Construction Techniques in Illinois

• You need to start with a quality design and proper construction methods to be specified by your design professional. This could be achieved by selection the right architect who will work with you to translate your lifestyle needs into your home design and layout. Your design professional will help you obtain that higher level of quality products and installation.
• Neat, clean and organized construction site which results into a higher quality product and a safer work environment. Homes should be swept, cleaned and emptied of debris on regular basis and fire extinguishers should be available at the construction site. Temporary construction gravel access roads should be provided early in the project to maintain cleaner streets and provide vehicular access to the site regardless of the weather condition.
• All construction materials should be stored off the ground and protected from the rain so as not to compromise the quality of the material.
• Soil tests should be performed prior to pouring concrete footings and foundation walls to insure compliance with structural design requirements and applicable codes.
• “Stick built” homes should be constructed with quality studs and joists to insure the plumpness and fit of the home construction. The best quality lumber on the market should be used to provide a quality frame which is 1st step towards a quality home.
• New construction should be wrapped with building paper and tapped to insure tightness from air infiltration.
• Utilize only high quality windows. All windows should low-E with a high R value to cut down on your energy bill.
• Plumbing vents and mechanical flues should be located to the rear of the roof where they are out of sight and least visible from the street.
• We recommend that all homes be insulated with Engineered Cellulose Insulation. Engineered Cellulose Insulation is the best insulating material currently on the market. Effective R values are: R17 @ all 2×4 walls, R21 @ all 2×6 walls, R19 @ boxsills and R40 in attic.
• Use maintenance free exterior material by specifying brick, cement siding, fiberglass entry doors, quality architectural shingles, aluminum soffit etc… Coordinate the type, color and quality of all exterior materials with your builder.
• Utilize ridge vents instead of the more common box vents. Ridge vents are less noticeable.
• Equip your attic with attic fans interlocked with thermostats and humidistats. The thermostat will trigger the fan to operate when the attic temperature exceeds a certain level. This will cut down on your cooling bill and extend the life of your roof. The humidistat will trigger the fan to run on those damp and humid days regardless of the temperature. This will remove any dampness in the attic and protect your investment.
• Drywall should be screwed instead of nailed to minimize nail pop-ups.
• Take advantage of current audio and video technologies available on the market.
• Provide your HVAC vents with a protective cover during construction so as to protect the HVAC ductwork from construction debris and dust.
• Replace or clean your home furnace filters upon completion of your construction project..
• We recommend that garages be insulated and air tight so as to keep the garage tempered in the winter.
• All water piping in unheated garages are heavily wrapped should be insulated to prevent freezing during the cold winter months.
• Soundproofing should be provided at all bathrooms and walls common between bedrooms.
• Concrete garage floors should be saw cut to prevent future ugly cracks.
• Masonry should be provided with flashing and weep-holes to remove any condensation and water that may penetrate the brick.
• Master bedroom and bathrooms should be provided with special details to add value to your home. Master bedrooms should be spacious with sitting areas. Bathrooms should be spacious and provided with heated floors, standup showers, etc…
• Obtain a complete maintenance and operating manuals to all new equipment. This will aid you maintain your home for years to come.