Brian - Part of trying to answer would be knowing if you are looking over an already constructed home or starting to build one and want to make sure they are doing things correctly. The problem areas for me in homes have been electrical: - do you want dual lines to ceiling fans to control fan / light from the switch; adequate plugs / breaker box; build in a generator matrix so you can easily use it [input box for the generator and a list of which switches to have on/off]. I had a house that had all the electrical outlets mounted flush with the joists [idiot subcontractor]. Drywall application left all of them with 3/4" of play on plug in. I have seen phone lines pulled so tight they would not stay on. These things need such constant supervision that the only way to make sure most is done correctly is to spend all day every day at the site, or hire someone to do that [I know, that's what a contractor is supposed to do]. As for the soundness of a house you are buying I have used inspection companies on every purchase. $700 for the last one, but we got a through list of everything about the house, so few surprises. Otherwise check on quality of the finish carpentry, check to make sure the roof has the proper clips to keep it on during whatever big blows you have in your area. If you are doing a shop / garage area you might want to have it constructed as a shell so you can do the design yourself. Just the start ... I'm sure there are others with shop specific advice and more experience than I have. BillR Jacksonville FL
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Zoltan Finks Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2007 4:35 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: [MBZ] OT House Build Quality Okay, I know there's been a lot of OT lately (which I think keeps things fun), but I want to draw upon the knowledge our discriminating collective: As new-build houses go, how can one tell if a house is built with quality as opposed to corner-cutting cheapness? I know that new techniques are being used, such as a few pieces of plywood bonded together to make a "2 x 4". Is stuff like that okay, and what else is there to look out for? Brian _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
