A great big "thank you" to the Cripe's for allowing me and my family to drive down and see their home in Round Rock, TX. First thing I noticed on the drive down is that Texas has been doing some great interstate improvements and that there has been phenomenal growth - WOW!
What a wonderful couple, obviously passionate about their home and its green concepts (wrong words..."green applications" is better because they've put ideas into action). Here are some impressions we got:
- "How much for the concrete floors?" I ask...Dan: "they're free." I guess I always thought concrete floors were overlaid over the original foundation but Dan informed me that it's one and the same except more carefully laid, then covered during other construction phases. There is a real cost-saver and like Dan says, we can always lay other things over the concrete later if desired. Very nice.
- SPRAY FOAM!!! I could have relaxed in their attic it was so comfortable. I will definitely have that in our home. We've already had three other homeowners and local builders advocate for spray foam so this seems like a no-brainer at this point. I have heard 2x6 construction over 2x4 construction but Dan told me how his builder used 2x4 construction with more modern spacing to minimize thermal bridges and lower materiel costs. Will have to think whether the extra 2 inch width is worth the cost...
- "Silestone" was a big hit with Karen (and Dan). Add this to my list of things for Jen and I to look at - beautiful durable. When I asked Dan if he had anything he'd do differently, the thing that he said was "put Silestone in the bathroom."
- the metal roof is an investment for the longer term life-cycle costs. Lasts forever, lower insurance cost...and with the PV solar panels, there is a roof that won't have to be replaced in 10-15 years requiring the panels to be taken down. Smart.
- We're both fans of the "Not So Big House" concepts. Build the house you need for your family and don't build extra spaces "just because." Karen said she'd have gone with even less space if she could have. another reminder to find a builder that is read and willing to help build the house for the Arey family, and not some slightly modified "standard template" they're comfortable with building. The Cripes obviously love their home.
A great trip so thank you again Dan and Karen! I look forward to getting you up to Harker Heights in the months ahead so you can see what we're up to.
NEXT TOPIC: finding the right builder...and Jen and my major effort over the next two weeks before I get back to work. Already, we're getting a wide range of recommendations from folks on the Ridge.
PS: I loved the solar tubes, too.
What a wonderful couple, obviously passionate about their home and its green concepts (wrong words..."green applications" is better because they've put ideas into action). Here are some impressions we got:
- "How much for the concrete floors?" I ask...Dan: "they're free." I guess I always thought concrete floors were overlaid over the original foundation but Dan informed me that it's one and the same except more carefully laid, then covered during other construction phases. There is a real cost-saver and like Dan says, we can always lay other things over the concrete later if desired. Very nice.
- SPRAY FOAM!!! I could have relaxed in their attic it was so comfortable. I will definitely have that in our home. We've already had three other homeowners and local builders advocate for spray foam so this seems like a no-brainer at this point. I have heard 2x6 construction over 2x4 construction but Dan told me how his builder used 2x4 construction with more modern spacing to minimize thermal bridges and lower materiel costs. Will have to think whether the extra 2 inch width is worth the cost...
- "Silestone" was a big hit with Karen (and Dan). Add this to my list of things for Jen and I to look at - beautiful durable. When I asked Dan if he had anything he'd do differently, the thing that he said was "put Silestone in the bathroom."
- the metal roof is an investment for the longer term life-cycle costs. Lasts forever, lower insurance cost...and with the PV solar panels, there is a roof that won't have to be replaced in 10-15 years requiring the panels to be taken down. Smart.
- We're both fans of the "Not So Big House" concepts. Build the house you need for your family and don't build extra spaces "just because." Karen said she'd have gone with even less space if she could have. another reminder to find a builder that is read and willing to help build the house for the Arey family, and not some slightly modified "standard template" they're comfortable with building. The Cripes obviously love their home.
A great trip so thank you again Dan and Karen! I look forward to getting you up to Harker Heights in the months ahead so you can see what we're up to.
NEXT TOPIC: finding the right builder...and Jen and my major effort over the next two weeks before I get back to work. Already, we're getting a wide range of recommendations from folks on the Ridge.
PS: I loved the solar tubes, too.
