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Hi,
After reading endless posts of builder complaints and shortcomings, for just about every builder, I wonder ?? Has anyone had a home built where the builder used quality materials, exterior sheathing, insulation between the exterior sheathing and the drywall ? For that matter, does anyone know what code is for drywall down there, is it 1/2", or can they use 3/8" to cut costs. Having been around the building trades all my life, I have tons of other questions after reading the postings here. I did look at a few homes under construction when we were down in October, and the foundation system they use down there is like nothing I've seen before here in Connecticut. That's not to say it's bad, or inferior, just very different. So again, has anyone had a builder they know gave them a quality built home ? While we want a couple of acres if possible, we're not looking for a huge home. We are retiring and therefore down sizing, so I'm not looking for more sq/ft for the dollar, but higher quality. As of now, we are kind of set on Union or possibly Cabarrus counties. If anyone feels more comfortable discussing this privately, please feel free to either send a private message, or EMAIL me.
I am not sure, but you may want to check with a custom home builder instead of the production builders. it seems like they would be more willing to discuss variations in building methods, code and building above code or even to hwhat you would want.
As already stated, go with a custom home builder. You'll see much better quality. Interestingly, we purchased a 3-year-old resale. Our subdivision was built by a custom home builder, who lives in this subdivision. Guess he's not worried about any dissatisfied customers!
You have to go custom builder. I was thinking about his idea but even about a 2000sq house custom is going to take you at least to 350k-400k. If money is no object than i would go that way.
Hi,
After reading endless posts of builder complaints and shortcomings, for just about every builder, I wonder ?? Has anyone had a home built where the builder used quality materials, exterior sheathing, insulation between the exterior sheathing and the drywall ? For that matter, does anyone know what code is for drywall down there, is it 1/2", or can they use 3/8" to cut costs. Having been around the building trades all my life, I have tons of other questions after reading the postings here. I did look at a few homes under construction when we were down in October, and the foundation system they use down there is like nothing I've seen before here in Connecticut. That's not to say it's bad, or inferior, just very different. So again, has anyone had a builder they know gave them a quality built home ? While we want a couple of acres if possible, we're not looking for a huge home. We are retiring and therefore down sizing, so I'm not looking for more sq/ft for the dollar, but higher quality. As of now, we are kind of set on Union or possibly Cabarrus counties. If anyone feels more comfortable discussing this privately, please feel free to either send a private message, or EMAIL me.
Thanks, Bill
I would have a hard time believing even the cheapest builders are NOT insulating between sheathing and drywall. I mean, its been stadard practice for over half a century. My home is 35 years old and at least has R-11 fiberglass insulation on all exterior walls (none interior though- I added it to some walls during renovation). R-13 (the higher the better) is about the lowest most builder would use these days. The newer a home is the more efficient it should be, thats at least one area where things have IMPROVED over the years.
Now sheathing is another thing, because some builders dont even want to fork out money for OSB (oriented strand board) anymore than they have to.
Sara,
First, I got my relocation guide today that you told me about, and it is excellent. I know you've mentioned the general area of Monroe that you ended up buying in, you did say it was all 1 acre right ? Would you know if the builder that did your sub division has anything similar in the works, and would you mind mentioning his name ? BTW, does your development have city water and/or sewer, or well and septic ?
CharlotteAgent,
How big a problem do you think that will be to find 1-2 acres (preferably 2) in Union county ? Would I be any better off looking in Cabarrus county ? I'm kind of favoring, Harrisburg, Monroe, or Waxhaw. What do you think of Concord, is that as rural (which is what we're looking for) as say Monroe ?
fromcenFL,
I agree, and while I don't believe everything I read here, I have read more than once of no wall insulation. I'm hoping I misunderstood, but it will be something I make sure of before I sign anything.
I would think maybe Mt Pleasant or Albermarle. This way you could enjoy country living for a few years. Of course if you enjoy being in the middle of it all then Concord etc would be my next choice.
CharlotteAgent,
By saying "for a few years" does that mean that after that, we will likely be in the middle of a somewhat densely populated area ? We don't necessarily want to be isolated out in the boonies, just not surrounded by large sub divisions on small lots. To give you an idea of a location that would appeal to us, we seen some really nice ranch homes in Harrisburg in the area of Flowes Store Rd and Rocky River Road if you're familiar with that area. They were on individual lots, 2 acres or so I would guess, I'm just not sure how busy a road like that would be to live on. It did have a nice open feel to it though. I guess the best way to put it, is no, we don't want to be "in the middle of it all".
Yes I would say in a few years that you would be in a densely populated area. I know exactly where you are talking about. The trick would be to get into one of those nice neighborhoods where at least when you are at home you will feel like your 30 mins away from it all....
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