Building your home is a big job! Even if you’re not the one doing the physical labor, there are so many decisions to be made, many of which you may have never even considered before. Here’s a quick list of things to ask your home builder to be sure your dream home turns out exactly as you … well, dreamed!
- What is the ground/soil like where my home is being built?
It’s crucial to get the foundation right for your home. You want the ground to be hard to support your house without moving, but water needs to be able to flow away from your house. Take into consideration settling and frost. Ask your home builder about what type of soil your house will be built on and discuss the most appropriate foundation to use.
- What type of insulation should I use?
Blanket insulation is very common and you’d probably recognize it. Made of fiberglass and mineral wool, this relatively inexpensive insulation is very effective. However, there are other options! You can use sprayed foam, blow in loose fill, insulating concrete forms (discussed more below), or structural insulated panels. Ask your home builder about which type would be best for your home, your location, and your budget.
- What are the costs and benefits for using stone or stucco finishing?
So much thought must go into the appearance of the outside of your home. This is how it will be viewed to everyday passersby! While you may want to try to match your neighborhood’s general aesthetic and will need to follow HOA rules (if you have one), in the end, your home’s exterior look is determined by you! Stucco is a common choice in Colorado, but you can also do stone or a combination. Stone can reduce energy costs and decrease fire insurance rates because it’s less of a fire hazard. Stucco can also be layered over stone to lower energy costs by retaining heat.
- What kind of heating/cooling systems should I be using?
There’s probably more heating and cooling systems than you think. Air ducts and vents are very inexpensive and can heat quickly, but many are not very energy efficient. Geothermal energy systems can both heat and cool your home. They are very environmentally friendly and efficient, although there are high upfront costs.
- What are the benefits of using insulated concrete form?
Insulated Concrete Form, or ICF, is another way to build the walls of your home. It consists of large foam blocks reinforced with rebar and concrete. It can be an effective way to keep your home cool, especially in a hot and dry climate like we have in Colorado. They also remain structurally sound in fires and will keep your basement dry and free of mold.
At NoCO Custom Homes we can answer all of your questions and more! We’d love to meet you and explore the possibilities of designing your house, so contact us to get started on finally building your dream home.
