📝 (@structureshomes , General Contractor) | In 2004, Erica started her own contracting company after managing a handful of family projects and realized that not only did she enjoy it, but she excelled at it! Erica is intimately involved in each project and serves as the sole superintendent, which means she manages select projects at a time—ensuring you have her *full* attention and making certain that every detail is as it is supposed to be. She is organized, personable, detailed, and all about quality control. After over a decade in the business, Erica offers her welcomed insight for #ExpertNotes.
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#DetailsMatter
#KnowMoreMonday
Did you know that the construction industry is comprised of only 9% females?
Here’s a shout out to all of those women. And to those of you who trust us with your projects, we appreciate you!
This week I will be celebrating International Women’s Day and Women in Construction Week!
#bhambuilder #itsallinthedetails #doitrightthefirsttime
đź“·: @jallsopp
#KnowMoreMonday
What do you do when you hit a hidden “disaster” or a major change in design seen after demolition begins?
When you discover challenging existing circumstances or unforeseen challenges, it is time to regroup. Many clients want to move forward quickly once they have begun a project.
As a contractor, I want to continue to move in a forward direction but sometimes a situation needs to be analyzed by all parties on the project. Unfortunately, this can slow the process.
For example, the triple laminated beam shown in this picture was not expected and could have changed the entire look of the finished product.
After conversations with all parties involved, a solution was proposed that makes the beam an afterthought with regard to design.
#bhambuilder #itsallinthedetails #doitrightthefirsttime
#KnowMoreMonday
Bathroom accessories are one of the last items installed in your home before you move in, but you need to think about them in the early stages of construction.
Why?
Because to install them properly, you need to have wood blocking placed in the wall during the framing stage.
#bhambuilder #itsallinthedetails #doitrightthefirsttime
#KnowMoreMonday
We are talking cabinet types today.
All of the decisions that go into a construction project can be overwhelming. Cabinet details are one of the most important details.
There are three basic types of cabinet doors.
One is a full overlay. In this type of construction, the cabinet door or drawer almost fully covers the face frame or cabinet box that it is set in.
Another type is a partial overlay. This is exactly how it sounds. The cabinet door or drawer partially covers the face frame. This type cabinet is probably the most popular type due to its affordability and look.
The last and most expensive type is inset cabinets. Inset detail means that the cabinet door or drawer is set inside the face frame of the cabinet. As you can imagine, this requires a more precise cabinet construction which equates to a higher cost.
#bhambuilder #itsallinthedetails #doitrightthefirsttime
#KnowMoreMonday
Many times clients try to save as much as they can during the demolition phase. Saving items may be important for the historical look of a home or some items may simply be sentimental.
In general, however, saving items can prove to be more expensive in the end. For example, saving a ceiling in a room that you are demoing will cost you more in labor for your rough-in phase. My advice is to get rid of the sheetrock. Not only will it save you money, but you will be happier with the final look.
#bhambuilder #itsallinthedetails #doitrightthefirsttime
#KnowMoreMonday
What item in construction is the most important item to get correct? In other words, if budget becomes an issue, what should you NOT leave out?
No one will have the same answer to this question because everyone lives differently in their homes and everyone prioritizes life differently.
It is fascinating to work with different clients and find out how they live in their homes and what features are most important to them. Every client is unique in this respect, which is one of the main reasons I love what I do. I get to create a home that is tailored for them.
In my opinion, there are two places where you should “go all out.” 1. I believe in spending money on beautiful and functional kitchen cabinets. The kitchen is the “heart” of most homes, so I recommend setting the tone with a beautiful design. From a functional standpoint, cabinet doors and drawers are opened countless times each day so you’ll thank yourself later for buying something that will stand the test of time. 2. I, also, believe you should splurge on plumbing fixtures. Fixtures are a perfect example of an area that can help define a room when you marry form with function. A faucet finishes off a kitchen just like a classic timepiece finishes off a suit. Fixtures also need to withstand our daily use and abuse.
#bhambuilder #itsallinthedetails #doitrightthefirsttime
#KnowMoreMonday
How do I choose a contractor?
Of course, this is the most important question from my perspective.
After you have gotten references from friends and neighbors, I believe there are three critical questions to answer about your contractor in order to find one that fits your needs.
1. Compatibility - You need to make sure that you can work well with your contractor. The construction process is long and tedious. You need to know that you can communicate with and trust who you are working with. Make sure that you know who will be in charge of your project and that you can easily communicate with them, individually.
2. Scope/Expertise - You need to find a contractor that is familiar with your scope of work. Don’t hire someone who built your neighbor’s deck and expect that they can handle your interior renovation without a reference for that type of construction.
3. Timeliness - When checking references, find out how timely the contractor was with their estimated timeframe of completion. You want someone to be within your realistic window to have your project completed.
Notice that I didn’t say budget! If you have hired a great team on the front end, your project should cost around the same to any competent contractor who bids the work!
#bhambuilder #itsallinthedetails #doitrightthefirsttime
