Armchair Builder

Quality Roof Details

One of the best things about building a new home is that you get to include high quality details to create a building that will last for many, many years.  The roof is one of the key elements to a home that helps prevent moisture damage and possible mold problems. To build a quality roof […]

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An affordable basement finish can be a great way to add square footage to a home.  Whether you are building a new home, or just wanting to add more living space to the existing place, completing a lower level build-out can be accomplished without a huge budget.  In fact, a quality space can be had […]

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Stone countertops are an expensive option that can add real value to a kitchen or bath.  Since these tops are so expensive, it’s important to get the design right.  We don’t want the stone to crack or worse, fall off the cabinet because of an unbalanced loading condition.  Here are some granite countertop support tips […]

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  We know how important it is to provide an air and moisture barrier to the exterior of homes built today.  Not only does it keep rainwater and air from freely passing into the exterior walls of the home, but these barriers also allow any moisture trapped in the wall to get out.  And by […]

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New Home Pitfalls

Real World Example The best way to describe potential new home pitfalls is to share a real world example.  I want to tell you about friend of mine that had a new home built by a production home builder.  It was one of those communities that has a single builder constructing all of the homes.  […]

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Repairing Bouncy Floors

Armchair Builder recently answered a reader question on repairing bouncy floors so we thought we might share it with the rest of you.  Even if you don’t have floors that move too much now, knowing more about what causes the problem can help to prevent issues on future building projects.  When we say “bouncy” we’re […]

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It’s totally possible to general contract your own home to save money and get control of your new project.  But what about doing some of the physical labor yourself?  Is it a good idea to DIY the project or should you leave the work to the professionals?  There are circumstances where it does make sense […]

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Drain Tile Problems

Here’s a reader question that revolves around basement water and drain tile problems in a home.  Because this problem does happen somewhat regularly, I thought others might be interested as well. Reader Drain Tile Problems: “I live in the end unit of a four unit section of townhomes.  A few months ago my next door […]

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Most people know that in order to general contract your own home a serious commitment in both time and resources must be made.  But for those that are willing to make that commitment there are some huge potential savings to be realized.  Approximately how much one can save is best determined by analyzing the financials […]

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At the top of the wish list for most home buyers these days is an “open floor plan.”  Whether they have a case of claustrophobia or just enjoy entertaining, removing walls for opening up spaces is a top priority for many future homeowners.  But creating these large rooms without dividing walls can create a bit […]

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