New Construction Includes Interior Wall Preparation

As the new construction on our house progresses with the exterior vinyl siding complete, drywall contractors moved in to get the interior walls in place and ready for the next phase of priming, texturing and painting the new walls. The interior studs have been in place for quite a while, insulation was rolled and blown in, and then the next step was to install drywall. We were out at the house one day when all the sheet rock was delivered and placed in each area of the house. We thought putting the drywall up would be completed over several days, but we were pleasantly surprised to get to the house the next day to find all the drywall up.

All of a sudden we could visualize each room with the walls in place. And, the house was beginning to really take shape. We were very happy with the results. Our visions, plans and dreams of a house on the lake are beginning to take on a new look with interior walls.

After the drywall was in place, subcontractors came in to tape and mud the walls. After the initial tape and mudding, a second application was applied. After each tape and mudding application was complete, the subs sanded the drywall to provide a smooth surface so the walls could be textured. This was a messy process where the workers each wore masks for safety to prevent inhaling dust from the drywall.

Once the sanding was complete the process of texturing (also quite messy) began. The walls are being prepared so that painting could begin soon. And, we got to pick out paint colors. This has been such an interesting process with each new step. We’ve learned so much about each phase of construction and all the steps involved to get our house complete. Our builders, Blue Moon Bay, have done a beautiful job of building a great house, with an emphasis on high energy efficiency, attention to detail, and great communications with us during each phase. If you have questions or want more information about the new construction of our house, please call 501.520.9201 or 501.262.9310.

New Construction Includes Siding and Insulation

The last couple of weeks of new construction on our house have resulted in exciting changes, some quite attractive and visible and others interesting, necessary and soon to be covered with sheet rock.

            It took a while to decide on the material we wanted for the exterior of the house. Several factors played into this decision including cost, look, practicality, maintenance over time, and, location in a flood plain. Coming into the construction process, our material of choice had been field stone with concrete board. Even though that was the look we liked, thanks to the wisdom of our builder, Blue Moon Bay, we began to realize our first choice was probably not our best choice.

The factor that continued to play a major role in the choice was that our house is near the lake and is elevated above the flood plain but our detached garage is sitting on a slab foundation near the ground and is very clearly situated in the flood plain. The garage had to be built with materials governed by FEMA so they would stand up to any potential flooding and so that we could afford our homeowner’s and flood insurance.

All that being said, we decided to use vinyl siding for the house and the garage. We obviously wanted both structures to match and the siding is the only material that would work with the homeowner’s and flood insurance. Our builder and decorator helped us decide on a gray exterior that will be trimmed with white. The gray blends with the split-face brick used in the foundation. Most of the siding is in place and it looks great. Once again, we’re so grateful to have experienced people helping us to make not only attractive, but the right decisions for our circumstances.

During the installation of the siding, insulation is being put in place inside. The builder decided to use fiberglass insulation that is blown in for the perimeter walls. This type of insulation works best in our situation because the siding is being installed on the inside at the same time. This insulation has a sticky consistency and adheres to the walls well while at the same time the siding is being nailed in place on the other side of the wall.

The interior walls of the house have traditional rolled fiberglass insulation. So, final decisions on the plugs, light switches and plumbing were made before the insulation was put in place to avoid moving them and incurring additional cost.

With each week that passes we get closer to our completed house. The journey to arrive there has been exciting for our family. We’ve learned so much about the new construction and the careful, deliberate process that is in place to make sure the right decisions are made and that materials and scheduling each subcontractor is on track. I guess attention to each detail makes a house a lovely home. For additional information on our new construction in our Diamondhead community or on Blue Moon Bay builders call 501.520.9201 or 501.262.9310.