Information is king when it comes to beginning a home construction project. Here’s a fine list of 10 tips to keep in mind when you’re looking to build a new custom home:
After 38 years in the construction supply business dealing with thousands of builders throughout the Southeast, plus having built a couple of custom homes myself, I am often asked about what I would or would not do when building a home. As with anything, my advice and opinions are not the construction gospel and I encourage you to talk with other construction professionals to help you make the best decision.
Here are my top 10 home building tips in order of importance:
1. Don’t stucco over wood framing. No matter how good the stucco subcontractor is, concrete cracks and moisture will penetrate the wall, posing a potential mold and rot problem. Instead, use a house wrap, moisture tape and Florida-approved siding that attaches to the wood.
2. Get your house off the ground. Builders construct homes on slabs at grade level in the area every day. It typically doesn’t pose a problem with sandy soil. However, a rain of biblical nature, an overflowing swimming pool, and crawling critters find easier access to a home that is constructed on grade level. It is amazing what a slab that is 1 foot off the grade will prevent.