EcoRenovator - View Single Post - New home in development, yet to be built questions.

beatr911 · 01-14-14, 11:12 AM

So we're looking at buying a yet to be constructed house in a development. The builder says we can't make any changes during construction and they won't iether. Offline conversations with the construction supervisor reveals that he'll let me make some changes after inspections provided it doesn't affect him from a liability standpoint.

There are 5 floor plans to choose from and our choice of which lot. The lot we've chosen has good southern exposure to the living area, the side with the most windows, though south window exposure is still only about 3% of the total square footage, it's the best we could do. The roof line had two options, I chose the one best suited for future PV panel installation. The city requires a natural gas tankless hot water heater (don't yet know which brand/model is being installed, probably the cheapest) and a crappy 80% natural gas furnace.

The framing and rest of the construction is the typical conventional overbuilt 16" OC, massive thermal bridge, 2x6 walls probably r-19, don't remember what ceiling insulation is required by code.

2133 sf, two story, no name gas fireplace in living room without fan, three car garage, no AC (not really needed here).

So, given that the builder will let me sneak in some very minor work during construction what are the most beneficial things I could do? So far this is my list, please comment on what I've missed or if these are just a waste of time and material.

1) Seal around each stud to the sheathing, in each cavity, on all exterior walls before insulation goes in. Sealing material for long term adhesion and flexibility recommendation please.
2) Seal around each window and door. Sealing material for long term adhesion and flexibility recommendation please.
3) Seal around each ceiling and floor opening such as can lights, ducts, fixture, electrical boxes, etc. Again, sealing material for long term adhesion and flexibility recommendation please.
4) Install a conduit from the garage to the attic for future PV connection to panel. Place firestop material in ends. There is an unused 2nd story cavity that can be used for this.
5) Insulate garage just before sheetrock.
6) Remove/install better bath and laundry room fan or just the damper.
7) Try to work with insulation contractor to install extra attic insulation.
8) Insulate around tub and shower just before sheetrock. They are on exterior walls.

Any other ideas or criticism of the list is welcome! Thanks in advance.

01-14-14, 11:12 AM	#1
beatr911 Lurking Renovator Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 11 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	New home in development, yet to be built questions. So we're looking at buying a yet to be constructed house in a development. The builder says we can't make any changes during construction and they won't iether. Offline conversations with the construction supervisor reveals that he'll let me make some changes after inspections provided it doesn't affect him from a liability standpoint. There are 5 floor plans to choose from and our choice of which lot. The lot we've chosen has good southern exposure to the living area, the side with the most windows, though south window exposure is still only about 3% of the total square footage, it's the best we could do. The roof line had two options, I chose the one best suited for future PV panel installation. The city requires a natural gas tankless hot water heater (don't yet know which brand/model is being installed, probably the cheapest) and a crappy 80% natural gas furnace. The framing and rest of the construction is the typical conventional overbuilt 16" OC, massive thermal bridge, 2x6 walls probably r-19, don't remember what ceiling insulation is required by code. 2133 sf, two story, no name gas fireplace in living room without fan, three car garage, no AC (not really needed here). So, given that the builder will let me sneak in some very minor work during construction what are the most beneficial things I could do? So far this is my list, please comment on what I've missed or if these are just a waste of time and material. 1) Seal around each stud to the sheathing, in each cavity, on all exterior walls before insulation goes in. Sealing material for long term adhesion and flexibility recommendation please. 2) Seal around each window and door. Sealing material for long term adhesion and flexibility recommendation please. 3) Seal around each ceiling and floor opening such as can lights, ducts, fixture, electrical boxes, etc. Again, sealing material for long term adhesion and flexibility recommendation please. 4) Install a conduit from the garage to the attic for future PV connection to panel. Place firestop material in ends. There is an unused 2nd story cavity that can be used for this. 5) Insulate garage just before sheetrock. 6) Remove/install better bath and laundry room fan or just the damper. 7) Try to work with insulation contractor to install extra attic insulation. 8) Insulate around tub and shower just before sheetrock. They are on exterior walls. Any other ideas or criticism of the list is welcome! Thanks in advance.