your project. A properly framed new home creates the foundation for the rest of […]
Concrete Slab Pour
0 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder, Quality Check
How to Build a Home, Step 32 Now that we have the basement columns in place, it’s time for the concrete slab pour. A properly installed basement floor can provide a platform for living space, seal out water and radon, secure your basement columns, and provide lateral support for your foundation walls. Let’s take a […]
