A Firm Foundation

The first step to any new home is to stake and dig the basement. Seeing your new home staked out is very exciting as it's the confirmation that the construction of your new home is about to begin!

Did you know that before 1950, basements didn't really serve the same purpose as they do today? Before then it was little more than a cellar, or it could be a section of a building containing rooms and spaces similar to those of the rest of the structure. Often there were exposed beams, dirt floors and cinder-block. Not what you would imagine for the extended living spaces of basements today!

There are 3 different types of basements: Walk-Out, View Out and the fully underground basement.

Walk-Out basements are built in a home that is situated on a slope where a doorway actually leads from the basement to the outside without a stairway. From the street this type of home can look like a one-story house when the slope is in the back or it can look like a two story home when the slope is in front.

A view-out basement has windows that are close to regular size or larger and actually look out at ground level. These make the basement feel more like the main level of the home and bring in a lot of natural light.

The standard basement is fully underground with small windows.

At Bob Cook Homes we use poured concrete for the basement. This has the advantage of being more fire and water resistant because of the density of the concrete. It is also able to resist the pressures of water, earth and wind.

Once the home is staked out, the foundation and walls are poured, then we apply damp-proofing to make sure the basement is absolutely dry. It's very important that the basement be very dry before finishing it out to become a living space in your new home.

After the basement concrete has had time to cure, we'll back-fill the areas around the outside basement walls and install any underground plumbing. Then we can put in the basement floors.

At this point you'll know your home is well underway. More on the steps to construction coming in future blog posts so check back often.

Location, Location, Location!

If you've been thinking about having a custom home built, it's certain you have been considering where you would want to live! With all the new developments cropping up and the option to live in suburban or rural locations, there are many options to choose from when choosing your building location.

Is your desired location akin to a "Field of Dreams?" Before investing in a rural building location there are a few things you'll want to check on up front. First, of course, is the land build-able? The building site may be unstable, have drainage issues or require excavation work. Also check on the water source, is it potable (not all water sources are!).
And then, unless you want to live in the literal dark ages, you'll want to check on the availability of electricity and phone or cable service.

If you are looking into an area that is on the fringe of of a city, but not quite fully developed, be sure you know about the easements, zoning and property line restrictions.

There are also developments that are currently underway where you can buy a lot in a community with built in amenities like playgrounds, water features, or swimming pools. In these areas you'll need to find out about the homeowner's association requirements and dues.

Above all, the key is location, location, location! Proximity to the activities you enjoy, shopping, entertainment and parks should be considered. If you have children, you'll want to check out the local schools and be sure to choose a "kid friendly" neighborhood. If retirement is around the corner, you'll may want a more peaceful environment with couples in the same stage of life.

Don't be afraid to talk to people who live in the area you are considering to get a better view of what you can expect. Find out if the area is tight-knit or if anonymity is the norm.

Bottom line, before you build be sure you are happy with the location and you'll enjoy not only your new home, but you'll enjoy the community for years to come. And by the way, we'll be happy to help you find the best location for your new home & build it too! Contact us today.