Garage door for new build - Higher R Value worth it?
susha
6 years ago
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Mark Bischak, Architect
6 years agojust_janni
6 years agoRelated Discussions
Cost to build - why so much higher than buying new house???
Comments (40)There is another factor that no one has touched upon. I am a Plumber and I have spent many years earning a reputation amongst the local builders and plumbing inspectors as being a stickler for detail, to the point that often an inspector comes on the job site and when he or she sees me standing there they barely go through the motions of an inspection, relying upon the fact that they know my work. In return, I can command top money amongst the builders and I am still in high demand because they know that I will get the job done on time, in budget and have no follow-up problems. Along comes Mr & Mrs gotlotz acting in the stead of a competent GC and they immediately begin giving me attitude. NO problem. The first thing out of their mouth is that they will not settle for the quality of work we do on tract homes. Fine with me, never let it be said that I cheated you out of your bragging rights, I just add an additional 10 or 15% aggravation fee for putting up with the attitude. The quality of the work speaks for itself....See MoreQuestion about adding R value
Comments (12)One would think that sealing penetrations is standard. I just built an energy star house which required foaming around windows and door and making sure all fiberglass on walls was covered on 4 sides. That meant extra blocking especially on knee walls in attic and behind bathtubs. I added a few other things but I'm not sure that one of the options was to seal the penetrations from ceiling into attic. I just did it myself - was easy without insulation there yet. No infrared camera needed as there was light whereever the holes were. In some cases, a lot of light. And that was just from windows, in a completed house, you could turn on lights at night and really see any leaks. I also foamed around any penetration even if I didn't see light. Basically light fixtures (1 per room + closets), smoke detectors, HVAC vents, and bath fans. I had put some speakers in so I built boxes around them that were also foamed. While on the subject, I built a box around the attic stairs and put a second lift off door with insulation and weather sealing. Costs I think most people around here would want to do their own just because then you know the job is done right. But I'd ask you insulation people. They might suggest just foaming for an inch everywhere - costs about $1 a sqft. Not a bad option and it doesn't require any thought or attention to detail. The foam has r-value of course and so you can cut back on the blown-in part (how much depends on foam but r-7 would be typical closed cell)....See MoreInput on garage door style for new build!
Comments (41)I don't understand the 2.5 car garage. Seems like a lot of extra money; I'd just throw the extra half of a car away. Maybe it has sentimental value? I just don't know. As a city guy, that term is new to me; we tend to not have garages (and often, not cars either). But kudos to you for tucking the garage back a bit rather than having it be the prominent feature of the home (as many are)....See MoreNew Build: Where to invest for greatest house sales value?
Comments (54)My advice.... is either listen to Joseph Corlett advice and do as he said OR sell your lot now and run. If you decide to press forward, please do yourself a favor and go TALK to people at Lowe's, Home Depot, wherever that work at these stores. Millwork will tell you they can't get doors and windows. Lumber will tell you the prices are up 3 times normal... on the lumber they CAN get. Kitchen cabinets will tell you their normal lead time of 6-8 weeks is now 4 and 5 months possibly longer. Appliances will tell you there is very limited options available due to severe supply chain issues. Flooring will tell you... well, you get the idea. Don't take our word for it... go ASK the employees in these places and CALL electricians/plumbers/HVAC people and see if they are even taking jobs. Builders/contractors where I'm at in South Carolina are booked through this entire YEAR and well into next year with all the jobs they can handle. I believe this is true in many parts of the country as people have sat home for 12 months looking at Houzz and thinking "I want to renovate NOW". Best of luck to you......See MoreUser
6 years agosusha
6 years agoVirgil Carter Fine Art
6 years agosusha
6 years agojust_janni
6 years agoMark Bischak, Architect
6 years agoandrewdclark
6 years agoworthy
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agosusha
6 years ago
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