EXTERIOR
The most common exterior finish used today is a textured cement finish. Other popular finishes are stone, brick, simulated siding or a combination.
- Textured cement finish: this can be installed over both block and frame walls. It will work equally well on either surface. Banding, quoins, mantles and columns can be added to enhance the design. The common finish is a trowel finish but a sand finish is also available.
- Brick: the cost of a full brick house is fairly expensive and because of this we see brick used in a combination with siding or a textured cement finish. Brick is fairly maintenance free and seems to never go out of style.
- Stone: the latest trend has been to install synthetic stone. Unless you know that it is synthetic it is hard to tell it from the real thing. The synthetic stone is more uniform and can be ordered with corners and pre-made caps. The cost can be more expensive than some real stone but the deciding factor is the appearance that you are trying to achieve.
- Siding: most of the siding used today is simulated. Hardee or another manufacturer is the most common. This siding is fairly easy to maintain when properly installed and comes with a long warranty. When installing siding over block construction some framework will be required in order to have a material to attach the siding to.
ROOFING
There are numerous types of finished roofing products and the decision is usually based on a financial or an aesthetic basis. Some of the various materials are listed below.
- Standard shingles: this is a three-tab shingle that will appear flat. These shingles come in many colors and the color selection, contrary to popular belief, has little effect on your utility bill. If these are the desired shingle they should be ordered with a fungus resistance built into the shingle.
- Architectural shingles: these shingles show a dimensional look when installed. They come in numerous colors and fungus resistant is the type we recommend. These shingles have limited warranties between 30 to 40 years.
- Metal roofing: this has become very popular recently. Although the initial cost is substantially more the limited warranty is normally for 50 years. There are different types of installation, the standing seam with hidden fasteners is the best but also the most expensive. The standard installation is an exposed fastener system. (Some subdivisions prohibit metal roofs). The metal roofs come in numerous colors and styles to match your plan.
- Tile: the tile roof comes in various designs such as flat, s shape or a Spanish style. Today’s tile is made of a composite concrete material rather than clay. If you choose a tile roof it is important to see a house that has the tile installed so you can view the finished product. The trusses must be designed for the additional weight load.
LANDSCAPING
Included in your contract should be allowances for landscaping, sod and irrigation. You should approve the landscape plan prior to installation and it is preferable for you to meet with the landscaper so he can get a feel for the plants and layout that you like. Even though these are normally allowance items you should be sure how much is allocated to each item and they should not be lumped together. There are two types of sod commonly used in our area. Bahia sod requires minimal care. Bahia sod will tolerate the heat and drought very well. St. Augustine or Floritan sod is the preferred sod in this area. The Floritan sod does require more maintenance and watering and prefers sunny areas as opposed to shady areas. This sod will require an irrigation system to be installed in order to have any type of warranty. A lawn maintenance agreement is highly recommended in order to maintain a healthy lawn.
GUTTERS
Gutters are not normally included unless the owner specifically asks for them. Where a pool enclosure is attached to the house a gutter is normally installed. If there is a question whether or not an area needs to be guttered we suggest that we wait until the roof is dried in so you can get a true feel for the water flow, then gutters can be added where needed.
EXTERIOR DOORS
We recently changed our exterior doors from metal to fiberglass. The fiberglass is a stronger door and is more resistant to damage than the steel door, it is also better insulated. It is a little more expensive but will earn its’ keep over the long run. We have also changed from the traditional wood brick molding to a sturdy foam brick mold that has the same profile but is more resistant to water damage. Of course we still install wood doors and metal doors at the owners request. We get a lot of questions about the difference between sliding glass doors and French doors. The selection usually depends on the home style and budget. The French doors are more expensive when all the components are calculated. (paint, interior and exterior trim and locks) If sliding glass doors are selected we recommend stacking the doors behind the wall where possible, this really opens the room to the exterior. There are numerous selections for both doors – clear, various grill styles, interior blinds etc.
WINDOWS
Our most common window is a single hung, insulated aluminum window. These windows come in hundreds of various sizes and shapes to match your elevations. Again with most items there are upgrades to consider such as Low E glass, tinting, etc. Tinting and Low E glass again is an extra expense initially but is a more efficient product and therefore will be a savings in the long run. On some of the larger custom homes, at the owner’s request we will include wood windows by Pella, Anderson, Peachtree or another supplier. There are also numerous types of windowsills and your builder should discuss these choices with you. Some of the style windowsills are standard marble, cultured marble, wood sills or wood sills with casing for the windows.
SKYLIGHTS
While skylights are still a popular selection, solatubes are the most popular natural light source that we are using. The standard skylight is 2 foot by 2 foot or 2 foot by 4 foot. The chamber can be expanded to a larger size depending on the truss plan. The solatubes come in 12, 16, 20 and 24 inch round style. The solatube is more efficient, less susceptible to leaks, has a finished look on the ceiling and doesn’t have a long visible tunnel. Because of its’ flexibility, solatubes can be used in locations that skylights can’t be used.
POOLS
There are numerous designs and features for every pool. We prefer that our customers meet directly with the pool contractor to select the features they want. We work with two competent pool builders who will be glad to help you design your pool. Our preference is to schedule the pool subcontractor so we can coordinate the jobs completion but to have the owner contract direct with the pool contractor. Since we don’t have the ability to service the pool we feel that we shouldn’t be paid a builders fee on this particular item. By contracting directly with the pool contractor you will save 10 to 15%. Most pools are now 3 feet deep on each end and 5 to 6 feet deep in the middle. This is a very functional pool but does not allow for diving. Insurance costs have virtually eliminated the diving board anyway. Having adequate deck space is an important feature to consider when designing your pool. The deck material can be brick pavers, flagstone, acrylic knockdown, etc. The acrylic knockdown is the most popular and usually continues from the deck area and covers the rear porch. You may want planter areas designated in your deck area. Be sure that these don’t encroach into your lounging areas. Another important item to remember is to have a sprinkler located in the planter area and possibly a light or a conduit for a future light. When designing the pool, consider the view that you will have from every opening that faces the pool. If you want a spa, waterfall or another feature be sure it is placed for maximum impact
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EXTERIOR DETAILS
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