Our Great City

A local home builder, Cambridge Homes, has graciously offered to explain the home building process while allowing OurGreatCity.com to take pictures along the way. This article is the third in a series to help the local consumer understand the home building process. Please read the other articles already posted as well.

MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

We will conduct a thorough framing inspection of the inside of the home and proceed with the “rough-in” installation of all mechanical systems. Mechanical systems include plumbing lines, heating and air conditioning ducts, electrical wiring, and gas lines. These components are installed while the interior walls are open and accessible, and may require from 10 to 20 days, the time period being subject to normal construction variables.

“Nothing’s Happening”

When you build a home, expect several days during construction when it appears that nothing is happening. This can occur for a number of reasons. For example, each trade is scheduled days or weeks in advance of the actual work. This period is referred to as “lead time.” Time is allotted for completion of each trade’s work on your home. Sometimes, one trade completes its work a bit ahead of schedule. The next trade already has an assigned time slot, which usually cannot be changed on short notice.

Cambridge Homes “GREEN” features

• Elegant old world architecture using local brick and stone
• Individually engineered post-tension foundation using recycled steel rebar · Kiln-dried wood frame construction using finger joint studs, spaced 16 inches on center
• Energy saving “low energy” double-glazed windows with screens
• Full year designed for easy maintenance utilizing programmable automatic sprinkler system including rain & freeze sensors
• “ENERGY STAR” qualified
• Moisture barrier wrap
• Striking European roof pitches using energy efficient radiant barrier roof decking for lower energy costs
• Energy efficient insulation
• Energy-wise SEER 14 heating & cooling system by Bryant
• Electronic programmable setback thermostat to maximize efficiency
• Poly-seal I at all electrical wall penetrations and around all windows
• Thermal seal tape around all windows for maximum energy efficiency

MORE GREEN INITIATIVES TO COME!!