ITEMS EVERY NEW HOME SHOULD HAVE IN TODAYS MARKET!

     We realize it can be a big step and a tough decision whether to buy existing or build new. Each has its advantages and only you can ultimately decide which is best for you. The only real part we can play is to provide you with information and answer any questions during this process. The toughest part will be deciding where you want to live and finding the property to build on. There are many fine communities to choose from. However the property can be difficult to locate so you must keep an open mind allowing for some flexibility. We have several lots to choose from with varying terrain allowing for a Standard Basement. English (window options), to true Walkout capabilities. The most honest thing you can do is set your budget and choose your options. We have developed an extensive twenty page specification document which indicates what is included and how the home will be constructed. Without a detailed document such as the one we provide then all that can be said is "Caveat Emptor", BUYER BEWARE! Building technologies rapidly change and obviously anything built new will, or at least should include the newest "Energy Saving" features, as well as "Interior" environmental and safety features. This is what I stress when anyone is considering a move. Some important areas to consider in no apparent order are as follows:

1.      Windows: This is so important due to the fact that the wrong decision can cost you tens of thousands of dollars down the line to replace. Casements are the most efficient and should include some type of high performance glass as well as a clad exterior. This is why I prefer to use "Anderson" windows.
    
2.      Insulation: Once this is installed its forever! You should get the most recent up to date technology available. I use a cellulose fill with boron which does not support fungal growth. As you follow the news stories mold can be one of the most devastating problems that can surface. It can make you sick and cost you thousands to correct. All penetrations around widows and pipes should be foamed in place rather than stuffed with insulation. All sill plates at the floor / wall junction should be sealed to prevent air infiltration. Visit "NU.WOOL" to find out more about this product.
    
3.      Water Infiltration: At the very least the foundation should be "Water proofed" not "Damp proofed." This is the black coating installed on the foundation walls and is supposed to keep water out. Only Waterproofing can do this over the life of the home. "TUFF-N-DRI" provides the protection you need. All windows should be sealed with some type of flexible flashing tape recently developed just for that purpose. Building paper with taped joints installed to shed water from top to bottom is a must and properly monitored during construction. A leaky damp home lends to the formation of mold. Visit "TYVEK" to find out more about this protection.
    
4.      Heating / Air Conditioning System: Heating / Air Conditioning System: At the very least a 90% efficient furnace should be used. There are upgrades from there, however 90% should be the minimum. A high efficiency air filter should be the norm. Not necessarily an electronic air cleaner as they require monthly maintenance (if not preformed the system is useless). A humidifier is a must and properly maintained will add to the comfort of the warmed air. The A/C system should use the latest in efficiency and refrigerant technology to protect the enviroment. We use the Carrier "PURON SYSTEM" providing a 12 SEER rating while meeting the EPA year 2010 ban of R-22 Freon. The most important feature should include some form of "Duct Sealing". "AEROSEAL OF ILLINOIS" provides this service for us. This will seal the ducts from taking in (most would think you are forcing air out), air through all the cracks and openings in the mechanical ductwork, which exist no matter how well the system is put together. Through the laws of physics as the forced air passes over these numerous holes air is sucked in through the process know as the "Venturi Effect". This is pulling unconditioned air into the system. This air is unfiltered and when mixed with the heated conditioned air cools (or warms the cool air in the summer), the air to the point of ineffective distribution. This in and of itself can save upwards of 30% or more in the energy costs as well as being sure filtered air reaches each room. Then there are several different types of air treatment options available to further condition the air before distribution in the home depending on the degree of sensitivity you or a family member may have to allergies. Also our "Heating Systems" come with a Ten (10) Year parts and labor warranty for added protection. As an added benefit an outside air draw (to bring combustion air in), in the firebox whenever possible should be standard. Why burn air from inside the home in the fireplace that you just paid good money to condition and let it go up the chimney. It just sense to burn outside air in the firebox when using the fireplace.
    
5.      Phone / TV / Sound System: Most people don't think about this part of construction believing the builder is giving them what is needed to distribute and meet their needs. If this is not fully thought out and professionally installed and certified, you have nothing more than an antique installation as old as the turn of the century. With today's technology way would anyone not want the best designed and installed system even in a minimalist basis. The cost to upgrade to an acceptable system once you find out it does not perform for you after move in can be overwhelming. At a minimum you should have Cat5E for phone, RG-6 for TV, 10BaseT Ethernet ports for computers as well as a basic "Network Distribution Panel" with an 110v power source for amplification and distribution. Visit "ALLSMART" to learn more.
    
6.      Ventilation: The proper circulation of air in the homes attic space is very important to the integrity of the structure. Continuous Ridge Venting along with Soffit Venting will allow for the proper circulation of air in this space. The use of a power attic ventilator is a must to cycle on and off as the attic temperatures rise. Whenever possible, gable vents would be an added benefit incorporated during the design stage to provide even more venting.
    
7.      Fire Safety: We are strong fire safety advocates. The proven technology exists today to provide for a residential "Fire Sprinkler System". In the unlikely event of a fire catastrophe, if this system were to save only one life in a single home we built, then we will feel as though we have accomplished something. Your safety is of the utmost concern and would strongly advise against building a new home without such a system. At the very least every home should have an integrated smoke and fire protection system with the capability to phone in an emergency to a remote monitoring station if you so choose. When away or on vacation this would at least alert the proper agency in such an emergency. Our fire sprinklers are wired into this system for added protection. Visit the "Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition" to find out more about this important addition.
    
8.      Misc. Items: The use of "Man Made" floor joist systems (we use "TJI Products"), along with the use of "Fir Plywood" to give the strongest truest flooring system available, as well as extending the life of our natural resources We also use "fir Plywood" on our roof systems for a long lasting roof no matter how long it is exposed to nature prior to the actual roof system being installed. Four hundred (400), amp electrical service to be sure your home is properly circuited as well as providing enough excess for future growth. Garage door openers are standard and are belt driven providing the quietest operation available today. We use "Lever Handle Sets" on all interior locksets which allow for ease of opening when your hands are full or health reasons require this (it is also easier on kids with there little hands allowing easier access to the various rooms in the home). All our floor and wall tile systems use concrete backer board and are set in "Thinset" (vs. mastic), setting agents. Our installer also provides a "Lifetime Warranty" to protect against cracking tile in the event this should occur. All our appliances are "Jenn Air Professional Series" and includes a "Kitchen Aid" built in refrigerator.
   

For more information on some of our features click on the attached link which will provide a buyers comparison form.