Quality in new construction has been a topic we’ve been hearing about for several years now. It’s true that there’s a real difference between a home that’s built to last and one that’s… not so much. Today we’re unpacking our top 5 tips to ensure you’re building a quality home when you choose new construction.

Engineered Studs

Engineered studs are stronger and have better moisture resistance and more consistency at scale when compared to traditional framing lumber. While we don’t think they are necessary everywhere, strategic placement at tile and cabinet walls can be a great protective measure.

Sound Insulation

Ever been in a home and been able to hear with crystal clarity the footsteps and voices of the people upstairs above you? The way sound passes through your space has a huge impact on how high-quality it feels, but did you know the sound problems that people often attribute to “paper thin walls” actually have more to do with how the home was insulated? We like to insulate loud areas like bathrooms or laundry rooms, and between floor trusses to eliminate sound passing from one floor to the next.

Solid Core Doors

In this same vein, choosing solid core doors ensures you’re not hearing everything going on behind every closed door in your home. The door is probably closed for a reason, ya know? In addition to providing an additional sound barrier, having a solid core door has a higher-end, weightier feel when operated.

Pro-Grade Plumbing

This one can come as a shock, but many brands sell the same plumbing fixtures, with modified fittings, to retailers like Amazon and Home Depot. So, even though the price difference can be compelling, the trade-off for plastic fittings vs. brass is, in our opinion, not worth it. A pro-grade plumbing fixture will last MUCH longer than something that’s not pro-rated.

Spray Foam Insulation

This one is particularly handy when it comes to bonus rooms or garages with attached dwelling units. Garages and other exterior structures are not typically as highly insulated as your actual home is, since their original purpose is to be more of a weather barrier than anything else. However, if you’re attaching a dwelling unit, you’ll want to make sure that those spaces stay conditioned. Adding a layer of spray foam under any floor trusses above a garage will ensure that those using your bonus space have just as good of climate control as you do in your home.

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