GETTING STARTED

Cutting the lot or not

Building around Trees

Trees shading house

Foundation & framing

INSULATION

Batts

Blown fiberglass

Cellulose

Foam

Sheating

Radient Barrier

Static venting

Double vented

HVAC

Train 19I

Mini Split

Blower

Header Trench

Manifold

Heat Exchanger

Water Heater

ROOFING

Metal

Flat

Walkable

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

"I'll help you avoid any rush decisions or surprises."

Now the fun begins.

We may have cut the lot, cleared some trees, and started the foundation. By then, you will have received a list of when all the decisions and selections need to be made. I'll help you avoid any rush decisions or surprises. I'll also give you a list of my suppliers, but you can shop around and feel free to do different things and shop for bargains.

I think you will enjoy meeting the sub-contractors and learning about their area of expertise. One would be David Janysek, the framer, whose brother and father have framed houses in New Braunfels for many years. Most of my subs are local, and I prefer small companies where the boss is on the job site, as I am.

CONSTRUCTION TIPS

INSULATION:

1) 1/2 lb. vs blown insulation: They both have similar R-values per inch
2) Definition of R-Value: A material resistant to heat transfer
3) Radiant barriers (roof decking) are inexpensive: the labor to install them is already included.
4) Three factors of heat transfer: Conduction - within a material; Convection - within the air; Radiation - through electromagnetic waves
5) Three factors that influence insulation performance: Air infiltration; Air intrusion; Moisture
6) The first inch of insulation is more effective than the next.
7) Going beyond the DOE recommended R-values will add more cost with diminishing increase in R-value.

PLUMBING:

1) Aerobic septic systems and water softener: Drain water softener into second tank and avoid the cost of potassium.
2) Instant hot water and water conservation: Install an on-demand re-circulating pump.

HVAC:

1) Build the duct work into the air conditioned space: It will cost hundreds of dollars to do this but will cost thousands to foam the attic rafters.
2) SEER: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating: The higher the better.
3) Trane 191: Has two compressors: On cool days one will operate and on hot days they both come on.
4) Zoning: Many companies have systems with multiple thermostats, variable seed compressors and baffles.