Demonstrating a Home Under Construction

Purpose: To use your knowledge of the construction process and production USPs to influence the sales process and provide a more compelling reason to buy.

Footings & Foundations

Footers and foundations are designed by engineers to ensure structural soundness. The Architectural Department designs all structural components such as pier locations in a Curtain Wall Foundation.

Footings and foundations undergo thorough checks by our Project Managers as well as county inspectors.

Roof trusses are built in our manufacturing plant in Kings Mountain, NC. The truss system is designed and load calculations are examined by engineers to ensure structural integrity. These trusses are part of our 10 yr. structural warranty.

Framing

Most of our homes are now panelized. This means that framed walls arrive pre-assembled in sections to the job site. These panels are built in the plant under environmentally controlled conditions. The dimensions are computer generated and cut with a laser saw.

Panelized construction is considered more “green” since it reduces material waste.

Panelized construction may have notes regarding materials to be used. Seen here are instructions for 3 pieces of southern yellow pine next to a piece of spruce. Panelized construction emphasizes attention to detail.

LVLs or “laminated veneer lumber” is a material where lumber is plied together and laminated to increase the strength. These may be used in areas with increased load requirements. (seen here at transition to the Morning Room)

Subfloors are nailed down and glued along each seam. This helps to secure the floor and to eliminate floor squeaks.

Exterior walls are glued at the base of the wall where it joins the subfloor to prevent air flow.

Stairs are built in the manufacturing plant. The treads are notched and glued creating a better stair box. These stairs will remain more stable over time and the glue helps eliminate floor squeaks.

Insulation is stapled at each seam which improves effectiveness.

Exterior corners are glued in order to decrease air penetration.

Insulation & House Wrap

Insulation is stuffed or “chinked” around windows to reduce leakage around window frames.

Insulation is also placed behind all exterior wall electrical receptacles, attic pull down panels, and storage area doors.

Baffles, the cardboard pieces shown above, are used at the joining point between the walls and the roof sheathing. They keep blown insulation out of the soffits so ventilation of the soffits remain open and unblocked by debris.

Green Guard Building Wrap aids in insulating the area behind tub/showers.This provides an air barrier. The seams are taped for a tight seal.

Thermal Ply, also referred to as Energy Brace, is used in areas where additional attic space is present behind finished walls. It can often be seen around bonus rooms.

Green Guard Building Wrap covers the entire house and the seams are taped for improved efficiency.

Mastic is used rather than duct tape at joints in the duct work to reduce leakage at these points.

HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical

Caulking around all penetrations in the framing reduces air flow and the spread of fire through interior walls. This is often referred to as “fire caulking”.

Nail guards protect water lines and electrical lines from accidental puncture by drywall nails.

Low-E windows are double paned and filled with argon gas which diminishes heat transfer.

The slight green tint reduces light flow through the window.

All plumbing lines are pressure tested prior to drywall installation using a pressure gauge as shown. This helps to ensure that all joints are secure and no leaking occurs.

Borate is termite treatment applied to the lumber as it joins to the foundation. Borate treatment is often colored green so that the completion of the application is visible.

Guardian Home Technologies provides a central panel where phone and cable wiring are run. This allows for easy maintenance of the wiring systems.

House exteriors are free from wood products. Synthetic products such as Synboard, fiberglass, and Fypon are used for porch posts and exterior trim and molding features.

Ridge vents are used to increase air flow and ventilation in attic areas.

Exterior Features