Today’s topic is Residential Building Trades.

My guest today is Jean Gibson, Vice President of Gibson Home Builders.
Question 1 - How do I tell if a craftsman can do good work, brick job, paint job, or plumbing.

Answer – Check references, look at past jobs, and find out if the jobs were completed to the owners satisfaction. Brick jobs need to be uniform and consistent. Bricks are level, plumb and grout lines are the same width and depth in all areas. Brick ties need to be used to attach brick to house wall.

Question 2 - How do you know what is a good paint job?

Answer – Look at where the paint is cut in to the corners and molding on color changes. They should be straight and appealing to the eye. Look at preparation. All trim should be caulked at all joints before painting. The painter should remove all hardware from the doors, walls and drawers, marking them so the correct hardware is returned to the correct spot. Drawers and doors may look the same size but may be slightly different so to ensure ease of operation, mark the location each was removed and put it back in the same place.

Question 3 – What is the impact of cost of fuel on building products?

Answer - If you are going to build do it now. Interest is down and prices are on the rise. Price quotes are now only good for 10 days because of the rapid rise in fuel costs. Everything is based on fuel cost, the more it cost to ship, the more it cost the buyer.

Question 4 – Should a painter primer every time before final coating is applied?

Answer - Quality of paint affects the coverage; better paint provides better coverage and reliable color consistency. With older walls, we use Kilz to seal out old stains and discolorations. New sheet rock will absorb paint and needs to be primed for consistent coverage. Especially after bad weather check out the background on the craftsman that has come to town to find work. They may not be qualified or legitimate.

Question 5 – Do you withhold 10% of payment from your subcontractors until completion?

Answer - Until completion, the contractor should hold 10% of the payment so it can be used for final punch out to finish the project.

Question 6 – Why do you have to remove the toilets when retiling the floor?

Answer - If the toilet is not removed the tile setter will cut around the existing toilet, so if the toilet has to be replaced in the future it may not have the same base pattern as the original toilet.

Question 7 – Why do you need a contractor to coordinate job?

Answer - The job is managed better and faster with the oversight of the general contractor. The general contractor handles the schedule and coordinates all work and can buy materials at a discounted rate.

Texas New Law

The New House Bill 1038 that goes into effect as of September 1st 2008 will make it mandatory to inspect every phase of the construction, in the state of Texas.
How does inspection system work? General contractor incorporates inspections into the overall building schedule. These inspectors are a fee for service and their fee will be added to the overall price of the home.

Question 8 - Is the new inspection related to LEED or Energy Star inspections?

Answer – No. Inspectors are TRCC and ICC certified. Many inspectors can do other types of “Green” inspections as well, but House Bill 1038 is the mandatory inspections regardless of location in the state of Texas that relates to the construction process only.

Question 9 – What is the true “Green” impact of steel buildings?

Answer – The definition of Green Building is using a product that is environmentally friendly from resource availability, manufacturing process, delivery and energy efficiency. Ask, what is the process for making steel?
How much energy is used in the process? It is much more environmentally friendly to grow and harvest trees. Do whatever you can to your house that will have the most benefit to you. It is difficult to determine the payback. Building Green is not cheap so you must weigh all things that will help you morally, economically and environmentally. Most people want to build Green, but cannot afford to. Look at your overall budget and build to energy efficient standards. This will save you the most money in the end. You can pay off your house but you will never pay off your utility bills.

Question 10 – How important is maintenance on heating and cooling systems?

Answer – It is very important to change filters and do yearly check ups on your heating and cooling systems. This will help your system perform at its best and will save you money in the long run. It is actually best to have each system checked at the start up af each season. Have it checked at the start of summer then again at the start of winter.