Dear James: I'm having a house built, and it was designed to meet all building codes. Is it still a good idea to make periodic visits to the site, and if so, what should I look for? — Shelly T.
Dear Shelly: Being assured that your house is built to code is comforting, but it really only means that the house will not collapse around you. The code requirements are the bare minimum for solid construction, and you will probably want to have some design upgrades from strictly a code-built house.
The actual construction and materials details in your building contract are probably your first stage of the inspection process. Instead of just including a phrase such as "acceptable material," your plans and contract should include as many specifics in areas that are of most concern to you.
If you can get out to your house almost every day, on a random schedule, this would be advisable. The general contractor is supposed to keep an eye on his subcontractors, but he probably has several construction projects going on simultaneously in various stages of progress to monitor.
You cannot rely totally on the building inspectors either. They will catch many of the key areas where flaws, such as wiring, plumbing, roofing, etc., can result in catastrophic problems, but you cannot expect them to find all the minor material and workmanship flaws.
If you do make your inspections during working hours, be gentle with your questions and concerns about the materials, and especially workmanship. Just like any professional, the subcontractors will not like to be overly criticized. Keep in mind that most subcontractors are conscientious about doing an acceptable job.
The first key area to inspect, or at least question, is the foundation. Check to see if the footings are continuous under the foundation walls and that there are reinforcing steel bars in them. Have one of the workers help you check if the foundation walls are square and plumb. Stretch a line across the diagonals to measure squareness.
Proper drainage and insect control are two other areas to consider in the initial foundation stage of construction. Generally, perforated drainage tiles are used and then are covered by several feet of washed gravel. Have the contractor check the slope so the water naturally flows away from the foundation or slab.
All staircases should be 36 inches wide, and the stair risers should all be the same height. If several of the stairs are just slightly taller than others, it will be very noticeable and someone may stumble.
If you are building a brick house, check on the spacing of the weep holes. They should be either 24 or 32 inches on center. There should also be flashing at the bottom of each wall and above and below all the windows and doors.
Plumbing is another key area to check. Ball valves are only slightly more expensive than common valves, and they are best to use in the supply side. They don't use washers and when in the open position, they allow for unobstructed water flow. Three-quarter-inch diameter water supply lines provide more water flow and produce less noise.
All vents, from exhaust fans and the clothes dryer, should vent outdoors, not just into the attic area. While you are in the attic, check the depth of the insulation and look for any uninsulated spots.
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