Benefits of Building a Concrete Basement

December 27, 2019

Concrete is one of the most commonly used materials in the construction industry. Over the years, concrete has continued to dominate a majority of basement construction projects. And, that only suggests something special about this material. Nevertheless, the following are some of the benefits of building a concrete basement. 

Durable and Long Lasting 

One of the main reasons why concrete is among the most sought after building materials is because of its immense durability and longevity. Concrete stands up well to compression and changes in temperatures without showing cracks or damage. As such, building a concrete basement will ensure a strong foundation that lasts for many years. 

Resistant to Moisture and Fire 

Concrete is also resistant to moisture, which is among some of the greatest risks to foundations. Due to the moisture resistance capabilities of concrete, you will be able to avoid mold and mildew from finding breeding grounds in the basement. That will also save you the expensive restoration costs resulting from water damage. The outstanding fire resistance quality of concrete also contributes to the strength and longevity of the basements. 

Low Maintenance 

Although building a concrete basement is not a DIY project, taking care of concrete does not require much work. Once the walls and floors are properly sealed, there is very little maintenance required on your part. Concrete only requires ordinary cleaning from time to time. As such, you can focus on other important home projects. 

Allows for Customization 

Many people also love concrete because it can be customized into unique designs and styles. By using it in your basement, you will have a wide range of options on how to design the walls. Concrete adapts well to numerous designs, styles, textures, and colors, which will enable you to create your dream living space with very little effort. 

Considering the above qualities of concrete, it is undoubtedly one of the best materials for building rock-solid, beautiful and long-lasting basements. Simply talk to a reliable construction company to build the best concrete basement for your home. Looking for quality pros in cement check out the following link here.
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5 Things to Know When Building a New Home

December 17, 2019

Building a new home is a commitment that must be approached with caution. This is because it will not only take a huge chunk off your investment, but your family comfort lies in it as well. Therefore, consider the following tips before starting the venture.

Have a Sound Budget

You can easily get carried away when building a house, therefore, it’s important to adhere to your budget. It might sound obvious and dull, but triple-check every single price before letting the builder embarks on the work. Consider keeping your building environmentally friendly, as this can qualify you for sustainable energy grants.

Select a Reputable Builder

You should only choose a builder that has been recommended to avoid quacks who claim they can keep costs low, but end up building sub-standard structures. The safest thing to do is to pick a builder who is registered with the Construction Industry Federation. Most construction disasters are a result of incompetent builders, who try to cut costs to unrealistic levels. As a result, they cut corners and jeopardize the whole construction.

Factor in Resale when Building

Selling your new house might be the last thing to cross your mind, but the future holds many eventualities. It is wise, therefore, to think pragmatically what a potential buyer will appreciate and value. This will avoid factoring in many extras that might make future potential buyers shy away from your investment.

Consider the Location

You need to factor in all the local building codes and restrictions in the area you intend to build in. These codes vary from one state to another. Do not purchase a piece of land without having a building inspection to show you what requirements are needed. For instance, some communities have restrictions on overhead power cables, favoring underground conduits instead.

Prepare for Shortcomings 

There is not a single operation that will run 100 percent efficient, in the process of putting the plan to fruition something might go amiss. A good builder should help you anticipate this, and help you navigate these changes with minimum stress.

 You should also factor in your tastes and preferences, since this is about you, and your satisfaction matters the most. Before embarking on the actual work, try and piece all the above factors together to make the process easier and less stressful.
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Build on a Budget: How to Cut Costs on your Residential Construction Project

December 4, 2019

“How can I cut costs and save money building a new home?” You’ve probably been asking yourself this question from the moment you started thinking of making your home ownership dream a reality. Building a new home can be costly. However, it’s possible to build the home of your dreams with a well-defined budget and effective planning. Here are tips to help you cut costs on your residential construction without compromising beauty and comfort. 

Save Money with the Right Contractor

The fact that a contractor is offering the lowest quote doesn’t mean they are the right fit for your construction project. You don’t want to end up with poor quality work that will become costly in the long run. It’s important that you take time to do some homework and only select an experienced contractor who can deliver high quality work at reasonable prices. The success of your project depends on the contractor you hire for the job. 

Save Money during the Design Phase

The assumption here is that you already have picked your lot, developed a working budget, and decided on the type of house you want to build. When it comes to the design phase understand that the bigger the home, the higher the construction cost. Remember to stick to your budget. One way to maximize on your budget is to keep your floor plan small, yet functional. You can opt for an open floor plan if you want a bigger living space, without the added building costs. 

Choose cost-effective must-have features during the design phase to avoid high costs when construction begins. You may also want to choose an economical aesthetic during this phase as well. 

Source your Own Materials

How about you discuss with your contractor about sourcing your own building materials? Yes, you can buy some of the materials or fixtures separately and have your contractor install them. Note that, in some cases, the general contractor can source materials in bulk, thereby getting better prices. Sourcing your own materials can help you save thousands of dollars in your budget.

Consider Handling your Project during the Colder Seasons

You probably are aware general contractors and builders have a lot of projects going on during the warmer months. Summertime is usually the busiest season. What do you expect then? High prices since there’s high demand. How about you handle your construction project in winter? The fact that more contractors are available during the colder months means you can get discounted rates thereby saving money. 

Build for Energy-Efficiency

Choosing energy efficient materials and appliances will help you save money in the long run. You can apply for applicable energy efficiency tax credits once your custom home is built as well. While you may be required to pay a little more for “energy-star” rated appliances, you’ll save money in the long run. 

Even though you’re working with an experienced general contractor, you can handle some jobs yourself, especially if you’re handy with basic tools. Taking care of finishing details such as landscaping after the contractor has completed his work can help you save money.

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