Sound Insulation Podcasts

Today’s topic is “Why Hire A Builder.” My guest today is Jean Gibson, Vice President of Gibson Home Builders, Inc. I am often ask why hire a builder. Well, home building is a science and there is a lot more to it then most people think. If you do not know what you are doing, it can be a nightmare. During this segment, I will give you several reasons to choose a builder that is registered and has a good reputation. First of all a builder gets discounts on materials and labor. Most builders have accounts set up with several venders and subcontractors. These accounts allow builders to buy 15% to 50% below retail and that makes a great deal of difference when it comes to the final cost of a home. Subcontractors rely on builders to stay in business so again a builder gets a discount. The builder uses subcontractors that perform quality work and have good reputations. Builders talk to each other and network in organizations that weed out subcontractors that are not reputable. Most builders have subcontractors that they have used for years and keep them as long as they show up when they say they are going to show up, do what they say their going to do with quality work in a timely fashion. Second, a builder knows what needs to be done and when it needs to be done. A builder will guide you through the design of your home, site planning, orientation of the house on the lot, financing and all the things required to get you into one of the largest investments that most people make in their lives. What do you think should be the first thing you should do before deciding to build the home of your dreams? It is setting a budget that you can afford. After that is done, start looking for a lot. The orientation and size of the lot will play a significant role in the house plans you choose. In the southern region, most people live to the rear of their home with a covered patio that they can have a barbeque or where they can entertain their guest. In this case, the preferred direction to face the house would be north. The cover over the patio should be constructed using a passive solar design to block out direct sun in the summer and allow it to shine directly in during the winter months. Facing south is also a good option if you can design overhangs using a passive solar design. Facing east or west is not generally preferred in the southern climate due to problems it creates trying to cool the areas in the summer. If there are no options as to which way the house will face, then use landscaping techniques to block out the sun on the western side. Now lets talk about lot size. The reason you need to have your lot before the house plans is that you cannot fit a 70-foot wide house on a 60-foot wide lot. Most lots have building set backs and easements that require you to build within those boundaries. After you have the lot picked out, your house plans drawn, orientation of the house on the lot; we need to do some site planning. Decide where the water supply will enter the house and where the sewer or septic lines will exit the house. If you have a well, it should be a minimum of 100 feet away from the septic system. Find out where the power will enter and gas or propane tank will be installed. Now that all the utilities are located, it is time to start the dirt work. read less